QIC unveils plans for Albert Street over-station precinct
Eighteen months after winning a state government tender to develop four over-station precincts – part of the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project – QIC has unveiled plans for the first.
At 101 Albert Street, the group this month submitted an application for a 40 storey subtropical themed mixed use but predominantly office complex, with an anticipated $750 million end value.
If approved, the project could be completed by 2027.
QIC is also shortly expected to announce plans to replace land around the station on Boggo Rd.
Longer term – likely after the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – it will aim to replace the last two precincts, at Woolloongabba and Roma St.
101 Albert Street
The Albert St proposal is earmarked for a 2500 square metre site set to connect to the $3b Queen’s Wharf, with a casino, resort and retail, that is due for completion by December.
The tower will contain 45,000 sqm over 31 levels of Prime quality office space – a mix between Premium, which is the best available, and A-grade.
It will also include lower level retail, 4000 sqm of outdoor space, end of trip facilities and over 250 bicycle parking spaces.
“Even before the announcement of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane was transforming into a truly international city with its own architectural sensibility that reflects our unique subtropical lifestyle, forward thinking culture and deep connection to country,” QIC Cross River Rail Precincts director, Chris Brown, said.
“Brisbane deserves a new city-shaping destination – a design that merges local character with global thinking,” he added.
“As a result, when viewed from the Albert Street Cross River rail station and street frontages, the tower will appear as a…vertical garden, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces,” according to the executive (story continues below).
“We’ve also integrated the tropical foliage theme throughout the remainder of the development, including an expansive rooftop area that allows occupants to enjoy outdoor spaces [and] a surrounding garden”.
Cross River Rail project
The Cross River Rail project will deliver the first Brisbane CBD train station in over 120 years, the developer said.
“QIC’s proposed vertical village at 101 Albert St will amplify the city’s ambition – providing an iconic and distinctly Queensland arrival experience for more than 67,000 commuters who are expected to use Albert Street Cross River rail station each weekday by 2036,” it added.
“Capitalising on the dynamic arrival experience at the future Albert Street Cross River rail station, 101 Albert St is expected to have a transformative effect on the surrounding streets, unlocking further development opportunities and enhancing pedestrian corridors along both Albert and Mary streets,” according to the group, which is owned by the Queensland government.
The Albert St building is anticipated to be fully electric and gas free; QIC is aiming for a 6-star Green Star Building rating and 5.5-star NABERs energy score.
“Both the architectural elements and environmental credentials of 101 Albert St have been purposely designed to meet new and emerging ways of working and provide a greater connection to nature and place,” Mr Brown said.
“Tenants will have the option to seek refuge and inspiration in a variety of flexible working spaces that break down the barriers between traditional office buildings, public spaces and indoor/outdoor connection,” he added.
The announcement comes a month since prime minister Anthony Albanese announced the federal government would tip in $2.5b to construct the Brisbane Live stadium, above the Roma St station.
The state government, meanwhile, will seize control of a $2.7b redevelopment of the Gabba, set to become Olympic Stadium.
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