Regeneration Project
CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON QUEENSLAND'S LARGEST URBAN
RENEWAL
History in the making - RNA Showgrounds Regeneration
Project begins
After seven years of planning, construction on the world class
$2.9 billion RNA Showgrounds Regeneration - the largest urban
renewal project in Queensland - will start this week.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh officially launched the project in
Brisbane today which is projected to deliver more than 2,000 jobs
and $300 million a year in economic benefits to Queensland.
As part of the official launch, 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 -
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 the
Ekka.
"Showbags will remain a major part of the Ekka, and 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.
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 416,000m2 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.
The RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project involves:
- 340,000m2 of new residential, commercial and retail development
located on 5.5 hectares around the extremities of the RNA site,
together with 76,000m2 within the RNA site
- New large animal pavilions
- Upgrading the pavilions, ovals and stands
- Linking neighbouring precincts and suburbs with cycle and
walking paths
- Providing a hotel to accommodate Brisbane's business and
tourist visitors
- An urban community consisting of commercial, retail and
residential buildings
Stage one works include:
- Industrial Pavilion to be transformed into a 22,000m2
convention and exhibition centre
- $7 million in enabling infrastructure works to improve
stormwater and sewer works.
- Design and development of Fresh Food Markets
- Design and development of Grand Parade and Ekka Plaza
- Design and development of the first residential and commercial
precinct
- Design and development of a hotel
Other major stages will occur over the 15 years including design
and construction of a cattle pavilion and horse pavilion and
further residential, commercial and retail development.
Mr Tunny said the new convention and exhibition centre would total
22,000m², an increase of 10,000m², and house a variety of
exhibitions and events on a year round basis.
"It will include a large exhibition hall, a public car park
comprises upto 280 spaces, a large commercial kitchen, meeting and
board rooms and the RNA's new office," he said.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh yesterday unveiled designs for the
transformation of the RNA Industrial Pavilion into a new world
class exhibition and convention centre as part of the $2.9 billion
RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project. The Premier and RNA Chief
Executive Jonathan Tunny (pictured) spoke about the historic
significance of the project which will create more than 2000 jobs
and is worth $300 million a year to Queensland.
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Showgrounds.