Queensland Government
Department of Housing and Public Works

Artist's impression

Brisbane Common Ground is under construction at 15 Hope Street, South Brisbane. It is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2012.

The Queensland Department of Communities chose the site of the former Gambaro’s seafood warehouse due to its proximity to public transport, community services, employment opportunities and the cultural precinct within walking or biking distance.

The building has been designed in accordance with Brisbane City Council's vision for the Kurilpa Precinct and will feature 146 modern, energy-efficient units.

The 14-level building and underground basement has an area of about 12,000sqm. This includes 11 one-bedroom units of 46sqm, 33 studio units of 45sqm and 102 studio apartments of 31sqm.

All apartments feature a private balcony of 11sqm and tenants can access shared facilities including a rooftop garden and function room, tenant lounge, computer room, art room, library and several meeting rooms. Every two floors are linked, sharing a lobby space with garden.

The basement incorporates 18 car parks for service delivery, visitors, support staff and two disability spaces. No tenant car parking will be provided except for the two disability spaces.

The building will feature open gardens and seating areas throughout common areas on all residential levels. The top floor features tenant recreational spaces, a large function room and gardens that could be used for food production.

The building has been designed to meet a minimum Building Energy Rating Scheme (BERS) of at least six stars. This means that it will achieve a very high level of thermal energy performance. Some units rated up to 8.5 out of a possible ten stars.

Residential spaces are designed to encourage air-flow. Units have ceiling fans but no air-conditioning.

Bike racks will be available for tenants and visitors, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainabilty.

The building has been designed with the safety and security of tenants and local residents in mind.

A concierge service will provide 24-hour assistance to tenants as well as monitoring the security in the building.

Grocon Construction, an organisation with a strong corporate commitment to assisting the community and an involvement with other Common Ground projects in Australia, has been appointed to build Brisbane Common Ground.

To view site plans and learn more about the Common Ground building you can download the project's 'look book' below.