Regeneration Project
RNA SHOWGROUNDS REGENERATION-HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Overview
The approval by the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) of
the $2.9 billion RNA Showgrounds Master Plan in November 2010
signalled the culmination of seven years of vision, planning and
execution. From a long-term goal of the RNA Council in 2003 to
construction of stage one starting in April 2011, the RNA
Showgrounds is set to be transformed into a lifestyle and cultural
hub for the community to access all year round. One of the key
reasons for redeveloping the RNA Showgrounds is to generate
year-round, seven days a week vitality throughout the precinct for
use by the community. The regeneration will preserve the historic
character of existing facilities, while creating a new and unique
sense of place for all Queenslanders.
A series of special public spaces, connected by a network of
lanes, streets and bikeways, will strike the perfect balance
between a thriving Ekka, a year round events program and a vibrant
new mixed use urban village community.
Key facts
Size
22 hectares and represents the largest Brownfield development of
its kind in Australia. Project includes 340,000m2of new
residential, commercial and retail buildings, together with an
additional 76,000m2-as envisaged in the RNA's Master Plan approved
by the ULDA-on RNA retained land.
Investment
The project value including RNA facilities and new
residential/commercial/retail development is estimated at $2.9
billion. This is funded primarily by Lend Lease and through a $65
million loan from the Queensland Treasury Corporation.
Economic benefits / job creation
The regeneration project is expected to deliver $300 million per
annum in economic benefits to Queensland, while supporting
Brisbane's future economic and population growth by creating at
least 2,000 jobs a year over the life of the project.
Transport
Transport infrastructure projects planned or currently underway in
the local area, such as Airport Link and Northern Busway will make
the RNA Showgrounds more accessible to the community.
Construction
The project will occur in several stages. Stage one began in April
2011 with major works to the Industrial Pavilion transforming it
into a convention and exhibition centre. The annual Royal
Queensland Show will continue to operate throughout the life of the
project.
Support
The regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds has the bi-partisan
support of the Queensland Government, State Opposition, Brisbane
City Council, the Federal Government and Federal Opposition plus
many within Brisbane's business, agriculture, industry and
community sectors.
The master plan
The RNA Showgrounds Master Plan will combine the site's rich
history with its future potential. The regeneration will ensure the
site becomes a destination synonymous with events, fashion, design,
lifestyle and culture, hosting world-class events and shows all
year round. The master plan includes:
• A rebuilt Industrial Pavilion to create a
world-class exhibition/convention centre.
• A new Fresh Food Market.
• 340,000m2 of new residential, commercial and
retail development located on 5.5ha around the extremities of
the RNA site.
• New large animal pavilions.
• Retention of important Heritage
elements.
• Softening the boundaries of the RNA
Showgrounds to open up the space to the community.
• Creating open and green spaces within the
site.
• 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.
• Creating open and green spaces to ensure a
sense of tranquillity within the site.
• An urban community consisting of commercial,
retail and residential buildings.
Project stages
The RNA Showgrounds Regeneration involves a series of stages
including:
Stage 1 major works projected to include:
• Industrial Pavilion to be transformed into a
22,000m2 $65 million convention and exhibition centre over two
levels.
• $7 million in enabling infrastructure works to
improve stormwater and sewerage works.
• Design and development of Fresh Food
Markets.
• Design and development of Grand Parade and
Ekka Plaza.
• Design and development of Lend Lease
Residential Towers.
New exhibition and convention centre
The project involves
The transformation of the Industrial Pavilion into the new Royal
International Convention Centre will provide an additional 6,000m2
of floor space (totalling approximately 22,000m2) by incorporating
an additional level 1 suspended floor which will be used to house
extra events and shows throughout the year.
The Royal International Convention Centrewill include two separate
levels, which will accommodate the following:
Ground Level
• A new car park which will ultimately
accommodate approximately 280 cars
• Entry lobby/foyer providing access from Ekka
Plaza
• Repair and workshop areas to support the
operations of the facility
Level 1
• Main exhibition hall
• Meeting rooms
• Board rooms
• In-house catering facilities
> See the Royal International
Convention Centre (RICC) website
Energising the Ekka
New facilities will ensure the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
remains one of the biggest and best events in the nation. The
redevelopment will secure the Ekka's location at the RNA
Showgrounds, maintaining its country and city links by holding the
show right here at its original inner city location. It will also
ensure that handlers can continue to stay in close proximity to
their prize-winning animals, with new state of the art large animal
facilities and a new level of comfort.
We value your feedback and interest in the future of the RNA
Showgrounds.