Commercial Confidential: $100m Fantauzzo Art Series Hotel set to open in the Howard Smith Wharves precinct

Brisbane’s artiest hotel will open its doors next Tuesday marking the coming of age of the city’s newest entertainment precinct.

BRISBANE’s newest hotel will officially open its doors next Tuesday.

The $100 million Fantauzzo Art Series Hotel, carved into the cliff under the Story Bridge, will feature 166 guest rooms, with custom contemporary furnishings and original artworks and giclee prints.

The Fantauzzo Art Series Hotel will open its doors at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane on March 26.

Inspired by acclaimed Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, the six-storey hotel in the Howard Smith Wharves precinct will also offer four distinct food and beverage outlets as well as a rooftop pool, bar, gym and three conference rooms, fully equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology.

New general manager Shaun Fields has more than 20 years’ experience in the hotel industry and has looked after a number of high-profile guests including Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Buble and Pink, but his most memorable is Queen Elizabeth II.

An artist’s render of the Fantauzzo Art Series Hotel.

“I worked with her representatives from Buckingham Palace. It took 12 months to meticulously plan and I had the pleasure of being her personal escort,” Fields said.

“It ended with a dinner for all the Commonwealth heads of government and I received a personal gift from the Queen at the end of it which I still wear to this day — a pair of cufflinks.”

Accor Hotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath with artist Vincent Fantauzzo in front of some of his works for the Art Series Hotel. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

BOND UNIVERSITY HAS A NEW HEAD OF ARCHITECTURE

INTERNATIONALLY-recognised architect, educator, practitioner and researcher, Professor Chris Knapp, will commence at Bond University in May as head of the Abedian School of Architecture.

He replaces the interim head of school Prof Michael Keniger. Prof Knapp is currently the inaugural chair of architecture at Western Sydney University.

Prior to his appointment at Western Sydney University in 2017, Prof Knapp was at Bond University having played a significant role in establishing the architecture program from its inception.

Professor Chris Knapp who will be the new head of the Abedian School of Architecture at Bond University.

Prof Knapp said he was excited at the opportunity to advance the Abedian School of Architecture and Bond University into the future.

“The opportunity to lead a program that is so unique in the context of both Australian and international architectural education is exceptional,” he said.

“Bond’s program is highlighted by an innovative and professionally focused curriculum, world-class facilities, a dynamic teaching team and incredibly bright, dedicated students.

“What I am looking forward to, more than anything, is connecting and collaborating with people. At Bond you get to know students incredibly well through an educational dialogue and, due to Bond’s small class sizes and studio-based pedagogy, you are able to help nurture inspirational architectural projects.

“We are keen to see the program grow and attract more community and industry engagement on a global scale.

“There is a big contribution The Abedian School of Architecture can make to the community, and to serve as its Head is a distinct privilege.”

Regan Baker from Baker Property is celebrating his 5th anniversary as a solo agent.

REGAN BAKER CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS FLYING SOLO

BRISBANE commercial sales and leasing agent Regan Baker is celebrating a big deal but this time not of the transactional kind.

This month marks a milestone for Mr Baker. It is five years since he set up his own business, Baker Property.

“To me, it’s a big personal achievement,” he said.

Mr Baker left what was then Wright Property after almost seven years to go it alone and has successfully carved a niche for himself, particularly in and around Brisbane’s city fringe markets of Fortitude Valley and Newstead.

Head of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, John Kotzas, outside the main building at South Bank in Brisbane at the spot where a new theatre will be built. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

WHO’S INTERESTED IN BUILDING A NEW QPAC THEATRE?

THE Palaszczuk Government has called for Expressions of Interest for a managing contractor to oversee the development of the new $150 million theatre at Queensland Performing Arts Centre that will support more than 100 jobs during construction.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the EOI was an exciting milestone for the new theatre, which will deliver a brand new world-class facility for Queensland and boost local employment.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment of $125 million to the new theatre at QPAC represents the largest investment in Queensland arts infrastructure since the Gallery of Modern Art,” she said.

“The new theatre will further boost our state’s cultural vibrancy, help Queensland attract bigger shows, more visitors, and showcase our unique local arts sector.

“This project is expected to support more than 100 jobs during design and construction and once built, QPAC will become Australia’s largest performing arts centre.”

A shortlist of five design firms was announced earlier this year and they are currently developing concept designs for the new 1500-seat theatre, before the final successful applicant is announced later this year.