Key players in the Australian music scene including John ‘JC’ Collins (former member of Powderfinger/owner of Brisbane venue The Triffid), Paul Piticco Co-Founder of Secret Sounds, along with Scott Huchinson, Chairman of Queensland based Hutchinson Builders and Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, have come together to launch a world-class, live music venue – The Fortitude Music Hall. Set to become Brisbane’s premier live music destination; the 3,300 capacity venue will also include a mixed retail and special events space.
Located in Brunswick Street Mall in the heart of Fortitude Valley – Brisbane’s foremost music destination – the venue will showcase incredible state-of-the-art production while paying homage to the iconic Brisbane venue Festival Hall, which occupied the space between 1959 and 2003.
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 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. Hutchinson joined forces with Paul Piticco and JC
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.”
Today at the rapidly progressing construction site, executives gave a tour and detailed plans, including architectural designs for the hugely anticipated venue. Appointing award-winning Queensland architect, Andrew Gutteridge from Arkhefield, the designs of the front façade illustrate a modern twist on Art Deco style, reminiscent of Brisbane’s classic theatre venues through the ages.
to maintain Fortitude Valley’s position as a must-stop destination for local and international touring artists and an entertainment hub for locals.torealise the new venture. To truly secure world-class events and promotion for the new venue, today the team announced 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. 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!” said JC.
Paul Piticco, of Secret Sounds, said: “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.”
Commenting on this, JC said: “Live Nation own and operate some of the best live music venues in Australia and all over the world. From the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, to the House of Blues venues across the United States and venues such as the iconic Brixton Academy in London, Live Nation’s experience is unparalleled. We felt incredibly inspired by the Philadelphia Fillmore, and not just due to its similar dimensions and size to the building we have here in Brunswick Street, but the way it honours the historic traditions for music halls and local musical heritage, which is our aim too.”
Roger Field, CEO of Live Nation Australasia said: "The Fortitude Music Hall is set to be an industry-leading venue not just in Brisbane, but in Australia. The 3,300 person capacity will fill a gap in the market and will ensure that Brisbane and the Valley continue to attract the highest calibre of performers while giving local audiences even more live experiences to enjoy."
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.”
