Adaptive reuse in action—revitalising a heritage-listed Brisbane icon

Griffith University Treasury Building Fitout

Griffith University wanted to breathe new life into the heritage-listed Treasury Building at 21 Queen Street in Brisbane’s CBD. Envisioning the building as home to a new city campus, FDC Construction & Fitout (FDC) engaged us as part of the team to create a vibrant hub for education, research, and industry collaboration.

We partnered with FDC to transform the building, combining full refurbishment with major infrastructure upgrades. With a significant part of the building classified as “high significance”, our team drew on our heritage expertise to integrate modern mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and hydraulic systems without compromising the building’s historic character. Close collaboration with the heritage consultant, architect, and other parties was key to helping this landmark retain its identity while meeting contemporary needs.

Our design featured new base-building services alongside fitout works, applying innovative, practical solutions in this sensitive heritage context for this complex, multidisciplinary challenge. We brought together technology-enabled active learning spaces, seminar rooms, and breakout areas with specialist teaching facilities for business, law, and information and communication technology. The campus will also include Griffith College and the Griffith English Language Institute, event and exhibition spaces, academic and professional workplaces, a café, student services, informal learning zones, and end-of-trip facilities.

With a renewed campus that’s expected to welcome more than 7,000 students and 400 employees, the University can balance history with progress while creating spaces that inspire learning and connection.