BALANCING ACT

We live in a time of information overload, a time when it seems there are equally plausible arguments to both sides of any debate. Most people, however, agree on one point Earth's natural resources are becoming depleted and it's time to do something about it.

While we may be slow to let go of the great Australian dream of a quarter-acre suburban block for every family, our attitudes towards urban living are changing, says Andrew Borger, executive director for Leighton Properties.

"As more and more of the day is taken up with travelling to and from work, a greater number of people are looking for a way in which to achieve the perfect balance between their work and home lives."

"We believe the answer is Hamilton Harbour a purpose-designed development that combines residential living with commercial and retail space."

Situated in the riverside precinct of Hamilton, the development a joint venture between Leighton Properties and Devine Limited will comprise over 400 residential apartments across two multi-unit dwellings, and two commercial office buildings totalling more than 30,000m² of office and retail space, as well as a 1000m² public park.

"It is this level of residential and commercial mix that sets Hamilton Harbour apart," says Borger. "The development's first commercial building KSD1 is set to challenge the view of what a work environment can be and create a new kind of business platform unrivalled in Brisbane.""Coupled with Hamilton's strategic position and connectivity to the CBD, airport and port, and the precinct's commitment to sustainability Hamilton Harbour is where business and lifestyle unite."

Along with office space, KSD1 will feature a range of retail showrooms, restaurants and cafes, a gymnasium and childcare facilities, all designed to be incentives for residents to work within Hamilton Harbour as well, creating a true modern-day take on community living.

Harbour One is the development's first residential building and is designed to be a landmark building within the precinct, says Borger.

"Hamilton Harbour's residential tower will offer superior views across the river and down towards the Royal Queensland golf course. Despite this lofty testimonial, at the core of Harbour One is a street life of boutiques and bars conceived as a link to a village lifestyle, where residents will meet neighbours and friends to enjoy a European-style social life with the benefits of Brisbane's subtropical climate."

For those people who enjoy more urban elements in their lifestyle, Leighton Properties is also developing HQ, in the heart of Fortitude Valley, Brisbane's renowned inner-city music mecca, Borger says.

"HQ embraces the emerging ethos of commercial building design, giving high priority to the environment and people. The design and construction of HQ incorporates world-leading environmentally sustainable initiatives such as floor plans that maximise natural light and facade systems that allow natural ventilation along with solar gain."

"Leighton Properties is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia and was the developer of the multi-award winning Green Square. This was the first project in Queensland to receive a 5-Star Green Star rating, and Green Square North Tower became the first building in the state to achieve a 6-Star Green Star-Office Design v2 rating. Since then, Green Square has been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency's award for Sustainability in a Built Environment. With HQ, Leighton Properties is aiming to raise the bar yet again."

Recognising Fortitude Valley as an area capable of significant growth, the Brisbane City Council has turned to proven developer Leighton Properties to establish a strong sense of loyalty within the growing residential populace of the precinct.

"HQ is poised to become an iconic symbol of the valley area, offering locals and visitors alike a contemporary, urban character," says Borger. "Two towers will offer more than 42,000m² of commercial and retail space, combining business with leisure. Together with its enviable location, HQ will be the linchpin in Queensland's entertainment capital."

For more information on Hamilton Harbour or HQ, contact Andrew Borger at Leighton Properties (Qld), Level 11, 1 Eagle St, Brisbane, Qld 4001, phone (07) 3370 4700, or visit the development websites Hamilton Harbour: www.hamiltonharbour.com.au; HQ: www.hqbrisbane.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas