Fortitude Music Hall opens in Brisbane

Brisbane’s newest music venue, the 3000-person-capacity Fortitude Music Hall, has been opened, filling a void for mid-sized music venue in the Queensland capital that has existed since the demolition of the Festival Hall in 2004.

The new dedicated music performance space has been developed by Hutchinson Builders Chairman Scott Hutchinson, former Powderfinger bassist John ‘JC’ Collins and Splendour in the Grass Promoter Paul Piticco.

Built at a cost of $43 million, the new venue references Brisbane’s strong history of art deco architecture while offering the latest entertainment technology and fan orientated design featuring a grand box-office area that flows into a large foyer that features a long bar illuminated by white crystal lighting.

Beyond the foyer is the main auditorium, which is being billed as the largest ballroom-theatre-styled space in Australia. Retractable curtains allow a second level to be blocked off, creating more intimate 1800-person shows on the main floor. There’s also a pair of giant chandeliers that can be lowered or raised, depending on the event. Upstairs on the mezzanine, sections have been tiered to create multiple sightlines, allowing punters to see the stage from any aspect.

Commenting on the project, Collins advises “I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity by my partners to design and construct this wonderful building (so) thanks to Scott for putting his wallet where his mouth is.

“As much as it’s about music (the venue can also host) a gala event, a dinner, a show, a comedy, a forum event, a podcast - we want the place to be used for a variety of purposes.”

At the back is a second venue called the Outpost, which fits 300 people and pays tribute to the Ann Street venue where Collins played his first gig at the age of 16.

Piticco adds “for a lot of young musicians and bands in the city, this may be the first place they play.

“It gives them something to aspire to. They become part of the culture of the venue and hopefully years later fill the main room.”

Situated in the heart of Brisbane’s Brunswick Street Mall, the venue also offers five bars.

Images of the Fortitude Music Hall courtesy of Morgan Roberts.