Queensland's Top 10 Current and Future Tallest Buildings
As Queensland prepares to welcome a population growth of approximately 300,000 by 2041, each city has seen a rise in construction of residential skyscrapers to accommodate the projected population increase.
Here is a list of Queensland's current and future tallest skyscrapers.
#1 ORION TOWERS 328m
Developer: Orion International Group
Architect: Woods Bagot
Completion: 2027
The Woods Bagot-designed Orion Towers are set to become Queensland’s tallest buildings once completed, and likely to also become the tallest dual towers in the southern hemisphere, reaching a staggering 103 storeys. Australia’s tallest restaurant will be situated on level 101 of Tower 2, boasting 360º panoramic views. The development has also been designed to include the third highest helipad in the world, a 165 5-star hotel, a 680 square metre penthouse, a five-level mixed-used retail centre and a lavish recreation deck with five pools. An arched bridge, known as the ‘Curious Ring’ will link the towers and feature an LED matrix screen which will display images – both abstract and informative. The transformational urban renewal project is slated for completion 2027.
#2 Q1 322.5m
Developer: The Sunland Group
Architect: SDG & The Buchan Group
Construction: Sunland Constructions
Completion: 2005
Q1 – formally known as Queensland Number One – is currently the tallest skyscraper in the southern hemisphere and the world’s sixth tallest residential building. The building was designed by SDG & The Buchan Group and was inspired by the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch and Sydney Opera House. Concentric ribbons wrap around the base of the tower, providing an opulent canopy for shade and shelter. 78 levels rise up the tower featuring two lagoon pools, a gymnasium, spa centre, theatre and ballroom. Q1’s sky bar SkyPoint is situated across Level 77 + 78 and can be accessed in just 43 seconds via an elevator. SkyPoint is Australia’s only beachside observation deck which can accommodate 400 guests at one time and has stunning views of Surfers Paradise beach and beyond.
#3 SPIRIT 298m
Developer: Forise Investments
Architect: DBI Design
Completion: 2020
Spirit Tower is slated for completion late 2020 and will reach 89 storeys, making it one of Australia’s tallest luxury, residential buildings. Approval for the structure was granted in 2015, and then again in 2016 after multiple iterations were made as the team arrived at the final design. With a focus on luxury, the tower is set to deliver 479 spacious apartments, as well as three separate recreation decks, high-end retail outlets across three levels and a selection of fine dining cuisine. A rippling, wave-like façade compliments the building’s coastal surroundings and embodies elegant and timeless design.
“We have completed a major civils program to establish the foundations of Spirit and we are looking forward to delivering an iconic, globally recognised apartment tower of distinction to Australia’s premiere beachfront address.”
Forise marketing manager Jason Xiao
#4 BRISBANE SKYTOWER 270m
Developer: Billbergia and AMP Capital
Architect: Bates Smart, NRA, Nettletontribe
Construction: Hutchinson Builders
Completion: 2019
Brisbane’s landmark sky tower topped out last year, with brand new apartments towering 90 stories above the CBD. The BATES SMART-design features a striking equilateral triangle structure, with smooth, rounded edges, to make the most of the stunning views of the river and Botanic Gardens. The sky tower contains Australia’s tallest infinity pool, wellness spa and Skyrise Lounge for residents to entertain guests, as well as 1138 luxury apartments.
#5 1 WILLIAM STREET 260m
Developer: Meriton Group
Architect: Woods Bagot
Construction: Multiplex
Completion: 2013
A glimmering riverfront structure surrounded by towering glass panels and a chamfered crown was a welcome addition to the Brisbane city skyline in 2013. The Woods Bagot-designed tower features sculptural interiors including curved walls and balustrades; generous light-filled lounge areas; and luxurious timber and marble accents. The development has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Office As Built v3 rating and 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.
#6 OCEAN TOWER 252m
Developer: Meriton Group
Architect: SJB
Construction: Meriton - Karimbla Constructions
Completion: 2022
A brand new addition to Surfers Paradise, Ocean Tower by Meriton is set to be delivered by 2022. The 74-floor glass tower has been designed by SJB and will feature 262 apartments and 446 luxury 5-star hotel suites. The beachfront location will prove popular with buyers, providing luxury and convenience in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Each apartment features the finest quality appliances and fittings, from SMEG to Caesarstone – no expense has been spared.
#7 INFINITY TOWER 249m
Developer: Meriton Group
Architect: BDM Architects
Construction: Meriton
Completion: 2013
Rising up 81 levels of Infinity Tower are 549 apartments situated right in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The tower features a unique vertical and horizontal line detailing, giving the building a strong point of difference (aside from its impressive height) within the city skyline. The building’s cylindrical form also gives each apartment exceptional panoramic city views.
#8 SOLEIL 243m
Developer: Meriton Group
Architect: DBI Design
Construction: Meriton
Completion: 2011
The slender building is situated on a 1,500 square metre site on Adelaide Street in Brisbane. During the construction phase, the site was required to undergo significant excavation to house 10 levels of underground carparks, followed by 74 residential levels including 464 apartments. The DBI Architects-designed tower features an indoor heated pool and spa, gym and sauna, retail stores and cafes.
#9 SOUL 242.6m
Developer: Juniper Group
Architect: DBI Design
Construction: Grocon
Completed: 2012
The DBI-designed tower sold Australia’s most expensive penthouse apartment for $16 million back in 2012, with regular apartments selling at $16.4k per square metre, making them the highest priced units in the Gold Coast during this period. The tower includes 288 apartments across 77 floors and 5,700 square metres of retail space. At Soul’s summit, is a collection of cascading thin structural beams, creating a striking 2D effect and striking aesthetic.
#10 CIRCLE ON CAVILL 158m
Developer: Sunland Group
Architect: Sunland Group
Construction: Sunland
Completion: 2007
The Sunland Group development Circle on Cavil comprises of a South Tower (48 levels) and a North Tower (68 levels) and features a collection of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. Circle on Cavill encompasses the resort-style lifestyle of Surfers Paradise, with three luxury pools, sun terrace and open-air piazza designed to accommodate picnics, public gatherings, entertainment and sporting events. The development also includes a major shopping centre, providing convenience to residents, as well as the broader community.
The name of the tower pays homage to an iconic Brisbane hotelier James Cavill, who built the famous Surfers Paradise Hotel back in 1925 which housed soldiers during World War II.
