just read today that owners of suncorp metway plaza have to either demolish it and build 1 or 2 new buildings or renovate into residential. Maybe something awesome might become of it.

Can you tell us where you read this?

This is ONLY speculation at this stage. I work for one of the companies involved in the sale of Suncorp Plaza*. Settlement is not due until late 2005. During the next few months the new owner will investigate options of refurb, or demolition.

This has been mentioned in other threads before...

* The building is **Suncorp Plaza**. It has been called this since June 2002.

I have been away for a while, which building are you talking about?

Suncorp Plaza
C/Albert and Turbot Streets
The old Government SGIO building...

I mentioned in the other thread but I think it would be a shame to lose this building. However the site of the Suncorp Theatre and carpark next door is quite big. Maybe they can retain the tower, demolish the theatre and carpark and then build something worthwhile!

Bloody hell, you can't knock down the SGIO building, it's a landmark.

1968
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/hyperion-image/BCC-S35-9310834

1969
http://www.marcus-clark.com/photos/bne/B132%20SGIO%20building%2C%20Bne%2C%201969.JPG

2002 (from a JayT thread)

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/1098/1541098ml1037689509.jpg

Cool construction pics- I love steel framed scrapers as they are a bit of a rarity in Australia.

Still, i wouldnt mind seeing this one go, it is kinda ugly and hasnt aged very well. Put something taller and better in its place.

Originally posted by SydneyDude
Cool construction pics- I love steel framed scrapers as they are a bit of a rarity in Australia.

Still, i wouldnt mind seeing this one go, it is kinda ugly and hasnt aged very well. Put something taller and better in its place.

Yeah, great photos - I also like seeing steel framed scrapers occasionally - as you say, they are a bit of a rarity here.

And again, I wouldn't mind seeing this one go either, I agree it's kinda ugly and hasn't aged well - which is a shame, because aren't steel scrapers supposed to last a lot longer then cement ones??

A nice replacement glass tower would be great - but we would probably end up with some sort of devine residential piece of rubbish...

I agree. So this one has a big clock on its top...it looks decidedly ugly to me.

I honestly don't know what the 'developers' are thinking if they want to convert into units. The builidng is ugly and just doesn't have the size/structure to support units. It would need alot of renovating. Might be cheeper to bulldoze it.

Also, who in Brisbane would buy a unit in a building which we have seen used as office since construction??? Not me.

It was sold for only $23 million. Surely it is more economic to demolish it.

Originally posted by Ausilencer
which is a shame, because aren't steel scrapers supposed to last a lot longer then cement ones??


whether reinforced concrete or steel is used in a towers construction doesnt really affect how well a tower ages. That depends on things like the quality of facade and design. Just look at rialto tower- its 20 years old and it looks like something that could have been built last year (its a reinforced concrete tower too).

I personally hope that it isn't demolished. Although slightly on the ugly side, this is a landmark building in Brisbane, and is part of Brisbane's history now.

If they demolish it, I'll be dissapointed if we don't get the clock back, that's the real landmark.

A little plaza fact...
During a recent DR (Disaster Recovery) test it was discovered that no one really knew the direct source of power to the clock on the roof...

Originally posted by SydneyDude
whether reinforced concrete or steel is used in a towers construction doesnt really affect how well a tower ages. That depends on things like the quality of facade and design. Just look at rialto tower- its 20 years old and it looks like something that could have been built last year (its a reinforced concrete tower too).

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear. Obviously the _visual_ ageing of the building depends entirely on the facade, not what the building is constructed out of (unless that forms the facade and you can see it etc etc). I actually meant that I was of the opinion that steel constructed buildings will last longer _structurally_ and wont need to be replaced as early as cement based scrapers. Someone told me that many cement based constructions have a lifetime of between 20 and 40 years. But I'm not sure if that is correct?

from last weeks GC bulliten-
The Canberra group APG who are building AURORA in Brisbane are now planning a $100mil 25storey apartments for Broadbeach! and also just paid $21mil for SUNCORP METWAY PLAZA which they are planning to "upgrade"and build a 50storey unit block!
there you go! not sure if that means they are adding floors to Suncorp Metway to total 50 floors high? sounds like it.
its currently 30storeys/108m to roof, so adding 20 morex 3m per floor =168m!! what a whopper!!

Cull, is it hard to add floors like that? Are there many buildings that have been able to handle it? An extra 20 floors sounds like a lot, but wouldn't it look great if they did it, and kept the clock of course.

Originally posted by Aussie Bhoy
Cull, is it hard to add floors like that? Are there many buildings that have been able to handle it? An extra 20 floors sounds like a lot, but wouldn't it look great if they did it, and kept the clock of course.
there have been many old skyscrapers which have been added onto recently over last 10 years or so. many have been concrete skyscrapers not steel framed. I think Sydney's 20st/70m ESSO house from 1963 was steel framed -this is now HIGHGATE which has 12 floors added to its height- now 100m high.
So i guess if they reinforce the super structure, it should be ok. cant wait for construction pix from you guys!!

as long as they don't get rid of the giant novelty clock i'm happy. i use that thing to tell the time every time im in the CBD.

so whats with this?
Is it still happening or no?

It was sold for only $23 million. Surely it is more economic to demolish it.

$23 million!!! R u sure??? That's bloody cheap. Houses down here are worth more than that!

lol toadman.
i felt like clarifying ur statement so i looked on realestate.com.au for all types over 5,000,000 and found like 5 things that all said price on application, or auctions.

Aren't there problems with Asbestos in the building? So turning it into residential would require alot of money to remove it. IMO demolishing it would have a better outcome for the skyline of the city

Yeah Blend, only a few are up for sale at the moment. But there are several houses on the Soverign Islands, on Cronin Island and on Hedges Avenue that would be worth more than that. The reason they're not for sale at the moment is because the market is really really bad.

I think the tower should be demolished. That is a real landmark site. You could build something really nice there.

theres most definitly houses worth well over that here...
anyway.

It should be replaced with another more impressive, taller tower, ubt still have a clock on top. need that clock

The price is correct - only $23m.

Asbestos is still in the building. I was going to the floor where the cafeteria is some months back and on the other side of the floor was a sign saying "Closed due to Asbestos". Now just remember that that section is where the gym is!!!

Getting rid of the plaza is part of the overall new strategy for the Suncorp group in terms of office locations, density etc. Unfortunately the new plan is to decentralise - so I guess no new major tower is on the drawing board... for the moment.

why dont they sell the site to someone who WANTS to build a tower.

It was sold to a Canberra based firm who are using the current period to scope options best suited to the site. wether that be demolition or renovation is still to be announced. Just remember the site is huge, Not only the plaza building, but the (public) car park and a theatre.

do YOU think we can expect something big for the site?

i doubt it, its diagonal to city hall... council will be wankers over any proposal

I was under the impression that complete asbestos removal had been completed some months ago?

Some material can be found on the lower floors. Some lower floors cannot hang Christmas decorations, incase they create disturbances above the ceiling panels.

is it cheap office space?

Not sure about the cost of the office space. Currently Suncorp owns the building and occupies all floors. To lease a car parking space for 12 months I think is around $3k.

I do not expect the logo on the roof to change until the building is demolished/refurbished. The new Suncorp logo is a little different, the major change is 2 less sun rays in the 'dinke' - which is the yellow sun on the right. This change was made to make it easier to view from distances etc.

Any news on this?

@nagelixin,
"Currently Suncorp owns the building and occupies all floors."
> Suncorp sold the building, but still occupies the floors. Recently some space in Suncorp Centre was freed up, possibly for people to move from Suncorp Plaza.

maybe when Brisbane Square is finished and suncorp move well see somehting happen.. although if thats the case we should become aware of the plans earlier

No other news, the only recent goss I have heard is that it is that Brisbane Square is falling further behind its original Q4 2005 target. It looks like Q1 or even Q2 of 06.

I haven't heard anything re contractual stuff, ie penalties it the building is not finished on time. I'll see what I can suss out :)

so theyre not knockin down the suncorp building. they cant do that its the first tower brizzy ever had.

They can do it because its ugly and is on a good site for a taller building.

I would like to see it stay. It might be old, and a little ugly, but cities need architectural diversity.

Suncorp is currently negotiating (or signing a deal) to lease back 14 levels of this building, which is now (or will be) owned by Amalgamated Property Group.

I believe the lease will be about 5 years, with an extra 2 year option.

Looks like she's definately not being demolished (any time soon).

Owell wat a shame. lol

Ausilencer is spot on :). The building will be fully refurbished (elevators, aircon, interior fitouts) and its facade revamped. The plaza out the front will make way for a series of cafes. The Suncorp theatre is definately going - this will be the residential component.

Waiting for the external designs though.

As posted dont know when... BAC is still being refurbed, externally and internally.

I still think the old Suncorp Building would make a really nice 5 star hotel. I mean its prime realestate and is close to everything.

I still think the old Suncorp Building would make a really nice 5 star hotel. I mean its prime realestate and is close to everything.


Actually, thats a damn fine idea!

Well at least the clock will likely stay, hope they go to town on the rest of it - the full rikki lake makeover:

"We were also keen to retain the Suncorp clock on top of the Plaza building – it's a key Brisbane landmark and a strong visual reminder of our leadership position in Queensland."

The refurbishment of the Plaza building will be undertaken by Gold Coast based project managers Eastview Pty Limited, headed by Graham Goldman.

The clock will stay (along with Suncorp signage)

All these tall buildings are blocking the clock. And I agree the clock is a Brisbane landmark.

nah its in a great position in that its right on the northern edge of the CBD so the clock will never be blocked from the north or north west (handy for ppl who live in that area e.g me ;) ) also u'll always be able to see it from the QSM bus terminal (unless they develop KGS) which is very handy :D

I take it this is the article where this info is coming from: http://www.apr.com.au/publish/article_2161.shtml

"In Brisbane, we will consolidate our existing five sites into two purpose built sites being Brisbane Square which is due for completion next year, and a second 37,000 sqm site by 2011," Mr Johnstone said. Where are the current five sites?

Suncorp Plaza
Suncorp Centre
??

^ good question. possibly the three city branches??????

I take it this is the article where this info is coming from: http://www.apr.com.au/publish/article_2161.shtml

Where are the current five sites?

Suncorp Plaza
Suncorp Centre
??

I think the GIO building on Ann Street is mainly filled with Suncorp.

Is that the circular building with suncorp written on the top.

Also, they planned a Suncorp plaza 2 a while ago. It didn't go ahead but I think it was quite tall. (Over 200m)

The 2 Future Brisbane sites are:

1) Brisbane Square
2) Suncorp Future Building 35000sqm 2010/2011 - RFP's were released around about 5 weeks ago.

The current sites are:

1) Suncorp Plaza
2) Suncorp Centre
3) Various locations in Ann Street and Queen Street

All sites are to be merged to the 2 buildings listed above.

Do you know how tall the future building is?

They have the top few floors of 160 Ann St (they own the building)....

Is that the circular building with suncorp written on the top.

Also, they planned a Suncorp plaza 2 a while ago. It didn't go ahead but I think it was quite tall. (Over 200m)
No thats the big building right next to the current suncorp plaza. Diagonally opposite King George Square.

Do you know how tall the future building is?


No detail on height - just space = 35000sqm.

I think someone else mentioned that vertically it could equal Riparian??

In order for the building to be converted into apartments, the digital clock will have to be restored and the Suncorp Theatre will be restored.

This project is well underway and both towers are Office.

:lol: its so funny when random threads get revived like this.

This project is well underway and both towers are Office.

What do you mean the project's underway?

This (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=351784) is the thread for the new tower and the refurb of the old that was started more recently.

What do you mean the project's underway?

:lol: its almost completed!!

the sides of the building are almost done, and i still think its ugly as hell..

im unsure whether it actually is a improvment.

An uninspiring make-over.

it actually looks alright.. minus the stupid RED line

Mybe the title of this thread should change ;)

It's not too bad, far better than what was there iitially!

The red line, is that the lipstick on the concrete box of a kremlin that this thing was?

The red reminds me of someone flipping the bird ,,|,,

Or some sort of atari game character.

Well instead of whinging about it, I think it's definately a big step forward to what it was before they touched it. It's an improvement any way you look at it.

I would have prefered it to be darker, even black and dark grey/silver with the red details, that way the old brown anodised window framing wouldn't have stood out as much.

Sorry but I think this is a very ordinary renovation. I almost think I prefer the orginal as it has a bit more entegrity than this renovation which at best can be described as cake decorating a facade....

Mutton dressed up as lamb anyone?

red kills it. it looked waaay better before IMO. at least before you could excuse it's poor looks becuase you could tell it was from another era. now it looks totally confused.

Yeah... I thought what's turned out to be their final plan was the equivalent of any undercoat... yuk!

Mutton dressed up as lamb anyone?

Seconded.

horrid. even the clock looks totally out of place now - how cheap is this make over??

How long till they kill the clock using the same excuse as used for the Hitachi weather beacon?

Soon I hope, it's a god-awful thing to look at...

Mmm I think another side of the weather beacon issue was that Brisbane Square had blocked the view of it from the south, so therefore even more ineffective. The clock still dominates the skyline to the northern segment/quarter/whatever so still probably has a part to play, but that block (the mounting for the clock) would look even stupider then the weather beacon now does turned off.

This appears to have been completed. The construction of the adjacent new tower looks well underway, crane up etc.

I actually think it looks great at ground level!

Photos from Sunday 27th Jan 2008.

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/3646/img0306mi1.th.jpg (http://img352.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0306mi1.jpg)http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8914/img0305mm0.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0305mm0.jpg)http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/7034/img0300om3.th.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0300om3.jpg)
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/1996/img0297lk5.th.jpg (http://img352.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0297lk5.jpg)http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/1173/img0302wu3.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0302wu3.jpg)http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5928/img0303hl7.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0303hl7.jpg)
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/8972/img0301st6.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0301st6.jpg)http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7083/img0299ef1.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0299ef1.jpg)http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8914/img0305mm0.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0305mm0.jpg)

This is now completed. To me it looks great at ground level and...well...meh from a distance.

I second that. At ground level this whole refurbishment is really good. Teamed with the new busway entries, and the street inbetween it, this has become quite a Melbourne-esque walkway.