Today, Brisbane City Council (BCC) and HQ’s JV partners Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors, unveiled what will be the first stage in the largest upgrade of public space in urban Queensland.
Located on a major outbound corner of Wickham and Brookes Streets, HQ is the latest 6 Star Green Star rated mixed-use precinct in Fortitude Valley. The development will signpost entry to the “New Valley” and is set to become the area’s next big thing for working, dining and public events.
As part of BCC’s future planning for the Valley, a precinct area of 225ha will receive a major overhaul with the creation of “subtropical boulevards” down to “ladder streets”.
The first stage of the project will be the construction of a $2 million subtropical boulevard at HQ, extending up Wickham Street.
Brisbane City Councillor Amanda Cooper said the new subtropical boulevard was a part of the award winning Fortitude Valley Urban Vision.
“The new boulevard along Wickham Street will integrate the public realm with built form, inviting pedestrians to explore the HQ Plaza and beyond,” Cr Cooper said.
“An initiative like this aims to provide pedestrian connectivity through to other landmarks such as RNA and Emporium by providing an extra-wide footpath, raised garden beds and an informal, attractive mix of subtropical trees.”
Leighton Properties Executive Director and State Manager, Queensland Andrew Borger said the boulevard, designed by leading landscape architects EDAW, would link the Brunswick Street ‘entertainment’ end of Fortitude Valley to the ‘chic’ James Street area.
"Designed to suit Brisbane’s distinctive climate and lifestyle, the boulevard will breathe new life into the area, day to night, by increasing Wickham Street’s retail offerings, shade, safety and visual appeal,” Mr Borger said.
“This new streetscape will not only add colour and visual interest to Wickham Street, but it will also soften the urban landscape.
“With our developments we always like to provide something extra to the public.
“The great cities of the world have streetscaping between landmarks that tell residents and visitors ‘I am leaving/arriving in an important place’. We want to bring something like this to Fortitude Valley.”
General Manager of Leighton Contractors Northern Region Darren Weir said the subtropical boulevard project would complement the environmental standards set by HQ.
“HQ is one of Australia’s greenest developments so we were keen to extend this out to the streetscape,” Mr Weir said.
“The vegetation on the path will be nourished by a stormwater run off system and the use of subtropical trees will make this a very low maintenance, but inviting public space.”
HQ’s subtropical boulevard master plan is in line with the Brisbane City Council’s Vision 2026, which revealed that open public space, trees and street shading were highly valued by the community.
It is estimated that work will commence on the subtropical boulevard in late 2009.
In addition to delivering 43,500 square metres of premium commercial office and retail space, cafés, wine bars and public plazas, HQ will house a dedicated bicycle centre, incorporating 260 bike racks and full end of trip facilities.
HQ received development approval from Brisbane City Council in mid October 2008 and work on site is well underway. Completion is anticipated for early 2010.
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Borger
Executive Director and State Manager, Queensland
Leighton Properties Pty Limited
T: (07) 3370 4700
E: andrew.borger@lppl.com.au |