This was published 9 months ago
Its brutalist design may burn the eyes, but this Brisbane landmark will soon be fire HQ
By Sean Parnell
The new Qld fire department building.
The Queensland government will turn an Albion landmark into the home of the new fire department.
More than 500 staff from four sites will be relocated to the former TAB building, which is being redeveloped as part of the Hudson Common project.
The brutalist tower from the 1970s is being transformed at the same time the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is rebadged into the Queensland Fire Department.
Machinery of government changes sparked by Steven Miles becoming premier have cemented the decision to move staff from the city, Kedron and elsewhere to Hudson Common.
The fire department will be the only tenant in the office building.
“Consolidating our state headquarters into one dedicated, customised, contemporary space is an extraordinary opportunity for the department,” Acting Commissioner Steve Smith said.
The brutalist tower at Albion dates back to the mid-1970s.Credit: Tatts Group
“This is a significant project and we will take the time to ensure it is done well. We will consult with our industrial stakeholders and our staff will be engaged over the coming months on the design and fit-out plans before the move in 2025.”
Cox Architecture has been appointed lead designer for the fitout. The tower was originally set to be demolished, and replaced with modern commercial and residential towers, until developers decided to give it a makeover instead.
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