1 William Street shortlist for Precinct redevelopment

Six developers have been shortlisted to develop proposals for a new CBD high-rise tower at 1 William Street as part of the Newman Government’s plan for a renewed Government Administrative Precinct.

Deputy Premier and Acting Treasurer Jeff Seeney said the development of a new commercial office tower would bring a scarcely-used part of the city to life while providing a positive boost to Queensland’s construction industry.

Mr Seeney said the request for proposals signified another step forward in this exciting initiative.

“The land, currently used as a carpark, has been lying vacant for decades,” Mr Seeney said.

“We feel there is a better way to utilise this land and the announcement in May about the development of a Government Administrative Precinct was all about revitalising this part of Brisbane city.”

Mr Seeney said the initial Expressions of Interest process received 13 responses but that number had been reduced to six after consideration against the prescribed criteria set.

“Key to this is the development of 1 William Street as a commercial office tower of between 60,000 and 75,000 metres (net lettable area) for potentially private and public sector office accommodation,” he said.

“The building will provide significant accommodation savings of $60 million through the rationalisation of the Government’s current CBD office portfolio.”

Mr Seeney said the Request for Proposal process was expected to be finalised later this month with the government hoping to see activity on the ground by year’s end.

These companies have been shortlisted to provide proposals:

Cbus                            Lend Lease                         Brookfield
Westfield                    Leighton Properties                 Grocon

Mr Seeney said site preparation work had already commenced to ensure the property was well positioned for construction work to begin immediately once the process has been finalised.

[ENDS] 24 September 2012

Contact:  John Wiseman 0409 791 281