Mirvac Group’s 35-level tower at 80 Ann Street will include a ‘revitalised’ Brisbane Fruit & Produce Exchange

In an eye-catching nod to the past, a new 35-level office tower will include a ‘modern interpretation’ of a long-gone fruit and vegetable market in the Brisbane CBD.

A new office tower promises to create a “modern interpretation” of one of Brisbane’s historic market sites.

Mirvac Group’s 35-level tower at 80 Ann Street will include what it calls a revitalised Brisbane Fruit & Produce Exchange on Turbot Street that will be activated by ground floor retail and public art in 1900sq of public space.

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The design improves pedestrian connectivity from Ann Street to Turbot Street through public laneways and thoroughfares, maximising flexibility, permeability, and subtropical layered greenery, creating an urban garden oasis.

Mirvac co-created the vision for the precinct with pre-committed tenant Suncorp which is taking 39,000sq m of the building. Flexible workspace provider Spaces has signed a long-term lease for 6000sq m, securing its third location in Brisbane.

Mirvac co-owns the site with M & G Real Estate and practical completion is scheduled for 2022. The tower is 73 per cent precommitted.

An artist's impression of what the site of the Brisbane Fruit & Produce Exchange on Turbot Street will look like as part of the Mirvac's 80 Ann Street development.

Construction is progressing an average of 250 workers are onsite each day.

Mirvac’s general manager, commercial development, Simon Healy said the ground plane design was porous and pedestrian focused, emphasising collaboration, connectivity and community.

“Reviving the historic, bustling marketplace at Turbot Street and returning it to Brisbane, we have created a modern interpretation of the old fruit and produce exchange, through an urban retail lane, an eat street that provides a place for employees and visitors to meet and connect over food,” he said.

An artist's impression of what the site of the Brisbane Fruit & Produce Exchange on Turbot Street will look like as part of the Mirvac's 80 Ann Street development.

“The lobby has been elevated to Level One of the building, thereby gifting the entire ground floor to the public domain, welcoming the community by creating new shared places and experiences for all.”

Woods Bagot’s associate principal David Lee said the historical relevance of the site has been drawn into the new architecture of the tower, with a striking glass veil referencing the profile of the existing sheds and which wraps around the podium levels.

Busy Turbot Street where the old Fruit & Produce Exchange operated.

“There is also a focus on enhancing biophilia at the precinct as it will be heavily landscaped with native Australian flora, providing green spaces within the city fabric,” he said.

“Reflecting the site’s history, location, and subtropical climate, we have worked to design a new type of breathable office tower experience that is quintessentially Queensland.”

Inside the Brisbane Fruit & Produce Exchange on Turbot Street.

To foster a sense of community at 80 Ann Street, Mirvac has developed an activation strategy for the building which encompasses activities during construction and into completion through a variety of programmed experiences, events and entertainment.

The program is already underway with a unique public art installation on the hoarding of 80 Ann Street.

*Historic photos have been supplied by Brisbane Markets Arch Martin History Room