Redefining the arrival experience at 400 George Street

At Cromwell, we believe that strategic asset management goes beyond maintaining properties, it’s about anticipating market shifts, understanding tenant expectations, and making targeted investments that enhance long-term value. The transformation of the lobby at 400 George Street exemplifies this approach in action.

Working alongside Shape Australia, Woods Bagot and ADP, we’re proud to deliver a new and refreshed arrival experience at 400 George Street.

Designed to set a new benchmark, the transformation enhances the building’s position as a premium workplace destination. The upgraded lobby complements the building’s existing premium amenities and reflects evolving workplace trends, with a strong focus on wellness, sustainability and connectivity.

A Design-Led response to evolving workplace trends

The redesigned lobby sets a new benchmark for premium workplace destinations, reflecting how the best commercial spaces now compete. Today’s tenants expect more than efficient floorplates—they’re seeking environments that support wellness, sustainability, and connectivity from the moment they walk through the door.

The transformation delivers on these expectations through several key features:

A new street-facing entryway and feature internal staircase that improve flow and create a stronger connection to the surrounding precinct
Flexible lobby zones designed for both informal collaboration and formal meetings, recognising that work now happens throughout the building—not just at desks
Increased natural light and integrated greenery that enhance occupant wellbeing and bring biophilic design principles into the everyday experience
Talwalpin durenma dutta, a newly-commissioned public artwork by Sonja Carmichael, curated and fabricated by UAP, adding cultural depth and a distinctive sense of place

These elements complement the building’s existing premium amenities while signalling a clear commitment to ongoing investment in the asset.

Karla Bowdler, General Manager at 400 George Street oversaw the delivery of the project. The upgrade positions 400 George Street as a highly competitive destination within Brisbane’s thriving North Quarter.

We’ve focused on creating an environment that supports contemporary ways of working, enhances functionality and delivers an elevated experience for tenants.

Karla Bowdler, General Manager at 400 George Street

Navigating complexity, delivering results

Upgrading a landmark building in a busy CBD environment presents real challenges. The project team successfully navigated a number of challenges, including delivery within a live and busy environment, tenant impacts, and the careful management to minimise disruption to daily operations.

Thanks to collaboration from the wider team including:

Landscape Design – Urbis
Façade Engineering – Greg Killen Consulting Engineers
Certifier – Steve Watson & Partners
Signage & Wayfinding – Extrablack

What’s next

The revitalised lobby is just one part of our continued investment in 400 George Street. We’re excited to announce that a new food and beverage offering will also be added, further enriching the tenant and visitor experience.

Strategic asset management means making decisions today that strengthen an asset’s position for years to come. At 400 George Street, we’re proud to be doing exactly that.

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Post update: The repositioning of 400 George Street continues to generate value, with repositioning works and leasing activity underpinning a $98 million valuation uplift to $450 million at 30 June 2026.

Discover the story

Created by Sonja Carmichael and curated and fabricated by UAP, Talwalpin durenma dutta, 2026 (Hibiscus tilliaceus cotton tree grows strong) contributes a unique cultural narrative to 400 George Street. The artwork deepens the connection between people and place, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for visitors.

The project reflects the collaboration and dedication of many contributors. Cromwell extends its thanks to Sonja Carmichael, UAP, our project partners and internal teams for helping bring this significant artwork to life.

Photo credit: Rachel See, Courtesy of UAP | Urban Art Projects

Learn about the commission Celebrating with project partners