Work is racing along
on Fortitude Valley's newest urban renewal development – HQ – and locals will soon witness
the visually striking commercial and retail precinct rise from the ground.
Designed by national
architecture practice BVN, the $330million project, developed by Leighton
Properties and Leighton Contractors, comprises a 12-storey tower and an
eight-storey tower which together deliver over 40,000sqm of prime office space.
 HQ street view (artist's impression)
While primarily a
destination for an estimated 3,000 resident employees, HQ has been designed
with the intent it will become a vibrant lifestyle and entertainment precinct
upon completion thanks to a sprawling pedestrian plaza and 3,000sqm of retail
space.
Lead designer, BVN's
Rob Vider worked with the client on an approach that optimises natural elements
to make the precinct appear as light and open as possible by carving away parts
of the buildings' design to allow more natural light.
HQ's design has been
recognised as a World Leader in sustainability with the recent achievement of a
Six Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
 HQ (artist's impression)
"The heating and
cooling systems of both buildings will consume very little energy and during
peak consumption periods, a gas-powered cogeneration system will initiate to
reduce reliance on the power grid," Mr Vider said.
Highly efficient
window glazing was selected for parts of the building that receive the most
direct sun, enabling floor-to-ceiling views with minimal heat and glare.
Other sustainable
design considerations include a secure basement cycle centre with capacity for
270 bicycles, served by state-of-the-art facilities, to encourage workers to
ride to the office rather than drive.
More than 80 percent
of space is already pre-leased, with Leighton Contractors taking more than
11,000sqm in the North Tower and AECOM taking 13,6000sqm in the South Tower.
HQ occupies a prime
site on the corner of Wickham and Brookes Streets and will have a range of
specialty retail offerings, including a boutique supermarket, takeaway deli and
high-end restaurant. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2010.
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