PROPERTY News
The largest urban renewal project in Queensland’s history – the $2.9 billion RNA Showgrounds Regeneration – has begun.
After seven years of planning, Premier Anna Bligh this week officially launched the project which is projected to deliver more than 2000 jobs and $300 million a year in economic benefits to Queensland. The Premier unveiled the design of the first stage of the project – the transformation of the iconic industrial pavilion – known to the public as the showbag pavilion (above) – into a $59 million convention and exhibition centre. The new centre will importantly retain the key heritage facades built in 1937.
“This is one of Brisbane’s landmark historic precincts but after more than 70 years it’s desperately in need of a facelift,” Ms Bligh said. “This transformation will revitalise the area reflecting the modern, cosmopolitan Brisbane while at the same time protecting an important part of our history.
“It also provides the inner city with a major economic boost while creating thousands of jobs.
“This is a project that has been able to get off the ground because the government has facilitated the RNA’s $59 million funding contribution to the redevelopment of the Industrial Pavilion through a loan from Queensland Treasury Corporation when private finance for projects of this scope is not readily available.”
RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunny said the regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds – a famous landmark synonymous with Queensland’s social heritage and culture – represented an historic milestone for Brisbane and was a once in a lifetime project. “This is an important project for the state as it safeguards the legacy of the 22 hectare site, the home of the beloved Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), while also transforming the grounds into a lifestyle and cultural hub for the community to access all year round,’’ he said.
“The project will ensure the Ekka remains at the RNA Showgrounds making Brisbane one of the only royal shows in Australia to maintain its country and city links by holding the show right here at its original inner city location.
“It also means the Ekka’s history, traditions and unique atmosphere will be preserved by upgrading and replacing venues to provide state-of-the-art facilities.” Mr Tunny said stage-one construction works would result in some locational changes for attractions such as showbags at this year’s Ekka.
“Showbags will remain a major part of the Ekka, and this year will be housed in a purpose built $1.3 million facility offering the same great range as previously, and will be located in the sideshow alley entertainment precinct,’’ he said. “Once construction on the RNA’s new convention and exhibition centre’s ground floor is completed in 2012, showbags will return to their original home where the public can enjoy the new facilities.”
Mark Menhinnitt, chief executive officer of Lend Lease in Australia – the RNA’s development partner – said the company was excited about starting work on this transformational project.
“After two years of working closely with the RNA to turn this vision into reality, our project team is eager to get on site and start work from this Friday,’’ he said. “It’s very fitting that the iconic Industrial Pavilion, the home of the Ekka showbags, is the first building to be revitalised. Its conversion into a world-class convention centre will set the scene for the renewal of this entire precinct, creating a vibrant extension to the Brisbane CBD.”
The 15-year regeneration project represents the largest Brownfield development of its kind in Australia and includes 416,000 sq/m of new residential, commercial and retail buildings. Lend Lease will construct the revitalised industrial pavilion and other RNA facilities as well as develop 5.5 hectares of land into future residential, commercial and retail space.
Mr Tunny said the regeneration of the RNA showgrounds meant the site was finally getting the facelift it deserved and would become a destination synonymous with events, fashion, design, lifestyle and culture, hosting events and shows all year round.
