Place Ascot Reinvents Its Racecourse Road Home for Brisbane’s Next Era

After more than two decades at the heart of Brisbane’s blue-chip north, Place Ascot has unveiled a complete transformation of its Racecourse Road office - a sophisticated new space that celebrates connection, community, and the enduring prestige of Ascot itself.

Designed by Retail Collective Co, the renovation reembodies the evolution of Brisbane real estate: refined design, human-connection, and purposely built for growth.

“It’s elevated, functional and deeply aligned with the Place brand, it embodies their essence and the vision they’re shaping,” said Brooke Harlander from Retail Collective Co.

With the renovation officially underway - and early renders offering a glimpse of what’s to come - Place Ascot Principals Pat McKinnon and Drew Davies shared the vision behind the project, describing it as an investment in their people, their community, and the future of Brisbane real estate.

Q: Why was now the right time to renovate and reinvest in the Place Ascot office?

Pat: There’s so much development happening in Ascot and the broader inner north right now, particularly on Racecourse Road, and we wanted to be right in the heart of that growth. This location has always been blue-chip, and with all the new residential and commercial projects underway, it’s only strengthening its position as one of Brisbane’s most desirable pockets.

Drew: For us, leaving wasn’t an option. Ascot is synonymous with Brisbane prestige. It’s a place people aspire to live, invest, and build in, and our office belongs here. While we had the option to relocate, it made perfect sense to reinvest and elevate our space to reflect the quality and calibre of Racecourse Road - a precinct that’s developing and thriving.

Q: How does this move reflect the evolution of both the business and the Brisbane market?

Drew: With the Olympics on the horizon and significant infrastructure investment flowing through the city, this was the time to create something fresh. The space is a physical statement of confidence, in our team, in the market, and in Brisbane’s next chapter.

Pat: Brisbane has grown up. The market is more sophisticated, the buyers are more design-driven, and expectations are higher than ever. Just as our Head Office in James Street reflects the future of real estate, we wanted Place Ascot to do the same for the north side.

Q: How have you seen Ascot and the broader inner north change in recent years?

Pat: The inner north has always been strong, but it’s become incredibly dynamic. We’re seeing generational change - young professionals, families, and expats returning to Brisbane - all wanting that combination of lifestyle, location, and legacy.

Drew: Buyer behaviour has evolved too. People are engaging with property in a far more informed and aspirational way. They’re looking for design, amenity, walkability, and connection to community; Ascot and surrounds deliver that in spades.

Q: Tell us about the vision for the new space. What did you want people to feel the moment they walked in?

Pat: We wanted the space to feel open, warm, and inviting. The moment you walk in, it’s calm, refined, and energising - a place where both clients and our team feel at home.

Drew: Everything has been designed for flow and interconnectivity - smooth lines, natural tones, light-filled rooms. It’s high-end but approachable.

Q: Were there any design influences or features that were particularly important to you?

Drew: Functionality was key. We designed the office to comfortably accommodate our team of 40, with future growth in mind. There are private phone booths, open-plan work zones and a warm, contemporary reception designed to welcome both clients and the local community.

Pat: Every element was considered. From the layout to the finishes, we wanted it to feel timeless and purposeful.

Q: How does the new environment support your team in terms of collaboration, performance, and wellbeing?

Pat: A great space changes the way people show up every day. It’s inspiring, it’s energising, and it fosters better collaboration and creativity.

Drew: There’s also a strong sense of connection, not just internally but with the street and community around us. It’s going to be visually open, approachable, and proud. People want to work somewhere they feel proud to bring clients.

Q: What role did your people play in shaping it and how do you see this helping attract and retain top agents?

Drew: This will be a space that reflects our culture: professional, driven, supportive, and proud to be part of something bigger. It’s an environment that naturally attracts and retains high performers.

Pat: Our people were front of mind from day one. When you create a beautiful, functional space in a great location, it lifts everyone.