HQ, the state-of-the-art two-tower commercial and retail complex that many see as vital to kickstarting the Fortitude Valley’s day economy has been officially opened.
Pictured at the official opening are Darren Weir, GM Leighton Contractors Qld, Grace Grace MP, Cr Amanda Cooper, BCC, who did the opening honours, and Andrew Borger, state manager Qld Leighton Properties.
A joint venture between Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors, HQ delivers 44,000 square metres of premium commercial office and retail space, along with restaurants, cafes, wine bars and a public plaza to the area. And the developoers believe HQ "will be the `jewel in the crown for the rejuvenated Fortitude Valley".
Leighton Properties Executive Director and State Manager, Queensland Andrew Borger said the opening of HQ will signal the start of 1=ortitude Valley's makeover into a prime urban-designed green space.
"HQ is about providing a new generation of commercial and retail space to businesses, one that encompasses ecologically sensitive design to benefit the environment and tenants," Mr Borger said.
"HQ has been acknowledged as one of Australia's most sustainable developments, 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 three projects accredited to this level in Queensland at time of certification.
"Additionally HQ will bring up to 3,000 workers to Fortitude Valley, with the added sustainable benefits of accessible public transport and a dedicated bicycle centre housing over 260 bike parks with full end-of-trip facilities such as showers and lockers.
Chairperson of the Brisbane City Council Neighbourhood Planning and Development Assessment Committee Cr Amanda Cooper in officially opening the project said HQ was in line with Brisbane City Council's future plan and helped cement the Valley's position as a prime business and event hub.
"Fortitude Valley will be transformed with HQ's central plaza providing a new public event space for the local community and businesses, such as the Valley Chamber of Commerce," Cr Cooper said.
"The Council also acknowledges HQ's contribution to green space, with the inclusion of a subtropical boulevard providing the public with open space, trees and street shading."
Darren Weir, General Manager Leighton Contractors Northern Region said since moving more than 300 staff into their new home a month ago, the team was enjoying the sustainability of the building and the liveliness of the neighbourhood.
