It forms an integral part of the design by John Smith Murdoch, Chief Architect of the Commonwealth, for the block bounded by Edward, Ann, Creek and Adelaide Streets and consisting of separate state and federal government offices flanking a memorial square.

Around 1910 it was investigating a proposal to create a square in front of the Central Railway Station that would serve as a fitting entrance to the city.

A committee was formed in 1919 by Lt Col Donald Charles Cameron to lobby for the creation of a commemorative square that would occupy the entire block.

In 1921 the Commonwealth Standing Committee on Public Works decided to erect a National War Memorial as part of the redevelopment of the block.

This scheme, featuring a semicircular drive with triangular planned offices in the northern and western corners of the site, was sent to the federal government for consideration.

[1] Murdoch subsequently sent three alternative designs to the Brisbane City Council and the State Public Works Department.

[1] By 1928 land in the centre of the block, with frontages to Ann and Adelaide Streets of 228 feet (69 m), was dedicated for the purpose of public park under the control of Brisbane City Council.

A national competition held in 1928 to design the Anzac memorial and square was won by Sydney architects Buchanan and Cowper.

The site was excavated at the corner of Edward and Adelaide Streets in preparation for the first stage of construction of the new Queensland Government Offices; Units 1 and 2.

Despite a pressing need for office accommodation, work was stopped due to war induced shortages of materials, especially steel.

The Queensland Government Offices underwent a major refurbishment in the early 1980s when many of the original interior fittings, including the timber paneling and flooring, were removed or concealed.

In the mid 1980s raised walkways were constructed across Anzac Square which partly obscure the view of the adjoining facade of the Queensland Government Offices.

Situated at the south western end of the block bounded by Ann, Edward, Adelaide and Creek Streets, the building forms an integral part of a design which includes a memorial square and offices for the Commonwealth Government.

It is supported on metal tie rods and has pressed decoration including a coffered ceiling, rosettes and acanthus leaf friezes.

The arcade has mosaic tiled floor with patterned border, a coffered plaster ceiling and timber and glass shop fronts.

Double timber doors, positioned below the recesses between each unit, open onto long corridors leading to small lift foyers.

[1] A vehicle entrance with ornamental cast iron gates is located on the ground level of the Adelaide Street facade.

The main foyer space in the building is on the northern side of the vehicular access and features a grand staircase leading to the first floor level.

Original shop fronts have plate glass windows with copper clad glazing bars and timber panelling.

This entrance is faced in smooth sandstone and its simplified modern design, without mouldings or banding, contrasts with the external finishes of the remainder of the building.

The building is an integral part of a larger design, the conception and execution of which involved the cooperative efforts of three tiers of government.

Its long period of construction demonstrates the commitment of successive state governments to the completion of an ambitious and unified undertaking.

The architecture of this group demonstrates the formality and solemnity deemed necessary to commemorate the sacrifice of Australian soldiers in war.

The building, through its restrained style, imposing bulk, symmetrical composition and judicious use of classical detail, is consistent with and contributes to the aesthetic qualities of Anzac square and the Commonwealth Government Offices.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.