Midtown Centre
A major CBD redevelopment integrating two existing towers into a unified, high-performance commercial building.
Client:
AsheMorgan • DMC Projects
Location:
155 Charlotte Street and 150 Mary Street, Brisbane QLD
Status:
Completed
Sector:
Commercial
Services:
Photo Credit:
FK Australia
Overview
Transforming Two Commercial Towers into a Unified A-Grade Workplace
Midtown Centre is a landmark commercial redevelopment in Brisbane’s CBD, transforming two former 1970s government office towers into a single, unified 26-storey A-grade commercial tower.
The project increased gross floor area from approximately 26,650 square metres to 44,000 square metres, delivering a significantly expanded workplace underpinned by sustainability and design performance.
Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the redevelopment integrates heritage elements, including restoration of the Charlotte Street façade, while introducing a new commercial tower and enhanced streetscape connections. The project includes a flagship retail precinct, upgraded food court, and a three-storey lobby serving both the tower and 5,200 square metres of office space within the podium.
Direct connections between the existing towers were established, including infill floor plates and additional levels, creating a single, cohesive building. The development was designed to meet 5-Star Green Star requirements, combining modern office amenity with environmental performance targets.
Our Role
Mechanical and Electrical Design Across a Complex Base Building Redevelopment
BSE provided electrical, mechanical, and communications design across all stages of the project, from demolition advice through to detailed design and construction documentation.
Our role included advising on demolition strategies to support material reuse and reduce waste, alongside the delivery of building services solutions for the combined structure.
Key mechanical design elements included the use of Kingspan ductwork, low-temperature VAV systems, and swirl diffusers. These approaches supported increased ceiling heights for tenants while maintaining system performance and aligning with project sustainability targets.
Outcomes
A Redeveloped Commercial Tower Balancing Heritage, Performance, and Usability
The redevelopment delivers a unified A-grade commercial tower that combines heritage restoration with modern, adaptable office space.
Building services design contributed to increased floor-to-ceiling heights and improved spatial quality for tenants, achieved through coordinated mechanical system design and planning.
The project supports contemporary workplace requirements while responding to the constraints of an existing structure, resulting in a functional and flexible commercial environment.
Midtown Centre has been recognised with multiple industry awards, including:
- Property Council of Australia (PCA) Best Sustainable Development Award 2023 (National)
- Property Council of Australia (PCA) Queensland Development of the Year Award 2023
- Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) National Award for Urban Renewal 2023
- Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s “Brisbane Buildings that Breathe Architecture Prize” 2022 (Australian Institute of Architects Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards)
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