Bank of Queensland and ANZ have whittled down potential candidates for new CBD head offices

Two major banks are casting an eye over their new Brisbane CBD office options as life returns to normal in the River City.

People returning to the Brisbane CBD after ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

After the impact of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred – apart from a congested bus system – life seems to be back to normal in the Brisbane CBD, with office workers returning, construction sites opening and speculation over where two major banks will be relocating.

We hear that the Bank of Queensland is still having an unofficial look around the CBD.

BOQ’s 12-year lease at the Gasworks in Newstead is set to expire in early 2027 and sources say they’re keen to move.

We understand they’ve eyed the Blue Tower at 12 Creek St as a potential new HQ because signage rights will be available when BDO moves into Charter Halls/Investor 33-storey tower at 360 Queen St after completion later this year.

ANZ (12,000 sqm to 15,000 sqm) is still looking around for new digs and things have moved along.

The bank may choose to stay at 111 Eagle St but has whittled its requirement down to three other potential new headquarters.

We understand the shortlist is the North Tower at Dexus’ Waterfront Brisbane; JGL Projects and the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane’s mooted office tower at the Stock Exchange Hotel at 131 Edward St; and Charter Hall’s site at 60 Queen St.

the ever expanding Brisbane skyline.

Flexi-time

At a time when employers are telling staff to come into the office, an architecture practice in Brisbane and Gold Coast has given staff a nine-day working fortnight – and it’s working.

Plus Architecture Principal Rebecca Wright, who spearheaded the program, says they’re happily “bucking the trend”.

The program started about a year ago and in a sector traditionally characterised by long hours and high stress levels, Wright (illustrated) says the results have been transformative.

There has been measurable increases in both productivity and profitability, while simultaneously the program has reduced personal leave rates and enhanced team collaboration.

Wright says working hours have gone from 7.5 hours to 8.5 hours a day and staff have alternate Monday’s off.

“People have become more efficient and organised to get the work done,” she says.

“While at the same time personal leave time has been reduced and communication between team members has improved.”

Plus Architecture principal Rebecca Wright.

Expansion

Avid Property Group is making its mark on the land lease market announcing two new communities, Vantage Lilywood in Moreton Bay and Vantage Logan Reserve after receiving development approvals.

The news follows the settlement of the developer’s $250m purchase of seven land lease communities from the Puljich family’s Living Gems business – bringing Avid’s Vantage land lease portfolio to 11 active communities across Southeast Queensland and Victoria.

Avid chief executive Cameron Holt says the new additions set a strong foundation for expansion in the land lease market.

“Establishing a land lease communities business has been a long-term and critical component of Avid’s growth strategy, and the recent development approvals and acquisitions mark a significant milestone for our business,” he says.

Avid announced its entry into the land lease market in mid-2024 with the launch of two greenfield communities, Vantage Bloomdale in Victoria and Vantage Hervey Bay, last year, both of which are currently under construction.

Cameron Holt, chief executive of Avid Property Group.