The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is gearing up to transition into the Queensland Fire Department in June 2024 and will relocate to a new headquarters in Albion in 2025.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, the new headquarters will consolidate more than 500 Queensland Fire Department (QFD) state-level executives and corporate staff, currently spread across four locations including Kedron, Albion, and Brisbane City. This strategic consolidation aims to foster greater efficiency, collaboration, and return on investment, ensuring that the QFD is positioned for future success.
This site is located at the former TAB building, now known as Hudson Common, along 240 Sandgate Road in Albion. This move signifies a fresh chapter for the department and promises a significant economic boost and urban renewal for the Albion community.
The decision to relocate responds to various internal and external reviews, including the Inspector General Emergency Management review and the necessity of accommodating organizational growth and improving operational efficiency.
Architectural and Environmental Vision
The Hudson Common building, undergoing extensive refurbishment by Alceon Queensland with Nettleton Tribe as project architects and Graystone as the construction contractor, is set to become a contemporary, 5-Star NABERS energy-rated green space. This transformation underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability and marks a significant upgrade from its original 1970s architecture.
The project is part of a broader vision for urban renewal in Albion, aligning with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure developments.
Economic and Community Impact
The move is anticipated to inject a new lease of life into the Albion area, providing a massive economic boost and enhancing service delivery to the community. Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd highlighted the significance of this move for both the QFD and the Albion community, noting the benefits of bringing over 500 personnel together in this vibrant location.
The development is seen as a key component of Albion’s urban renewal, promising to modernise the area and support its growth as a bustling community hub. It represents a significant investment in Brisbane’s social infrastructure, reflecting confidence in the region’s growth and the demand for high-quality, sustainable office spaces in suburban locations.
The comprehensive plan aims to establish a new focal point for Albion, contributing to its evolution as a critical urban precinct in Brisbane.
Published 18-March-2024