In an Australian first, the Heart Foundation has lent its support to a new commercial building as a healthy workplace, with the proposed construction of Brisbane’s healthiest building – King George Central at 145 Ann Street.
The A-grade office project, a joint venture between Leighton Properties and Devine Limited, will commence development this year.
Along with King George Central’s quality workspace, high-end technological capabilities and an on-site childcare centre, healthy-by-design characteristics have been incorporated into the development, encouraging a healthy work life for tenants.
A number of initiatives will encourage tenants to actively commute to and from work, including first class end-of-trip facilities for cyclists and walkers with dedicated showers, change rooms, lockers and other amenities.
Physical activity will also be encouraged during the day via dedicated street level stair entry and greater promotion of the use of stairs for inter-floor movement with secure access control.
A well-maintained bike fleet and a proposed gymnasium will also be provided for tenants.
As part of the Heart Foundation’s support, and in an Australian first, King George Central’s café will include a range of Heart Foundation Tick Approved meals and catering – a significant benefit considering Heart Foundation research shows 89% of Australians would like to see Heart Foundation Tick approved meals available in worksite cafeterias.
Workers will also have access to the Heart Foundation’s range of health programs and advice which will include a dedicated Working Well manual.
Heart Foundation Director, Harold Hope, believes the Foundation’s support of King George Central will set an important benchmark for the development of future healthy workspaces.
“The design of our communities, workplaces and cities has a significant effect on our health behaviours. Our involvement with King George Central will increase awareness about the impact of design of commercial buildings on health and will raise the bar about how design will increasingly influence tenant demand due to the need to encourage healthy living and the resulting benefits of a healthy workforce, improved productivity and reduced levels of chronic disease,” Mr Hope said.
“We are excited to be involved with this project from the very beginning so that these important design principles form part of the fabric of this building and healthy choices become easy choices for its tenants.
“King George Central is a breakthrough for healthy workspaces and we are keen to encourage similar developments in the future.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, said he was delighted to hear the plans for the project.
“Most of us will agree that Brisbane is already one of the best places in the world to live - and with an increase in sustainable workplaces like King George Central, it will be one of the best places in the world to work,” Cr Newman said.
“King George Central is a good example of the direction we want to see commercial development and workplaces heading in Brisbane, and it is consistent with my vision for a greener, more active city.
“Developers such as Leighton Properties and Devine have a key role to play in helping make Brisbane healthier and more sustainable.”
According to Andrew Borger, Executive Director and State Manager, Queensland for Leighton Properties, King George Central represents the next generation of commercial office buildings targeting world class sustainability and a 5 star NABERS energy rating, and will lead the way for other projects moving forward.
“King George Central is one of only a few buildings in the country that’s strived to consider the needs of workers in this day-and-age,” Mr Borger said.
“Obesity and heart disease are a huge burden on individuals, families and workplace productivity and, with more time being spent at work, it is important that our employees’ environment encourages positive health.
“We are proud of the relationship we have forged with the Heart Foundation in our endeavours to promote a healthier lifestyle in the heart of the city.”
David Devine, founder and Managing Director of Devine Limited, believes that employees and businesses will thrive in a healthy environment.
“Employee health and satisfaction should be at the top of every CEO’s mind,” Mr Devine said.
“A healthy office environment will help attract and retain staff, and aids in improving productivity – all contributing factors to a business’s bottom line.”
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
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