Consolidated Properties’ $250m ‘subtropical’ tower approved and set to rise in James St precinct
Featuring a densely planted podium and lush landscaped overhangs, a 15-storey $250 million office development in Fortitude Valley’s popular James St precinct has been approved and construction is set to begin next year.
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A STRIKING new “subtropical” office tower is set to rise next year in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, taking its trendy James St precinct to a new corporate and design level.
Featuring a densely planted podium and landscaped overhangs, the 15-storey $250 million development at 895 Ann St has been given the green light by Brisbane City Council.
In a post on Linkedin, Brisbane-based developer Consolidated Properties has announced: “#895AnnSt is coming to Brisbane!
“Work is set to begin on the $250 million commercial tower mid next year after receiving development approval.”
It also spruiks that the project “marks the first large scale A-grade commercial building planned for the James Street precinct of Fortitude Valley”.
The concept for 895 Ann St is the work of John Wardle Architects, following on from its success of designing Consolidated Properties’ Spire Residences and 900 Ann St.
On the corner of Ann and Wandoo streets, the project will deliver 22,219sq m of gross floor space.
It is understood Consolidated Properties secured the 2526sq m site for the project in a $15 million deal.
In its development application, it was stated the project reflected “a positive expression of the changing nature of office developments” with a concept that is “both campus and office”.
“Acknowledging the changing nature of work, this building accommodates and encourages the diverse conditions required to make an engaging and attractive working environment,” it says.
One of its key design aspects was also “harnessing the qualities of a subtropical environment”.
Lush garden spaces form a “synthesis of landscape and built form” on its podium, which is topped with an “outdoor room … featuring large overhangs and living planting” and “sets the stage for a highly social space”.
Taking the wraps off the project after submitting its development application late last year, Consolidated Properties executive chairman Don O’Rorke said it was anticipated 895 Ann St would mirror the success of its adjacent award-winning 900 Ann St development.
“We are making plans to move forward with 895 Ann St with a view that other major players will follow suit to capitalise on the area’s accessibility and appeal, including proximity to key transport nodes and all forms of amenities for workers, along with the popular James St precinct,” he said.
“There are currently no new commercial developments under construction in the Brisbane fringe area and there is a relatively subdued pipeline for the immediate future, so vacancy rates are widely tipped to fall.
“All indicators point to the market switching gears over the coming years, as demand and supply start to equalise and the shift towards the Brisbane fringe continues.”