Development application lodged for $750m 40-storey ‘subtropical’ tower in Brisbane CBD

The Queensland Government’s investment vehicle QIC (Queensland Investment Corporation) has reached a ‘major milestone’ in the development of a $750 million tower in the Brisbane CBD, announcing the submission of a development application (DA).

The formality brings the project one step closer to reality, with the QIC proposing a 40-storey tower complete with subtropical character and ‘unique sustainable design’.

To be situated opposite the Albert Street Cross River Rail (CRR) station, 101 Albert Street will ‘create a distinctive urban marker in the heart of Brisbane city’ according to QIC.

Within the mixed-use precinct, QIC contemplates next generation workplace accommodation, best-in-class retail and dining concepts throughout the ‘vertical village’. ‘Generous’ public and civil amenities will also be present to be enjoyed by Brisbanites.

QIC CRR precincts director Chris Brown said the development’s design would ensure the tower will be a landmark for the Brisbane CBD.

“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,” Brown said.

“Brisbane deserves a new, city-shaping destination — a design that merges local character with global thinking. As a result, when viewed from the Albert Street Cross River Rail Station and street frontages, the tower will appear as a subtropical vertical garden, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

“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, including a surrounding rooftop garden.”

101 Albert Street will make up part of the $5.4 billion CRR station development - the first Brisbane CBD train station built in over 120 years.

According to QIC, the proposed vertical village will ‘amplify the city’s ambition - providing an iconic and distinctly Queensland arrival experience for the more than 67,000 commuters who are expected to use Albert Street CRR station each weekday by 2036’.

Brown added that 101 Albert Street is expected to have a transformative effect on the building’s surrounding streets, unlocking future development opportunities and enhancing pedestrian corridors along both Albert and Mary streets.

“The location of the site within the Cross River Rail Priority Development Area and opposite the Albert Street Station creates the opportunity to provide a truly integrated precinct,” Brown said.

“Due to its central address, 101 Albert Street will also be a connector to future developments, including Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, and complements the Albert Street green spine envisioned by Brisbane City Council.”

QIC says the tower will be built in accordance with high environmental and sustainability principles, and will pursue a 5-Star Green Star Buildings rating and a 5.5-Star NABERS Energy Rating.

The complex will also aim to be fully electrified and gas-free, and is designed to reflect Brisbane City Council’s ‘New World City Design Guide: Buildings that Breathe’.

“Both the architectural elements and environmental credentials of 101 Albert Street have been purposefully designed to meet new and emerging ways of working and provide a greater connection to nature and place,” QIC 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.”

With a total site area of 2,500sqm, the tower will comprise 45,000sqm of prime grade office and mixed-used space, of which 31 stores are proposed for office use. Around 250 bicycle parking spaces will be available once complete.

“Brisbane is having a coming-of-age moment unprecedented in recent decades. Our city is revolutionising before our eyes into a truly global city with its own distinctive character, capable of holding its own on the world stage. At QIC, we’re thrilled to be a part of this metamorphosis,” Brown said.

“This opportunity is only possible due to the exceptional work of the Queensland Government and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, who delivered the CRR Precincts Delivery Strategy — a key enabler for a development of this nature.

“We are proud to be entrusted with master planning the seamless integration between the Albert Street Cross River Rail Station, commercial accommodation, recreational and wellness spaces, public spaces, and our subtropical environment.”

Subject to approvals, at this stage construction of the Albert Street precinct is expected to be completed by late 2027.