BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Brisbane City Council have approved development of The Fortitude, in Fortitude Valley this month - a milestone in planning approvals for our city, and another giant step towards the much anticipated 'Future City' status.
The project is unlike anything seen before in the heart of the Brunswick Street Mall and as such, required a unique response to the design and planning strategy.
Angus Green, Planning Lead at Place Design Group, is the professional behind The Fortitude's town planning approval.
Angus believes that success came down to an extensive and collaborative, stakeholder engagement process.
"The project will be a catalyst for transformative and positive change within the 'old' Valley, delivering much needed critical mass to the Brunswick Street Mall, encouraging further investment and redevelopment opportunities."
"The project is expected to further influence the completion of the Bakery Lane precinct which adjoins the site, as anticipated in the Urban Renewal Brisbane's vision for Bakery Lane," Angus said.
Set to become the Valley's tallest residential building, the formerly known Optus Centre is being re-developed by EG Funds Management and will feature more than 360 residential apartments and four retail tenancies over 30 storeys.
The development of the site also creates significant opportunity and improved connection for commuters, being located on the convergence of a number of key pedestrian thoroughfares.
Public artwork will also feature in the development. Artists will be engaged to contribute works for inclusion in the ground plane and building facade -- a fitting addition to mirror the cultural and artistic values reflected within The Valley.
Designed by architect's Jackson Teece, The Fortitude is the newest in their string of significant Brisbane projects including Scott Street Luxury Apartments (Kangaroo Point), South Point (South Brisbane) and Icon (Milton).
Angus believes now, The Valley heart's future is even brighter.
"With so much activity occurring in the 'New Valley' it's great to see a leading architect like Jackson Teece deliver such a quality design response to reinvigorate and set a new benchmark in the 'Old Valley' heart."
"Overall, The Fortitude project will be a catalyst for the Mall and continue the transformation seen from the Brisbane City Council's Brunswick Street Mall revitalisation project, also one of Place Design Group's recent projects. The success of the Brunswick Street Mall revitalisation project really has paved the way for projects like The Fortitude Development to start taking place here, and is a brilliant kick-start for future growth in the 'Old Valley area'."
The Fortitude is set to commence construction mid-2016.
