120 years of Brisbane market history brought to life at Heritage Lanes

Mirvac and M&G Real Estate are celebrating 120 years since the Brisbane Fruit & Produce Exchange opened on the site of Heritage Lanes in 1906, unveiling a new digital artwork bringing the precinct’s rich trading history to life for a new generation.

The anniversary recognises the evolution of the site from a major centre of Brisbane’s produce trade to the contemporary Heritage Lanes precinct at 80 Ann Street. The former Exchange is the only surviving building from Brisbane’s former CBD Markets precinct and is recognised as a local heritage place for its historical, rarity and representative values.

As manager of Heritage Lanes, which it co-owns with M&G Real Estate, Mirvac has sought to preserve the character and stories of the former Exchange while creating a contemporary workplace and destination that reflects Brisbane’s identity.

At the centre of the anniversary program is Canopy of Time, a major digital artwork by Brisbane-based artist Ross Manning, represented by Milani Gallery, created in collaboration with Ben Gartland from Spacesuit&Co.

Victoria Tavendale, Mirvac Chief Asset Management Officer, said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the history that continues to shape the identity of Heritage Lanes today.

“At Mirvac, we believe the most successful places are those that reflect the communities and histories around them. Heritage Lanes shows how heritage, art, landscape and contemporary workplace design can come together to create a place that is distinctly Brisbane.

“This anniversary gives us an opportunity not only to remember the site’s history, but to keep it visible and meaningful for the people who experience Heritage Lanes today.”

The artwork was commissioned by Mirvac and M&G Real Estate as part of their ongoing program to celebrate the history and identity of Heritage Lanes.

Canopy of Time draws on archival maps and imagery, fruit trees, orchards, citrus flowers and blossoms, using an analogue prismatic process to create an evolving canopy across the digital ceiling in the Heritage Lanes lobby.

Alex Banzic, Head of Australia at M&G Real Estate, said: “As co-owners of Heritage Lanes, we are committed to its long-term success as both a high-quality workplace and a distinctive part of Brisbane’s CBD. Our joint commissioning of Canopy of Time with Mirvac reflects that commitment, celebrating the site’s history while enhancing the experience of those who work in and visit the precinct.”

Ross Manning was selected from 13 submissions through a competitive artist selection led by Art Aid, and collaborated with Spacesuit&Co to deliver the work.

“Canopy of Time looks at the history of the site through the imagery and natural forms associated with its past, from orchards and fruit trees to flowers and archival material,” said Mr Manning.

“The work uses light and an analogue prismatic process to transform those references into an evolving canopy, creating a contemporary connection between the history of the former markets and Heritage Lanes today.” The anniversary also recognises the families and businesses that helped establish the former markets.

Among the prominent produce merchants who operated there were Stan and Wally Carter. Their business ultimately evolved into today’s Carter & Spencer Group. Matthew Spencer, great-grandson of the market founders, and Craig Spencer, their grandson, are taking part in the anniversary celebrations.

Matthew Spencer said his family’s history is deeply connected to this site, so it was very special to see that story remembered 120 years after the Exchange first opened.

“For our family, this was a place of work, trade and enterprise. Seeing that history recognised and interpreted for a new generation is a wonderful way to honour the people who were part of Brisbane’s produce markets.”

The anniversary celebrations will continue with a special market day in December, connecting the site’s trading heritage with its contemporary role as a workplace and community destination.

ENDS

About Heritage Lanes

Heritage Lanes at 80 Ann Street is co-owned by Mirvac and M&G Real Estate.

Built on the historic site of the Brisbane Fruit and Produce Exchange, Heritage Lanes features 60,000 square metres of premium office space complemented by a vibrant retail precinct, creating a dynamic destination in the heart of Brisbane's CBD.

The precinct celebrates Queensland's outdoor lifestyle with nearly 1,000 square metres of native subtropical gardens and natural features. The building's innovative architecture pays homage to its market heritage while incorporating state-of-the-art sustainability features, making it one of Australia's most environmentally advanced buildings.

From the elevated Queensland-inspired foyer to the spectacular digital art installations, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to create an inspiring environment. Heritage Lanes stands as a testament to sustainable design, achieving the highest environmental ratings while creating a welcoming space where Brisbane's community can work, meet, and connect.

About Mirvac

Founded in 1972, Mirvac – an Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listed company - has been making a positive contribution to our cities and the urban landscape for over 50 years, through our connected communities, exceptional workplaces and thriving shopping centres. At Mirvac, we see the world not just as it is, but as it can be. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that change begins with seeing the world differently. Imagination allows us to look beyond what’s possible today and dream of what tomorrow could be.

We own and manage assets across office, retail, industrial and living sectors in our investment portfolio, with ~$24 billion of assets under management, and we are also proud to manage ~$18bn in third party capital for valued Australian and international partners across the office, industrial and living sectors. Our integrated design and construction capability spans commercial, mixed-use, and residential, and our ~$27 billion development pipeline enables us to deliver innovative and high-quality property for our customers, while driving long-term value for our securityholders.

About M&G and M&G Real Estate

M&G Investments is part of M&G plc, a savings and investments company with US$472.2 billion of assets under management (as at 30 June 2026). M&G plc has customers in the UK, Europe, the Americas and Asia, including individual savers and investors, life insurance policy holders and pension scheme members.

For nearly nine decades M&G Investments has been helping its customers to prosper by putting investments to work, which in turn creates jobs, homes and vital infrastructure in the real economy. Its investment solutions span equities, fixed income, multi asset, cash, private debt, infrastructure and real estate.

M&G recognises the importance of responsible investing and is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). M&G plc has committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, across our investment portfolios and operations.

M&G Real Estate is a leading financial solutions provider for global real estate investors. As part of M&G Investments’ private markets business, M&G Real Estate has a sector leading approach to responsible property management and is committed to continuously improving the sustainability performance of its funds. Globally M&G Real Estate manages approximately US$45.7 billion (as at 30 June 2026) of assets on behalf of clients, providing a range of strategies and solutions.