Overall RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project
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WHAT IS
HAPPENING
Q. What is the RNA Showgrounds Redevelopment project?
What is its significance?
A. The RNA Showgrounds regeneration is one of Australia's most
important mixed-use urban renewal initiatives and is one of the
largest projects to regenerate the city of Brisbane since World
Expo 88. The project will reinforce the site as a distinctive and
significant 'place' in Queensland's history and culture.
Q. Why are the RNA Showgrounds being
redeveloped?
A. The regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds will ensure the Royal
Queensland Show (Ekka) remains one of the biggest and best events
in the country. The regeneration will secure the Ekka's location,
making Brisbane one of the only Royal Shows in the country to
maintain its country and city links by holding the show 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.
The redevelopment will see the RNA Showgrounds become the
centrepiece of a vibrant, new destination comprising contemporary
work and life spaces. The redevelopment will fulfil the site's
latent potential and underpin the longevity of the RNA Showgrounds
as a true community hub and year-round events destination.
Q. What will the redeveloped site include?
A. The site will be transformed into a destination synonymous
with events, fashion, design, lifestyle and culture, hosting
world-class events and shows all year round. The new inner city hub
will feature:
- A refurbished Industrial Pavilion to create a new world-class
convention and exhibition centre
- A new Fresh Food Market located adjacent to a new high
street
- 340,000 square metres 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
- Encouraging individuals, sports and school groups to utilise
the parks and sports grounds for recreational purposes
- Providing a hotel to accommodate Brisbane's business and
tourist visitors.
Q. What new events will be held at the Showgrounds as a
result of the regeneration?
A. The successful delivery of the master plan will provide the
RNA with a portfolio of permanent and temporary buildings which
will accommodate some 300 events per annum. World-class events will
be hosted every year, ranging from international concerts and
performances, exhibitions, conferences and trade shows through to
educational and sporting events.
Q. What is the value of the project?
A. The project value, including RNA facilities and the new
residential/commercial/retail development by Lend Lease, is
estimated at $2.9 billion. This is funded primarily by Lend Lease,
and through a $65 million loan from the Queensland Treasury
Corporation.
Q. How much funding is the RNA
contributing?
A. The RNA has secured a $65 million loan from the State
Government (Queensland Treasury Corp), which will be re-paid from
development proceeds. This will go towards the redevelopment of the
Industrial Pavilion and a new, permanent Fresh Food Market. Over
time, the proceeds received from the development of office and
residential projects will be used to renew further facilities such
as the horse and cattle pavilion.
WHEN
WILL IT HAPPEN
Q. What is the timeline for the RNA Showgrounds
Redevelopment?
A. Construction of the Industrial Pavilion commenced in April
2011. The wider redevelopment has been thoughtfully planned to be
delivered in a series of stages over its 15-year lifespan. The
planning process ensures the sustainability of the Ekka throughout
the 15-year redevelopment and into the future.
Q. What will Stage One involve?
A. Stage One will include a major upgrade of the Industrial
Pavilion, the first apartment and commercial buildings and a
permanent new Fresh Food Market. This initial phase will create an
outstanding high street within the precinct, including Brisbane's
largest inner-city produce market which aligns with the RNA's core
business and values. It will also include upgraded infrastructure
and the creation of open spaces within the site. We will continue
to keep the community informed of the staging process as our plans
progress.
WHO IS DOING THE WORK
Q. How will Lend Lease deliver the
development?
A. Lend Lease is providing funding, development management,
project management, design management and construction
services.
Q. What experience does Lend Lease have in projects of
this size and scale?
A. Lend Lease is a global leader in major master planned urban
renewal projects. Examples of Lend Lease's expertise include
Jacksons Landing and Barangaroo in Sydney, Victoria Harbour in
Melbourne and Elephant and Castle in Britain.
Q. What is Lend Lease's track record in
Queensland?
A. Lend Lease has played a key role in developing and investing
in Queensland for almost 50 years. With more than 500 staff across
Queensland, Lend Lease's current contribution to the development of
this state includes Varsity Lakes, Springfield Lakes, Hyatt Coolum
and Twin Waters.
CONSULTATION
Q. Does the State Government / ULDA support the
project?
A. The State Government is the approval authority through the
Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA). The project received
masterplan approval on 30 November 2010. The RNA has consulted
extensively with the State Government and the ULDA and we are
delighted with the bi-partisan support the redevelopment has
received.
The project will create new employment opportunities and act as
a catalyst for sustainable social and economic growth for Brisbane
and the broader Queensland community.
Q. Will the regeneration respond to the Bowen Hills UDA
Development Scheme?
A. The proposed RNA master plan addresses the Bowen Hills UDA
Development Scheme. It directly responds to its vision, planning
principles and controls, proposing a mixed-use development within
the heart of a renewed area.
Q. At what level will the RNA and Lend Lease involve and
work with local communities and stakeholders?
A. The RNA and Lend Lease are committed to working with
Government, Queensland businesses and local communities to embrace
a new era for the RNA, the RNA Showgrounds and the Ekka. The RNA
and Lend Lease have engaged with local land and business owners as
well as the wider community to seek their feedback and help guide
the future development of the people's Showgrounds.
Q. What community consultation has taken place to
date?
A. Since the RNA Development Scheme Strategy was officially
announced in April 2008, the RNA has undertaken extensive
consultation to gather feedback from the Queensland public.
This has included hosting information booths at the 2009 and 2010
Ekka.
Most recently political and business leaders have been briefed
on the project and community information sessions were held on
Thursday 17 March and Saturday 19 March 2011 with local residents
and business owners in the neighbouring areas.
ECONOMIC
BENEFITS
Q. How many employment opportunities will be created
from the construction period?
A. The redevelopment will be a major catalyst for sustainable
growth, creating over 2,000 jobs over the life of the project.
Q. Who do I contact to discuss potential employment or
subcontracting opportunities on site?
A. For development, project management and construction related
information including employment, tender and leasing opportunities,
please contact Lend Lease on:
Phone: 1800 148 019
Email: rnaredevelopment@lendlease.com.au
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Q. How will the redevelopment link and integrate with
the surrounding Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley
regions?
A. The master plan will open up large portions of the RNA site
to the public year-round and reconnect it with the surrounding
Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley communities. It will create
linkages with key transport nodes such as Fortitude Valley Station,
Bowen Hills Station, and the RBH Bus Terminal, as well as the Royal
Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH). Proposed pedestrian networks
have also been designed to increase accessibility to other major
employment centres, residential neighbourhoods, and public
transport nodes and systems.
Q. Why does the RNA want to open up the site to the
wider public?
A. The RNA recognises the significant benefits of promoting
greater public use of its facilities and space. As the site is
currently closed to the public for most of the year, opening it up
to visitors and the local community is a positive change that will
reinvigorate the area as a new lifestyle and cultural hub. The
regeneration will create open and green spaces to ensure a sense of
tranquillity within the site, linking neighbouring precincts with
cycle and walking paths.
One of the key reasons for redeveloping the RNA Showgrounds is
to generate year-round, 7-day-a-week vitality throughout the
precinct.
Q. Will sporting and school groups have access to the
grounds for recreational purposes?
A. Yes, the proposed redevelopment encourages individuals,
sports and school groups to utilise the parks and sports grounds
for recreational purposes.
Q. What benefits will the site deliver to
pedestrians?
A. We aim to create a pedestrian-friendly environment with
outdoor dining, casual relaxation and green spaces, providing
shelter and shade and complemented by active uses in adjoining
buildings.
HERITAGE
Q. Is the history of the site important to the
RNA?
A. The RNA is the custodian of the RNA Showgrounds and the Ekka.
We are determined to retain the essential qualities of the precinct
and to redevelop the RNA Showgrounds for all Queenslanders.
Q. How will the redevelopment protect the special
history and character of the RNA's existing
facilities?
A. The proposed master plan retains key heritage buildings and
spaces within the RNA Showgrounds to ensure its historic character
is maintained, while creating a new and unique sense of place for
all Queenslanders.
Q. Will aspects of old, existing buildings be reused or
recycled?
A. The reuse of existing heritage items and structures will be
evaluated as detailed design for buildings and spaces within the
master plan is undertaken. For example, the Industrial Pavilion has
two facades that have significant Heritage value. These two facades
will be repaired and incorporated into the design of the new
building.
SUSTAINABILITY
Q What environmental/sustainability targets will the
redevelopment adhere to?
A. Lend Lease is targeting a minimum of 4 and 5 star Green Star
for residential and commercial buildings.
TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
Q. Will public transport facilities and services be
improved as part of the project?
A. The precinct is ideally located adjacent to the Royal
Brisbane Woman's Hospital (RBWH), which is home to a new busway
station as part of the State Government's Northern Busway. This
first section of the Northern Busway will link the Inner Northern
Busway at the RBWH and Children's Hospital to Windsor. As part of
the Cross River Rail Project scheduled to commence in 2015,
upgrades to the Exhibition rail station are being considered.
Any upgrades would further strengthen public transport
connections with the site.
Q. What active transport corridors will be
provided?
A. The regeneration will accommodate active transport corridors
by providing a pedestrian and cycling spine from Gregory Terrace
through to O'Connell Terrace.
Q. What new roads will be required to service the
site?
A. The regeneration will incorporate three new roads within the
RNA precinct. Delivered in two separate stages, they will play a
key role in activating the precinct by encouraging traffic and
pedestrian movement.
Q. Will existing services infrastructure meet the needs
of the redevelopment?
A . Existing infrastructure will either be upgraded or replaced
to service the new buildings associated with the development.
Delivered in separate stages, these services include:
- Stormwater
- Water Supply
- Sewer
- Communications
- Electrical
- Gas.
Q. What are your plans with the Exhibition Rail
Station?
A. In February 2011, Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser
announced the Cross River Rail Project would be delayed by two
years due to the Queensland floods.
Proposed construction will now commence in 2015 and Exhibition
Station will be rejuvenated to support the planned regeneration of
Bowen Hills and the RNA Showgrounds. It will provide enhanced
public transport to service the Royal Brisbane Hospital precinct
and the Ekka. The station's proposed location is between O'Connell
Terrace and Ekka Plaza, with entry points on either side of the
station.
COMMERCIAL
& RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Q. What commercial/leasing opportunities will be made
available to interested parties?
A. The redevelopment and activation of the RNA site will present
numerous opportunities for commercial office and retail leasing for
business and work uses. Ownership of commercial buildings will be
on a freehold basis. Although plans are still being finalised, Lend
Lease welcomes any early enquiries from interested parties. Email:
rnaredevelopment@lendlease.com.au
Q. What is the redevelopment total GFA (Gross Floor
Area)?
A. The total GFA approved for commercial, residential and retail
use is 416,000 square metres.
Q. What residential purchase opportunities will be made
available to interested parties?
A. Lend Lease will deliver an exciting range of residential
accommodation options characterised by contemporary architecture
and innovative design. Lend Lease will market approximately 2,000
residential apartments over the life of the project. The first 300
apartments, The Green, were released in September 2011. All
apartments will be sold to owners under strata title. Lend Lease
welcomes any early enquiries from interested parties. Email: rnaredevelopment@lendlease.com.au
Q. Is a hotel planned for the site?
A. The proposed redevelopment presents the opportunity to create
a new hotel to accommodate Brisbane's business and tourist
visitors. We will enter into discussions with a number of suitable
hotel operators and keep the community informed of updates as plans
progress.
Q. Who do I contact for further information regarding
commercial leasing opportunities?
A. Please contact Lend Lease on: phone: 1800 148 019
Email: rnaredevelopment@lendlease.com.au
Q. Who do I contact for further information on, or to
register my interest in, the fresh food markets?
A. The search is now on for Queensland's finest Fresh Food
merchants to bring our vision for Brisbane's first permanent fresh
food market to life. To register your interest or for more
information please contact at Lend Lease on 1800 148 019 or email
rnamarkets@lendlease.com.au
ABOUT THE
RNA
Q. What does RNA stand for?
A. The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of
Queensland.
Q. Who owns the RNA?
A. The RNA is an independent, not-for-dividend member based
organisation. The RNA has freehold title to the entire RNA
Showgrounds site.
Q. When was the RNA established?
A. The RNA was established in 1875.
Q. How many members does the RNA have?
A. The RNA represents more than 5,000 members from rural towns
and cities across Queensland. It is these members, together with
its 21 councillors and a board of executives, that make up
the RNA.
Q. What is the RNA's role in Queensland?
A. The RNA promotes and encourages the agricultural and
industrial development of Queensland. The RNA is a custodian of the
RNA Showgrounds on behalf of the Queensland community and helps
bridge the relationship between city and country. The RNA is also a
social commentator on agricultural and industrial issues and
opportunities.
Q. Why is the RNA Showgrounds an important place for
Queensland?
A. Representing the entire state - from country to city - the
RNA recognises the Showground's place in the heart and minds of all
Queenslanders. The RNA Showgrounds is a critical part of our
state's history and will continue to play an important role in the
lives of all Queenslanders for years to come.
Q. What past experience or knowledge does the RNA have
to carry out a project of such state and national
significance?
A. The RNA's considered approach is based on many 'lessons
learned' with other similar showground redevelopment/relocations
and mixed-use projects in Australia. In selecting Lend Lease as its
master developer, the RNA will benefit from Lend Lease's global
experience and leadership in planning and delivering major urban
renewal projects.
ABOUT THE
EKKA
Q. Will the Ekka be impacted by the
redevelopment?
A. The Ekka will continue to operate throughout the
redevelopment and disruptions will be kept to a minimum. During the
redevelopment there will be some changes to the location of
attractions at the Ekka. Alternative locations will be clearly
sign-posted and promoted prior to each event.
Q. Will exhibitor accommodation be available during the
Ekka?
A. Exhibitor accommodation is here to stay during the Ekka. The
unparalleled RNA exhibitor experience will remain, with upgraded
accommodation facilities.
Q. Where will the showbags be located during the 2011
Ekka if the Industrial Pavilion is closed?
A. In 2011 showbags will be located in a purpose-built $1.3
million facility offering the same great range as previous years,
and will be located in the sideshow alley entertainment
precinct.
Q. Will the Ekka always remain at the RNA Showgrounds in
the future?
A. The development will ensure the Ekka remains at the RNA
Showgrounds, making Brisbane one of the only Royal Shows in the
country to maintain those true country and city links.
The Royal Queensland Show is here to stay - it's been here for
133 years and will be here for many years to come.
Q. How will the redevelopment affect animals at the
Royal Show, including their transportation to and from the
Showgrounds?
A. The redevelopment will not impact animals travelling to and
from the show. In fact, improvements to the animal pavilions will
ensure they are housed in world-class facilities and that handlers
can stay in close proximity to their prize winning animals.
Q. When will we start seeing changes to the
Ekka?
A. Changes have already started with the removal of the
chairlift and some maintenance sheds. In the first quarter of 2011,
the RNA and Lend Lease will embark on a 15-year regeneration of the
RNA Showground's facilities and development of new residential,
commercial and retail precincts.
FIND OUT
MORE
Q. Where can I view the master plan? Is this a
confidential document?
A. The public have had access to the original RNA Development
Scheme Strategy on our website since 3 April 2008. For an overview
of the master plan log on to the RNA website at www.rna.org.au/redevelopment
For further information call RNA administration office on 073253
3900.
Q. How do I contact the RNA?
A. For the Royal Queensland Show, and other RNA events and
enquiries, please contact the RNA on:
Phone: 07 3253 3900
Email: redevelopment@rna.org.au
Mail: RNA Showgrounds Redevelopment
Locked Bag 1010
ALBION QLD 4010
For media enquiries please contact Veronica Carew on 3253
3930
Q. How do I contact Lend Lease?
A. For private development (residential, commercial and retail)
information and construction-related enquiries please contact Lend
Lease on:
Phone: 1800 148 019
Email: rnadevelopment@lendlease.com.au
Mail: Att: RNA Team
Lend Lease
GPO Box 2479
Brisbane QLD 4001
For media enquiries please contact 1800 148 019