SHAPE AUSTRALIA SECURES QANTAS LOUNGE PROJECT

FITOUT company SHAPE Australia has been awarded the multimillion-dollar refurbishment of Qantas' first class and business lounges at Brisbane International Airport.

The firm will commence construction this month to create a single international premium lounge, inspired by the airline's world-class facilities in Hong Kong and Singapore.

SHAPE Queensland general manager Alex Corones says the contract follows a number of lounge projects completed for Qantas in Perth, Sydney and Adelaide.

"It is an exciting project that further cements our relationship with Qantas across Australia," Corones says.

"SHAPE's expertise in sensitive live environments such as airports, where foot traffic never stops and business continuity is critical, was a key benefit for Qantas.

"With a big Queensland workforce, we are proud to be delivering a project that gives visitors a premium, world-class experience while they are here exploring our great state."

The refurbishment will increase space for customers by 25 per cent, and incorporate Queensland's 'natural beauty' in the design.

Corones says the project caps off a strong financial year for the Brisbane arm of the business.

"The commercial office sector underpins the SHAPE business in Queensland and has remained strong this financial year," he says.

"There are a lot of new buildings coming on that are adding to the net vacancy rate in the CBD and that vacancy rate will probably continue to rise.

"There are great deals for tenants and very motivated landlords wanting to poach and retain tenants. It will make for interesting times."

During the works, SHAPE will schedule its program of activity around passenger movements to minimise noise to all travellers.

The new Qantas lounge is expected to be completed in October.