December 18 2009

Brisbane City Council has given development approval to the commercial component of Laing O'Rourke's planned mixed-use, Fortitude Valley development - McLachlan and Ann.

Laing O'Rourke plans to base its Brisbane office in the building and has pre-committed to 5000 square metres.

The approved office building will occupy part of a high-profile site bounded by Ann, McLachlan and Connor Streets and adjacent to the well known James Street retail precinct.

The 12-storey building will comprise 17,500-square metres and feature a striking facade to the Ann Street frontage.

On the ground floor, a public laneway will incorporate outdoor dining, casual seating and a formal lobby.

Queensland General Manager Development Murray Middleton said development approval would enable delivery of the new commercial development in 2012 in the fast-growing Fortitude Valley.

Murray said the building's large floorplates and five-star Greenstar rating would attract discerning tenants from both the public and private sectors.

With the building timed for completion in 2012, it would also be in the market at a time where genuine competition for sustainable A-grade office space in the city fringe was scarce.

"We will bring our most innovative ideas to the mixed use development at McLachlan and Ann, melding contemporary design with institutional grade commercial and affordable living," Murray said.