A development application has been submitted for the refurbishment of an existing Brisbane CBD commercial building located at 320 Adelaide Street by Remco Properties Pty Ltd.
The development application proposes to facilitate building upgrades and additions, including additional terrace areas on Wharf Street, as well as lobby upgrades to Adelaide Street and additional rooftop space.
Designed by fitzpatrick+partners, the following areas are of focus for the proposed development:
- Lobby and entry condition – including additional floor area at Adelaide Street
- Level 11 infill to create a new office/conference space
- Stepped, indoor/outdoor terracing along Wharf Street – up to Level 10
- Facade replacement
Currently occupied by Christie Spaces, 320 Adelaide Street was initially constructed in 1959 to house the Australian Taxation Office between 1962 and 1995. During the 1990’s the building recieved a facade upgrade which is consistent with building’s existing appreanace today.
According to Urban Planner, Willow Tree Planning, the refurbishment maintained the external building envelope line and introduced a faux sandstone arts and crafts style skin, constructed from “futuretec” cladding, which is now deemed non-compliant with current fire regulations. This non-compliance has promted redevelopment of the subject site.
The new design includes proposed ‘urban terraces’ on the corner of Adelaide Street and Wharf Street which includes a series of new outdoor spaces, accessible from every second level.
New cascading gardens are planned to be incorporated into the urban terrace design.
Glass framed awnings are proposed along Adelaide Street with frammed awnings starting from the current building entry along Wharf street to the new planned wintergarden section of the development.
According to the development application, following the receipt of a fire notice on the current building facade, the Applicant was prompted to consider the next stage in the future of the buildings design.
“The design strategy sought, not only replace the cladding, but to take this opportunity to conceive of the building’s corner location as an opportunity to update the design in line with Council’s Buildings that Breathe strategy.” – Willow Tree Planning.
Proposed plans
Architectual Plans
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 Planning & Development Online is A005653744.
Is there any of the 1960s facade left behind the faux sandstone? Is it damaged or something?? I can’t understand why you wouldn’t express the old concrete spandrels, as a simple backdrop/ contrast to the new stepping section. Why plant on a new facade (doing similar injustice to what was done in the 90s, we may all think in 30 years time…) that hides all evidence the building is from the late 1950s? Why is Brisbane so keen to destroy its heritage? We don’t have much!
The new facade looks tacky and gross. It looks fine, just leave it as is.
Don’t do it! The old classic look is far more impressive design.
Please, can we leave one street looking old fashioned, classic and charming? Why does everything have to look the same so generic and functional? We’re not building toilet block amenities here. If anything, you should be upgrading all of these facades and the Edward Street end of Adelaide Street so it keeps an old fashioned appeal, this will suit connecting business like Queens Plaza, The Brisbane Club, Louis Vuitton and Hermes down Edward. Please contact these businesses for design ideas, they will have a solution. Shouldn’t just one part of Brisbane have a ‘çlassy quarter’?