Freight Rail, Workforce, Certification & Training

New digs for Aurizon

Aurizon's new headquarters to open in 2018. Graphic: Google / Aurizon

Aurizon will move out of Brisbane’s city centre to a new building in Fortitude Valley in 2018.

Chief executive Lance Hockridge said on Monday the rail operator would move to 900 Ann Street, where construction will start on a new, custom-built 19,000m2 office tower in March 2016.

While the new office will be just a 10 minute drive up the road from Aurizon’s existing headquarters on Eagle Street, the new dedicated building will represent a much needed upgrade, Hockridge explained.

“We [need] to create competitive advantage as an employer of choice with a built environment that supported our drive to greater diversity, inclusiveness and collaboration across our workforce,” he said.

The 15-level tower, of which Aurizon will be the only resident, was designed by architect John Wardle and will be built by Hutchison Builders, according to a Fairfax report.

The new building will include a large conference centre. For employees the operator will offer a mezzanine foyer with coffee shop, ‘end-of-trip’ facilities (shower, locker rooms and bicycle parking), and easy access to transportation.

“We want to attract the best talent and nurture a high-performance culture that inspires collaboration, innovation and efficiency,” Hockridge said.

“The location provides a range of benefits for the company and our employees including excellent surrounding amenity, first class facilities, proximity to public transport and major transport networks, and accessibility to our major customers.”

More than just an improved facility, Hockridge said the move for a new building came at the right time in the market.

“The current market offered a fantastic opportunity for Aurizon to create a bespoke property that delivers benefits across all dimensions – cost and efficiency; environmental footprint; and a collaborative, flexible workspace,” he said.