Brisbane's Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct is set for a massive boost with the newly-announced 312 Brunswick project that will transform the area's nightlife.
312 Brunswick is being spearheaded by a private entity made up of Scott Hutchinson of Hutchinson Builders and the co-owners/ operators of The Triffid, Paul Piticco and ex-Powderfinger bassist John 'JC' Collins.
The proposed design for the $40 million redevelopment totals 2,500m² and includes 3,300 capacity performance space for live music, theatre and other events, as well as 1,000 m² of retail, food and beverage outlets.
As well as being the Chairman for Hutchinson, Scott is also an avid supporter of live music and is a patron of Q Music, the people behind the annual BIGSOUND conference.
Scott HutchisonScott says the 312 Brunswick project will rejuvenate Brisbane's live music and entertainment landscape. “There's a hole that was left when Festival Hall got knocked down and I've been trying to fill that hole ever since,” Scott says.
Situated opposite the TCB Building and beside McWhirters in the Brunswick St Mall, 312 Brunswick Street was originally built in 1957 as a Coles supermarket and until recently was the Optus Centre.
The selected site takes up prime position on the Brunswick Street Mall, with Scott saying a central location was vital to the overall success and longevity of the project. “That's where Brisbane needs it,” he says.
“We don't need more venues on the outskirts, we need venues in the middle where there's trains and other transport. It's also where people have wonderful options before and after the show.”
The Triffid, which is operated by Paul Piticco and John 'JC' CollinsSeeing the Fortitude Valley as a unique ecosystem, Scott says 312 Brunswick will be 'the big fish' around which smaller venues and other operators (such as bars and restaurants) can gather and feed from the flow-on effects of increased audiences and foot traffic in the area.
“Long term for our nightlife in Brisbane, it anchors the Valley as the place to go and also props up the small venues around that,” he says.
“That's the thing; it doesn't compete with the small venues, it adds to their value. It keeps that unique cluster of venues in Fortitude Valley alive and well, and lets them continue.”
With Scott as landlord, the venue will be operated by the skilled partnership of JC and Paul Piticco who currently run The Triffid (Paul also runs Secret Sounds, which organises Splendour In The Grass and Falls Festivals). “For me personally it's a great opportunity to deliver something brilliant and fantastic for a generation of young music fans,” JC says.
John 'JC' Collins“Hopefully I can bring my experience at The Triffid to the venture and work to make it a good venue.”
In terms of the potential benefits 312 Brunswick could provide to the Valley and Brisbane in general as a premier entertainment precinct, JC says the project has long-term goals of activating a 'mid-week culture' for the area rather than just on Friday and Saturday nights.
“If we've got shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights it's going to help the Brunswick Street Mall situation, and bars and restaurants can have big nights mid-week instead of just being a Friday-Saturday night culture.
“I think that's a really good thing for Brisbane.”
