A development application has been submitted by Goldfields for a 15-storey commercial office building at 88 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley.
Designed by COX Architecture, the project proposes 16,000 square metres of A-Grade office space, a rooftop restaurant, a ground-floor café, and end-of-trip facilities. The development is located within the James Street precinct, an area known for its mix of retail, dining, and urban developments.
COX Architecture describes the design as aiming to “combine the elements of human scale and a tactile experience into a commercial architecture of an office tower, a feature often absent in such contexts.”
The design introduces a double-height vaulted laneway at the ground level to encourage pedestrian interaction and establish a connection to future cross-block links. The podium uses brickwork, cascading planters, and articulated edges to provide warmth and character to the streetscape while reflecting the James Street precinct’s distinct aesthetic.
The tower itself is articulated into four distinct vertical forms, using recesses and integrated planters to reduce visual bulk while promoting natural ventilation. Operable facades and outdoor spaces further enhance connections to the subtropical climate. The rooftop hosts a premium restaurant, integrating an operable roof and landscaped arbour with panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline.
Goldfields acquired the 2,002-square-metre site, previously occupied by KC Dry Cleaning, in 2024 for $17.1 million. Located 650 metres from Valley Metro station and two kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, the project capitalises on its proximity to public transport and urban infrastructure.
Goldfields’ CEO Lachlan Thompson has noted that Brisbane’s office market benefits from strong rental growth, low vacancy rates, and increasing demand driven by interstate migration. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to commence in September 2025, with completion anticipated by October 2027.
Office vacancy rates in Brisbane’s CBD fringe remain below 10 percent, highlighting the demand for additional commercial spaces. The proposed development at 88 Robertson Street would provide new office capacity to meet this growing need in this particular in-demand locality.
Project rundown
| Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
|---|---|
| Address: | 88 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley |
| Development Type: | 15-storey commercial office building with rooftop restaurant |
| Site Area: | Approximately 2,500m² |
| Height: | 15 storeys / approximately 54.5 metres |
| Car Spaces: | 44 spaces, including visitor parking |
| Bike Spaces: | 138 spaces with state-of-the-art End of Trip facilities (lockers, showers) |
| Retail / Commercial: | Ground-level café and food precinct; premium rooftop restaurant with panoramic views |
| Design Features: | – Vertical greenery – Operable facades for natural ventilation – Angled brickwork planters – Vaulted laneway with pedestrian connections – Rooftop dining with operable roof |
| Recreational Features: | Landscaped rooftop restaurant with a 386m² dining space, 277m² terrace, and a private dining room of 42m² |
| Developer: | Goldfields |
| Architect: | COX Architecture |
| Sustainability: | – The building integrates vertical greenery and cascading planters along the podium and tower facades, reducing the heat island effect and enhancing the connection to nature. – Elevated gardens are incorporated at various levels, promoting biodiversity and providing tranquil spaces for occupants. – A 55,000-litre rainwater tank in the basement will be used for irrigating landscaping, minimising the use of potable water. – Solar panels on the rooftop will generate renewable energy, reducing the building’s reliance on the grid and lowering operational emissions. – Passive design strategies, combined with efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances, aim to reduce overall energy consumption. – Shading devices, including vertical and horizontal aluminium sunshades, enhance thermal performance and reduce cooling demand. – The project includes 138 secure bicycle parking spaces, 194 lockers, and high-quality end-of-trip facilities to support sustainable transport options. – The development targets a 5.5-star NABERS rating and a 5-star Green Star certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. – Natural ventilation is achieved through operable facades and winter rooms, reducing the reliance on mechanical systems. |
| DA Assessment: | Code Assessable |
| DA Link | A006677589 |
Goldfields is a Melbourne-based developer with a portfolio of projects predominantly located in Victoria. Recently, the company has begun expanding its footprint in Queensland, acquiring the 2,002-square-metre site at 88 Robertson Street in 2024 for $17.1 million. This commercial office development reflects Goldfields’ continued diversification into new markets and sectors, aligning with its broader strategy to establish a presence in Brisbane.
Loading ...
I’m curious to find out where the laneway leads to? The back of a building on Berwick Street?
Arbours with vine. look how perfect the one at southbanks is with bougainvillea
please do not allow this. This street is mostly lowrise apartments and already congested. and has a suburban feel. Keep the towers for the other end of the valley!