HQ is set to become Fortitude Valley’s new major public event space following an agreement between joint venture developers Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors, and the Valley Chamber of Commerce Incorporated (VCC) this week.
A landmark development located on the corner of Wickham and Brookes Streets, HQ will comprise two world class office towers, boutique shops, restaurants, wine bars and a 2,500m2 central public plaza.
The partnership will allow the VCC to use HQ’s expansive central plaza for public events. As part of the agreement, Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors will provide the VCC with office space and a cash contribution towards operating costs over the next nine years.
Councillor Jane Prentice said the partnership was facilitated by Brisbane City Council’s Community Dividend Program, which was established to help businesses to provide relevant and concrete benefits to the communities they operate in.
“This is a great example of local businesses and community organisations working together to contribute to a vibrant and liveable Fortitude Valley,” Cr Prentice said.
“The VCC has organised many of the Valley’s iconic major events, including Valley Fiesta, Chinese New Year celebrations and the Valley Markets.
“We believe that HQ’s central plaza will serve as a valuable public space for Valley events, in addition to the Valley Mall and the Chinatown Mall.
“HQ is very accessible by public and active transport, housing a dedicated 260 rack bicycle centre, making it an ideal space for large public activities.”
Executive Director and State Manager, Queensland of Leighton Properties Andrew Borger said Fortitude Valley was Brisbane’s latest city fringe business centre to experience a spike in commercial interest.
“HQ will bring up to an additional 3000 workers into the Valley, with the benefits of extra retail and lunchtime trade for existing Valley businesses and new businesses within HQ,” he said.
“As well as the productivity benefit of HQ’s construction in a time when many Australian cities faced rising unemployment, the additional workers and retailers at the soon-to-be completed HQ will bring economic stimulus to the Valley.
“We want to make sure that we’re not only creating spaces for people to work but an exciting and eclectic precinct that supports local businesses, retailers and creative industries, and brings people together for events,” Mr Borger said.
Leighton Contractors Operations Manager Building Greg Muir said HQ’s sustainability credentials were another drawcard for the VCC, which is currently putting together strategies for a ‘greener’ Fortitude Valley.
“HQ has been acknowledged as one of Australia’s most sustainable buildings, achieving a 6 Star Green Star – Office Design v2 accreditation from the Green Building Council of Australia; making it one of Australia’s most sustainable buildings and only one of 4 buildings in Queensland to achieve this world leadership rating,” Mr Muir said.
“We look forward to the Valley Chamber of Commence joining us at HQ and for their people to enjoy the benefits of a green workspace.”
VCC Vice President Charles Apostolos said he was excited about establishing a permanent office at HQ and the opportunities created by the partnership to further support local businesses in the 4006 and 4005 postcode areas that VCC represents.
“This partnership not only provides a valuable new event space, but the permanent office space for the next 9 years helps VCC to continue its work, without worrying about leasing space in an increasingly popular area,” Mr Apostolos said.
“This partnership will allow us to continue working towards a more active and cohesive Fortitude Valley, and will enable us to keep organising the music, sporting, food and arts events that we’re known for.”
The agreement between Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors, and VCC will commence from April 2010.
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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 |