[9] The modernist office building is located in the Brisbane CBD, and in close proximity to the neighbouring Parliament House.

Buildings occupied the area as early as 1854 and it was used for a variety of functions including; manufacturing, warehousing, shipping, housing, and electricity generation.

The site encompasses a whole city block between William, Alice and Margaret streets and Riverside Expressway.

Remnants of 1850s buildings are visible above the current ground level and it is likely that significant sub-surface fabric survives.

[20] The groundbreaking of the site, attended by Treasurer Tim Nicholls and Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney, was held on 4 March 2013.

[21] From 1 October 2016, nine full departments and agencies, all state government ministers, most Directors-General and more than 5,000 public servants moved to 1 William Street.