Richard Kirk Architects has revealed designs for new ABC studios in Brisbane’s South Bank.
The 15,500sqm purpose-built facility features public space around the perimetre and two-way visibility between the street and the interior.
“We are targeting the highest environmental standards in the design of the building, with a focus on the indoor environment quality," ABC managing director, Mark Scott, said.
The ABC abandoned its previous headquarters at Toowong in December 2006, as a result of staff health and safety concerns following the detection of a cancer cluster.
The ABC and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra will re-locate to a site at the corner of Grey and Russell Streets, between the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Griffith University's Queensland Conservatorium of Music, by early 2012.
"South Bank is Queensland's cultural hub. So it is fitting that the ABC, as the nation's public broadcaster, will be located in Brisbane's premier precinct," premier Anna Bligh said.
This news came as designs were revealed for the new South Bank Boardwalk by Brisbane architects Arkhefield and landscape architects Cardno S.P.L.A.T.
The new boardwalk development will deliver 70 metres of riverfront as a landscaped lawn area, 1,800sqm of open space, a children's playground and improved pathways for pedestrians and cyclists connecting the Goodwill Bridge and Clem Jones Promenade.
The Boardwalk project is South Bank Corporation's first down payment on its public commitment to offset the green space, which will be lost to the new ABC headquarters.
South Bank Corporation chief executive officer, Malcolm Snow, said the quality of the open space on the Boardwalk site is far superior to the green space on the ABC site, which has been under-utilised.
"We have significantly reduced the level of commercial development on the site to ensure that our visitors can enjoy new quality green space," he said.
Design is underway and construction is due to commence early in 2010, with completion and commissioning in mid to late 2011.
