Over 12 years since it’s original application, developer ISPT has submitted a new application for its revised regent tower redevelopment located at 150 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane CBD.
Designed by Wardle Architects, the development forms part of a broader precinct-wide integration and renewal of Brisbane’s Regent, Wintergarden, Zara and Hilton buildings incorporating a new commercial office tower reaching 42-storeys on a portion of the site that currently sits vacant.
The tower sits above an 8-storey podium that incorporates accommodation of car parking (associated with the mixed use office tower only) and ground level connections through to the existing Regent Theatre heritage building.
Level 9 will form a large multi-functional and connected podium level floorplate that will integrate with the existing rooftop spaces of 155 Queen Street, Wintergarden and Hilton.
Through an expansive and lush green podium space Level 9 will become an activated and landscaped space which will facilitate sweeping views of the Queen Street Mall, Mt Coo-tha, and broader City beyond, made accessible via lifts via Hilton Hotel and proposed new tower lifts.
This new tower structure will incorporate elevated gardens and a blend of pocket gardens, mid-rise elements, sky terraces, and balconies. These design elements aim to establish both visual and physical connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, effectively leveraging Brisbane’s subtropical way of life.
In harmony with the existing Regent Heritage Building, which will be preserved in its original state as an integral part of the proposed development, 150 Elizabeth Street is set to embody a remarkable design enriched by lush greenery.
Wardle Architects
As outlined in the development application, the original development approval came with specific conditions aimed at preserving heritage aspects. These conditions primarily focus on safeguarding the existing heritage building fabric, significant heritage elements, and artifacts. Additionally, they mandate the incorporation of three multifunctional auditorium spaces, capable of accommodating up to 430 individuals.
In line with these requirements, the proposed development envisions the inclusion of three versatile auditorium spaces on Level 3 of 150 Elizabeth.
These spaces will be connected to and accessible via the Regent Theatre through Elizabeth Street, ensuring a cohesive and convenient integration within the precinct.
In particular, the auditorium spaces will provide:
- 1 auditorium space with a minimum seating capacity of 306 persons
- 2 auditorium space with a seating capacity of 64 persons
- 3 auditorium space with a seating capacity of 60 persons
The 3 auditorium spaces will each operate as a multi-function use for public forums, conferences, seminars and public speaking events.
Project rundown
- Site Area: 11,569m2
- GFA: 59,224m2
- Height: 42 storeys / RL173.945m
- Elevators: x15 elevators and x1 goods lift
- Retail: Existing ground floor retail as part of the Wintergarden
- Communal Space:
- Outdoor spaces include: Mid Rise Sky Terrace (Level 22), A double-height area with garden beds for a secluded feel.
- Podium Sky Terrace (Level 9): An open garden deck accessible to all occupants with skyline views.
- Pocket Gardens: Small terraces connecting work zones on office floors.
- Rooftop Sky Terrace (Level 37): A private, landscaped sanctuary with CBD views.
- Car Parking: 151 total vehicle spaces, 28 motorcycle spaces
- Bike Parking: Bicycle storage area for 430 bicycles
- Developer: ISPT
- Architect: Wardle
- Landscape Design: Lat27
- Town Planner: Place Design Group
- Sustainability: 150 Elizabeth will offer a significant securely accessed EOT facility at Level B01 and L02. The facilities include secured change lockers, showers and vanity spaces, drying cupboards, toilet amenities and DDA facilities. The following number of facilities will be provided. Landscaped skyterraces and gardens proposed throughout. The building will incorporate a high level of water and energy efficiency. Photovoltaic solar power system proposed for the rooftop.
- Date Submitted: 22/09/2023
According to the application, the new tower aims to express the architectural design as a garden tower, which is a translation of vertical greenery through the use of sky rooms and pocket gardens throughout the façade providing relief and respite within the city context.
Through the inclusion of diverse landscaped balconies, terraces and gardens throughout all façades, the tower provides a subtropical refuge for occupants whilst also shading the tower and reducing its reflectivity.
The tower proposes premium grade office levels that include the landscaped terraces and pocket gardens that are scattered across the tower levels.
The intricate façade system which combines optimised shading structures, anda horizontal garden bed wraps the tower with a drape of vegetation, creating a unique presence to the city skyline and poised to be a landmark that celebrates the ‘Buildings That Breathe’ objectives.
Wardle Architects
The proposed development may incorporate the provision for emergency standby power generation using diesel generators for the proposed tower.
Plans
Regent-Tower-2-PlansDevelopment application link
Tell us what you think about this development below in the comment box. The development application for this project, available to view on Brisbane City Council’s Developmenti online platform is:
The drab site needs development, but please, not another rectangular box of a building that seems to be the limit of architectural design in Brisbane’s disastrous recent developments masquerading as ‘iconic’. Compared to other Australian cities and certainly those overseas, Brisbane’s architectural development design has to be at the lowest end of boring and the worst example of monetary return eclipsing imagination and intelligence.
This really promotes the idea of an interconnected podium walkway around large swathes of Brisbane’s CBD. Consider the value of a connected podium park/walkway level, between different buildings, where walking from one building to another doesn’t require walking along congested city streets. Interesting thought.
Any more details about the “restored” Regent building? Is the theatre restored?! Missed opportunity if not
I agree. Rebuild the Regent Theatre as it was. Brisbane needs such a venue. Reconstruction is valid in this case, given the history and the circumstances. Fund with State cultural projects funds, and public donations.
Jack Kershaw
President, Save the Regent, 40,000 members, 77 – 79
Circumstances redolent of the destruction of Dresden
Three Auditoria with seating for 400 people. Is that a joke?? If you are going to build the most boring building in history in the middle of Brisbane city the least you could do is Rebuild the Regent back to it’s glory days. Make it a venue big enough for Musicals and it will never be empty. Sticking a few trees on the rendering here and there really fool anyone. It’s another ugly box on one of the most key sites in the city.
Terrible outcome. Another boring box. Can we have our Regent theater back. That’s a better outcome. At least it ill continue to earn money as a theater then a hideous box.
I’d be embarrassed to have been part of this design.
With the old Myer Centre a strong candidate to be demolished over the coming decade or so, I wonder if Event Cinemas might want to talk to the developer about including a full cinema at the Regent once again