A development application for the 320 George Street building in Brisbane City has been approved, with award-winning multi-disciplinary practice Hames Sharley revealing plans to create what will likely be the narrowest building of a comparable height in the city. The 30-storey commercial tower owned by Lionmar Holdings has gained the tick of approval from Brisbane City Council, and will feature 9100 sqm of boutique commercial office space, 17 carparks, two apartments, three levels of restaurant space and a rooftop bar with views across the city and Brisbane River. A fine-dining restaurant featuring a three-storey open view to the city is proposed for the base of the building, while a 400-sqm city room and garden will invite tenants to take a breather on level 14.

Previously inhabited by The Grosvenor Hotel, the building’s iconic façade will be restored under the expert guidance of heritage architect Malcolm Elliott from Vault Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. Measuring just nine-and-a-half metres, its narrow width called for innovation in terms of structural tension, compression and stability. A hybrid ‘exo-skeleton’ bracing system was proposed as a structural necessity and to visually anchor the building, while retaining a typical continuous glazed curtain wall as the external skin. This is the first redevelopment of a heritage site along the 320–372 George Street block and will incorporate nationally recognised sustainability characteristics to ensure its long-term viability and performance. Construction is expected to commence before Christmas this year.

Images: Hames Sharley