Fortitude Valley State Secondary College is the first school to open in inner-city Brisbane in over 50 years.

This innovative educational facility embraces its urban surroundings and utilises the subtropical climate, fostering a vibrant learning environment that engages with the local community.

Designed by Cox Architecture, with Thomson Adsett delivering the final architectural design, the school features a blend of traditional classrooms and contemporary collaborative and workshop spaces spread across multiple levels. BG&E provided comprehensive civil, structural, flood, and traffic engineering services. The early works, valued at $81 million, facilitated the integration of flood modelling with civil and structural designs, ensuring a seamless approach to the project. Constructed by Hutchinson Builders, the project was completed ahead of the initial schedule, showcasing exceptional project management and execution.

The sports centre, part of a broader $98.7 million redevelopment, further extends the innovative design. BG&E provided construction engineering services, including managing the structural design for a 23 metre concrete floor spans over twin basketball courts. The proximity to a rail line required careful consideration of rail impact loads and partial collapse criteria, with the entire structure built using precast elements.

BG&E’s scope also covered the erection sequencing of precast components to assess their strength at various stages and the design of all temporary works to ensure stability. The team produced 4D-rendered animations, aiding communication of the construction sequence to on-site trades.

Bruce Street, Principal Buildings – QLD said

“We enjoyed working on the college and it’s exciting to now be involved in the Sports Centre. I’m proud of the opportunities that the centre will provide to surrounding communities.”