Brisbane’s HIT105 and Triple M are moving premises.

Preparations have begun for a 12 month plan to move the SCA studios from North Quay to The Barracks.

In 12 months, Southern Cross Austereo Brisbane, parent to the two stations which collectively command 1 million listeners in Brisbane every week, will leave its longtime headquarters at North Quay, and relocate to Level 4 at The Barracks, in a 10-year lease deal with options.
 
It will be one of the biggest and most technical relocations in radio history in Australia.

Two fully operational and broadcasting radio stations will relocate – some 125 team members – with no break in transmission, while behind-the-scenes the company will have created a cutting-edge, future-proofed new headquarters with direct input from every employee; building a workplace of and for the future.
 
Under the direction of SCA General Manager Damon Rielly,  the 2,150sqm space at The Barracks will be completely redesigned and custom-fitted by a team of local specialists, with direct involvement of all SCA Brisbane employees a top priority.
 
“All staff have had a voice in the design plan for the new headquarters, channelled through a Design Team with representatives from every function across the company. It is important to SCA as a leading employer that our staff are immersed in the process, from initial designs through to the final move and beyond,” he said.
 
“In putting together the design and construct team for this project, we committed to working with Brisbane-based specialists, because we have the best in the country right here,” said Rielly. “Both stations are indelibly inked into the DNA of Brisbane, and it makes sense to keep this project local as well. As a result, we are delighted that we will be working with Jane McConnell Interior Design, and the well-respected local commercial fitout, refurbishment and construction specialist Mettle Projects to deliver the new space.”
 
“Jane McConnell Interior Design is a specialist in designing workplaces that focus on the inclusivity of people. It’s important that the Queensland headquarters reflect our values as an employer, and our core brands in HIT105 and Triple M. We are thrilled that she will be driving the design. Jane has spent considerable time on the floor at both stations, observing how the workplace functions, and in focus groups with our teams to learn more about their needs, and their ideas.”
 
Jane McConnell says the result will be a high-quality workplace and broadcasting studio environment that promotes functionality, collaboration and brand projection through a contemporary design.  “After spending time on the floor, and in consultation with the Design Team, SCA’s the home will feature multiple informal meeting spaces, collaborative and innovative areas alongside team tables, quiet working zones and private contemplative zones, highly technical studio spaces and state of the art IT. SCA is a shining example of a modern, progressive and technologically advanced company of tomorrow, and the design for their new headquarters will reflect and celebrate this, she said.
 
The Brisbane based Mettle Projects under the leadership of Managing Director Marc Kenney, will complete the build. “The works to the new Barracks site will involve the construction of new studios, broadcasting and workspace areas with a heavy technology overlay.  Mettle are well versed in high-end workspaces, having completed a number of notable landmark projects throughout Brisbane including the Valley Heart Refurbishment at the TC Bierne Building in Fortitude Valley which houses The Precinct, a State Government lead start-up and innovation hub, the construction of a new City Beach HQ across three levels in the Brisbane CBD, and creating a modernised expanded space over two levels for the CBRE Head Office.”
 
With the lease now signed, planning is well underway for the commencement of construction and fitout on December 1. Rielly expects the move to take place in June 2019.
 
“Southern Cross Austereo has called North Quay home since September 2000, and the space has certainly been brilliant, however our requirements have changed as our team has expanded and our platforms have increased. The company now reaches 95 per cent of the Austalian population through our radio, television and digital assets, which means we need cutting edge technology, and areas for content creation and staff development,” said Rielly.
 
“The space at The Barracks represents arguably the best in the city – it overlooks greater Brisbane, meaning our radio teams can look at the city they are talking to. It is also at the entrance to Caxton Street and Suncorp Stadium, and when Brisbane Live is realised, it will be the pre-eminent  entertainment precinct in Brisbane. As SCA strives to be Australia’s preferred entertainment company, it’s the perfect place for us to call home.”