Construction is quickly progressing at the site of Brisbane's newest premier live music venue, The Fortitude Music Hall.
Located in Brunswick Street Mall in the heart of Brisbane's foremost music destination Fortitude Valley, the project has been spearheaded by key players in the Australian music industry John 'JC' Collins (Powderfinger, owner of The Triffid) and Paul Piticco (co-founder of Secret Sounds) along with Scott Hutchinson, the Chairman of Hutchinson Builders.
The Fortitude Music Hall is a truly visionary entertainment precinct for the city of Brisbane, and in time will deliver additional food and beverage venues and a function space, an important centrepiece of the masterplan.
The 3,300 capacity venue will be a multi-purpose arts and performance facility showcasing state-of-the-art production, and will also include a mixed retail and special events space.
The concept first started when Scott Hutchinson of Hutchinson Builders, Australia’s biggest private construction company, purchased a large commercial building in the heart of the Brunswick Street Mall.
Seeing the Fortitude Valley as a unique ecosystem, Scott says The Fortitude Music Hall 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,” Scott stated in an interview with Scenestr last year when the project was first announced.
“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.”
Scott Hutchinson
As well as taking up a vital position as a lynchpin for the bustling live music scene in Brisbane, the Fortitude Music Hall will also pay homage to the city's rich musical heritage.
Commenting on design, JC said: “We drew inspiration from all the beautiful Art Deco theatres and venues that existed in Brisbane and were torn down in the 80s.”
To truly secure world-class events and promotion for the new venue, the team have announced that Live Nation has signed on as a principal partner in the project.
“It’s always been our dream and mission to build a venue that fills the void left by Festival Hall and we are proud of the vision we’ve created for The Fortitude Music Hall,” JC says.
“The masterplan is well and truly rolling out for a venue and space that will enhance the area and one that the community will enjoy and benefit from for many years to come. We are doing this for Brisbane!”
Paul Piticco adds: “The support we’ve received from the Brisbane community and the music community nationally has been incredible. We are focused on delivering a very special space for artists, industry and fans alike. Over time we hope The Fortitude Music Hall can become as iconic as Festival Hall was.”
JC concluded saying: “Thanks to everyone in the community for your continued interest and support for our project, it’s going to be a great addition to the local and national music scene and we can’t wait to officially open The Fortitude Music Hall next year.”
