Construction is expected to start before Christmas on a new multi-use 30-storey commercial tower in Brisbane's CBD after the DA for 320 George Street was approved by Brisbane City Council.

International multidisciplinary firm Hames Sharley, the architects in charge of the redevelopment’s design, claim it would likely be one of the narrowest high-rise buildings in the CBD. 

Hames Sharley Principal Jason Preston, who heads up the firm’s Brisbane studio, said the building’s narrowness meant the design needed to be innovative in dealing with the challenges of structural tension, compression and stability. 

“At just nine and a half metres wide and 30 stories tall, we believe this would be the narrowest building of a comparable height in Brisbane,” he said.

“Given the building’s four lifts are designed as a ‘side core’ to the west boundary wall, a building of this kind will twist and sway differently to a traditional tower, which is usually anchored by a number of central lifts, stair cores and a larger floor plate. 

“Working closely in collaboration with Currie and Brown (project managers) and ADG (structural and façade engineers), we proposed a hybrid ‘exo-skeleton’ bracing system for the building, both as a structural necessity and to visually anchor the building, whilst retaining a typical continuous glazed curtain wall as the external skin.” 

An artist's impression of the commercial tower's interior. Source: Hames Sharley

Owned by Lionmar Holdings, 320 George Street will feature 9,100 square metres of boutique commercial office space, three levels of restaurant space, apartments and 17 carparks, with a rooftop bar above. 

“At the building’s base, the fine dining restaurant will feature a three-storey open view to the city that will give diners an indoor and outdoor experience by taking full advantage of the beautiful sub-tropical Brisbane climate,” Mr Preston said. 

“Atop 320 George Street, the rooftop bar will feature prominent views across the Brisbane River to South Brisbane and through the CBD. 

“There is also an expansive 400 square metre city room and garden on level 14 for tenants to enjoy, which is becoming a normal integrated part of key CBD developments since the inception of BCC’s Building’s that Breathe Guide.” 

Due to the building’s heritage listing, the façade will remain as a vital acknowledgement to the city’s history and will be restored under the expert guidance of heritage architect Malcolm Elliot from Vault Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 

Mr Preston said most of the interior heritage features were gutted in the 1980s when 320 George Street was rebuilt internally. 

“There is existing original brickwork which has been covered in plaster during one of the past renovations,” he said. 

“We are proposing to peel back the layers of render to expose the original brickwork internally in the lobby.” 

When complete, the building is expected to earn premium A-grade commercial development status due to its sustainability characteristics, high-end lobby finishes, express lifts and high- performing services. The design incorporates nationally recognised sustainability characteristics to ensure its long-term viability and performance in the Brisbane CBD. 

Mr Preston said Hames Sharley’s design incorporated the client’s desire for a grand entrance that honoured the heritage status of the existing building. 
“The scale of the floor plates is quite conducive to smaller operations and quick fitout turn- around. 
“Located within the legal precinct of Brisbane, there is potential for tenants to scale up and secure extra space when there is a demand quickly,” he said. 

As the first redevelopment of a heritage site along the 320-372 George Street block, the development provides the catalyst for further revitalisation and renewed activation through this quarter of the Brisbane CBD. 

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