Consolidated Properties Group and Charter Hall Group have officially declared Aurizon’s new Fortitude Valley headquarters – 900 Ann Street open for business, marking the practical completion of Fortitude Valley’s newest commercial office tower.
Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk officiated the opening ceremony along with Consolidated Properties Group Executive Chairman Don O’Rorke and Charter Hall’s Office CEO, Adrian Taylor.
Consolidated Properties Group pre-sold the complex to Charter Hall in 2016, working with Hutchinson Builders to construct the 23,000 square metre, 15-level premium-grade office tower.
The completion of the $170 million development is a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Fortitude Valley, with Australia’s largest rail freight company Aurizon to be the first tenants to enter the new building, having begun their 12-year tenure in June 2018.
Consolidated Properties Group Executive Chairman Don O’Rorke said the highly anticipated project proved the area was in high demand as tenants looked to relocate or expand their offices outside the CBD.
“This development will provide a significant workforce injection into Fortitude Valley, reaffirming the suburb’s position as a place where people want to live, work and play,” he said.
“900 Ann Street is one of the few commercial projects of its type, with a growing demand for premium office space in the area.”
“The tower’s prominent location means tenants are only a short stroll from shopping, health and lifestyle facilities, and premier dining options, as well as access to an increasing transport network, allowing for the perfect balance between work and play,” he said.
The opening marks the official handover from Consolidated Properties Group to Charter Hall, which will own and manage the building as part of a 120-year lease from the Anglican Church, ensuring the long-term future of the existing church building.
Charter Hall Office CEO Adrian Taylor said they were pleased to extend their long-term relationship with Aurizon.
“Aurizon’s commitment to 900 Ann Street is a strong endorsement of both this asset and the quality of our more than $10 billion office portfolio,” he said.
“We are committed to collaborating with our customers to achieve great workspace experiences and believe that together with Consolidated Properties Group, we have delivered one of Fortitude Valley’s best workplaces for the future.”
Designed by six-time national award winner John Wardle Architects, the building’s design features innovative floorplans and meeting hubs to encourage collaboration, flexibility and creativity and a tranquil garden oasis with café operated by Whistle Dixie.
The firm’s Principal John Wardle said 900 Ann Street’s ability to connect people to each other and the surrounding landscape were key priorities for the building’s composition.
“Our design for 900 Ann Street emphasises the way people inhabit the ground with its stepped terraces and many places to sit and have a conversation. The foyer is like the front parlour of the office building, and feels like an extension of the existing garden landscape,” he said.
“This office building sits within the gardens of the historic Holy Trinity Church precinct with its brick church, rectory and parish hall structures that loosely form an open-ended courtyard. Our new structure playfully works with the existing architecture of bricks, patterns and gables to complete this central garden space.”
“900 Ann street is a chiselled and sculptural glass tower that connects the workplace within to the garden precinct of the Anglican church beyond.”
The landmark commercial building has been built to a five star Green Star Rating and a five Star NABERS energy rating, and includes state-of-the-art end-of-trip facilities including 153 bicycle parks and 103 secure basement car spaces over two basement levels.
