Regeneration Project
BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS REGENERATION - HISTORY IN THE MAKING
To download the Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project fact sheet please click here, or read on for more information.
AT A GLANCE
Project
Regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds by the RNA and Lend Lease.
Organisations involved
• The RNA owns and operates the Brisbane Showgrounds and is a not for dividend member based organisation governed by a 21 member council. Its charter is to promote and encourage the development of Queensland agriculture and business.
• Lend Lease is the RNA's project partner for the Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration. The project includes the upgrade of Brisbane Showgrounds included the completed state-of-the-art Royal International Convention Centre, Plaza and Porte-Cochere together with 5.5 hectares of new development comprising of The Green residential apartments, Kings Gate commercial precinct and the creation of King Street. It will be a vibrant new destination where 15,000 people will live, work and play.
The project is being delivered via Lend Lease's integrated business model, with the Group providing funding partners, development management, project management, design management and construction.
Location
Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Australia - 1.6 kilometres from CBD
Size
22 hectares and represents the largest Brownfield development of its kind in Australia. The project includes 340,000m2 of new residential, commercial and retail buildings, together with an additional 76,000m2 of new development on RNA retained land.
Investment
The project value of 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 more than 2,000 jobs.
TIMELINE (in separate box, similar to recent traffic management fact sheet)
APRIL 2011
• Construction began on transforming the Industrial Pavilion into the world-class $59 million Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC).
JULY 2011
• Industrial Pavilion roof removed.
• Removal of Frank Nicklin Building.
SEPTEMBER 2011
• Designs of the Lend Lease commercial development component unveiled.
• Work began on related infrastructure.
OCTOBER 2011
• The Green sales suite opened and the first release of apartments at 'The Green' went on sale.
AUGUST 2012
• Ground floor of Royal ICC opened for exhibition space at Ekka 2012
NOVEMBER 2012
• RNA staff moved into brand new 950m2 office in Royal ICC.
DECEMBER 2012
• Removal of the RNA Administration Building.
• Construction on the new 7,000m2 $7.7 million Plaza commenced.
MARCH 2013
• Royal ICC opens for its first events.
OCTOBER 2013
• Completion of the Plaza.
• Construction commenced on K1, the first commercial tower at Kings Gate commercial sector and on The Green residential apartments
2014/15 planned works* (This can stay on page with map-as per Brisbane Showgrounds fact sheet)
Stage two of the RNA's 15 year $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration project is underway with more project milestones expected in 2015.
• Mid 2015 - Residents move into apartments at The Green
• Mid 2015 - Kings Gate commercial sector opens for business
• Mid 2015 - Retail precinct on King Street to have commenced
• Late 2015 - Four star hotel opens on King Street
* Future dates are indicative only.
(*NEW SECTION)
IN DETAIL
Construction
The 15 year Regeneration Project commenced in April 2011. 2013 marked historic project milestones with the completion of major stage one works including the Royal International Convention Centre in March 2013 followed by the adjoining Plaza and Porte-Cochere. Stage two works are underway with the commencement of construction on The Green residential apartments and on K1, the first tower in the Kings Gate commercial precinct.
The annual Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) will continue to operate throughout the life of the project.
Vision
The regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds has already begun to re-energise the annual Ekka and will see the site become a year-round destination for the community. Brisbane Showgrounds will be the centrepiece of a new urban village precinct.
Significance
This world-class regeneration of a famous landmark synonymous with Queensland's social heritage and culture represents an historic milestone for Brisbane. It is not simply an urban renewal but rather a transformation of 22 hectares, 1.6 kilometres from the CBD, into a vibrant year-round destination. For the RNA and Lend Lease, this once in a lifetime collaboration signals an opportunity to build a legacy for future generations to enjoy by ensuring the Ekka remains at its rightful birthplace while giving the Brisbane Showgrounds the facelift it richly deserves. The regeneration project will ensure the Brisbane Showgrounds becomes the destination for fashion, design, lifestyle and culture, hosting world-class events and shows all year round.
Support
The regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds has the bipartisan 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.
Background
In 2003 the RNA Council began a process to achieve two vital goals for the benefit of not just RNA members, but the people of Queensland. The goals involved guaranteeing the annual Ekka - the event Queenslanders voted their most iconic - would remain at the Brisbane Showgrounds where it was first held in 1876, and ensuring the long term financial viability of the RNA. Some seven years later, this vision was realised with the approval of Brisbane Showgrounds Master Plan in November 2010 by the Urban Land Development Authority. This approval paved the way for construction to begin in April 2011, and represents a historic milestone for Brisbane.
Transport
The completion of the efficient Airport Link and Northern Busway, along with other planned transport infrastructure projects, ensures the Brisbane Showgrounds is more accessible to the community.
Project stages
The Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project is now in its fourth year of the 15 year project:
Stage one - completed
• Industrial Pavilion transformed into a $59 million state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre which contains three flexible halls featuring an Australian only custom built operable ceiling grid system, a 1,200m2 commercial kitchen with world-class catering and exhibition space for indoor/outdoor events. The Royal ICC held its first event in March 2013.
• $7.7 million 7,000sqm Plaza and Porte-Cochere.
• $7 million in enabling infrastructure works to improve stormwater and sewer works.
Stage two - underway
• Development and completion of Lend Lease's residential apartments, The Green, and commercial precinct, Kings Gate.
• Design and development of a proposed four-star hotel.
• Design and development of King Street and associated public realm.
Other major stages will occur in the project including design and construction of a cattle pavilion and horse pavilion and further residential, commercial and retail development.
Energising the Ekka
The Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration and updated state-of-the-art facilities have secured the Ekka's location at the Brisbane Showgrounds, making Brisbane one of the only Royal Shows in the country to maintain its country and city links by holding the show right here at its original inner-city location. The Ekka has and will continue to operate throughout the life of the Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration project. In 2013 Ekka guests were able to experience the Royal ICC first-hand as it housed some of the Ekka's largest and most popular events and competitions.
The regeneration will also ensure that handlers can continue to stay in close proximity to their prize winning animals, with new proposed state-of-the-art large animal facilities.
More information
For more information on the Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration you can view or download a special Q&A at the RNA website at www.rna.org.au/redevelopment, or Lend Lease website at www.rnaredevelopment.lendlease.com.au.
Enquiries
For construction related enquires and residential, commercial and retail information please contact Lend Lease on 1800 148 019. For enquiries relating to the RNA, Brisbane Showgrounds or the Royal Queensland Show, please contact the RNA on (07) 3253 3900.
Project
Regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds by the RNA and Lendlease.
Organisations involved
- The RNA owns and operates the Brisbane Showgrounds and is a not for dividend member based organisation governed by a 21 member council. Its charter is to celebrate and champion the essential role agriculture plays in the everyday lives of Queenslanders.
- Lendlease is the RNA's project partner for the Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project. The project has already seen the upgrade of the Brisbane Showgrounds including the completed state-of-the-art Royal International Convention Centre, Plaza and Porte-Cochere together with 5.5 hectares of new development comprising of The Green and The Yards residential apartments, Kingsgate commercial precinct and the creation of King Street which now features a 208 room Rydges Hotel and many retailers. Once the project is complete, more than 15,000 people will live, work and play each day at the Brisbane Showgrounds. The project is being delivered via Lendlease's integrated business model, with the Group providing funding partners, development management, project management, design management and construction.
Location
Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Australia - 1.5 kilometres from CBD
Size
22 hectares and represents the largest Brownfield development of its kind in Australia. The project includes 340,000m2 of new residential, commercial and retail buildings, together with an additional 76,000m2 of new development on RNA retained land.
Investment
The project value of new residential/commercial/retail development is estimated at $2.9 billion. This is funded primarily by Lendlease 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 more than 2,000 jobs.
TIMELINE
APRIL 2011
- Construction began on transforming the Industrial Pavilion into the world-class $59 million Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC)
JULY 2011
- Industrial Pavilion roof removed
- Removal of Frank Nicklin Building
SEPTEMBER 2011
- Designs of the Lendlease commercial development component unveiled
- Work began on related infrastructure
OCTOBER 2011
- The Green sales suite opened and the first release of apartments at 'The Green' went on sale
AUGUST 2012
- Ground floor of Royal ICC opened for exhibition space at Ekka 2012
NOVEMBER 2012
- RNA staff moved into brand new 950m2 office in Royal ICC
DECEMBER 2012
- Removal of the RNA Administration Building
- Construction on the new 7,000m2, $7.7 million Plaza commenced
MARCH 2013
- Royal ICC opens for its first events
OCTOBER 2013
- Completion of the Plaza
- Construction commenced on K1, the first commercial tower at Kingsgate commercial sector and on The Green residential apartments
JANUARY 2014
- King Street infrastructure started
SEPTEMBER 2014
- Stage two of the Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project announced - four and a half star Rydges Hotel, construction of King Street and 401 new residences at The Yards confirmed
- Record sales at The Yards - 160 apartments sold in four hours
- Commerce Building removed
- Gregory Terrace upgrade
OCTOBER 2014
- South Yard released early due to record sales of North Yard
NOVEMBER 2014
- King Street (above ground) started
JANUARY 2015
- Construction commenced on four and a half star Rydges Hotel
APRIL 2015
- Construction commenced on The Yards
JUNE 2015
- Kingsgate commercial sector opens for business
SEPTEMBER 2015
- First residents move into The Green
NOVEMBER 2015
- Construction commences on 10ML Detention Tank
FEBRUARY 2016
- Four and a half star Rydges Hotel, including the Paddock Bar and Six Acres restaurant, opens for business
- King Street opens to traffic and links St Pauls Terrace and Gregory Terrace
AUGUST 2016
- Construction begins on Kings Co-op - a social, creative and community retail concept - and its multi-storey car park
- Restaurants The George and Fat Dumpling open on King Street
SEPTEMBER 2016
- Restaurant Sushi & Nori opens on King Street
OCTOBER 2016
- Restaurant Il Verde opens on King Street
NOVEMBER 2016
- Food van takeaway and eat-in concept, Hello Chicken, opens on King Street
MARCH 2017
- Restaurants Super Combo and The Lamb Shop open on King Street
MAY 2017
- Modern Lebanese restaurant, The Pine Kitchen, opens on King Street
JUNE 2017
- Construction begins on the world's largest engineered timber building, 25 King
- Vietnamese restaurant Banoi opens on King Street
JULY 2017
- Emporium Barber opens on King Street
AUGUST 2017
- The five level, 375 bay King Street Car Park opens to the public
- Work on The Pavilion (used as a large animal pavilion during Ekka and 630 bay car park or event space outside of Ekka) commences
- Beauty salon, Salon Blend, opens on King Street
SEPTEMBER 2017
- Hair salon, Tigerlamb, opens on King Street
NOVEMBER 2017
- Construction commences on a second marquee (Marquee No. 2) for the Brisbane Showgrounds
FEBRUARY 2018
- Construction of Marquee No. 2 complete
- Welcome to Bowen Hills (a permanent bar and food truck stop) opens on King Street
- Guardian Early Learning opens on King Street
APRIL 2018
- Artisan opens on King Street
MAY 2018
- Bavarian Beerhaus opens on King Street
JUNE 2018
- Kuhl-Cher Coffee opens on King Street
AUGUST 2018
- Myhealth Medical Centre opens on King Street
- Construction commences on Alexandria Park and the refurbishment of the heritage-listed Building 8
OCTOBER 2018
- Construction finishes on The Pavilion
- Fiera Boutique and Atelier Brasserie open on King Street
NOVEMBER 2018
- Construction of the world's largest engineered timber office building, 25 King, complete
- Mercado, King Street Bakery, 9Round and El Camino Cantina open on King Street
MARCH 2019
- La Marcelleria Gelateria opens on King Street
APRIL 2019
- Alexandria Park is complete
MAY 2019
- Cam's Cycles opens on King Street
IN DETAIL
Construction
The 15 year regeneration project commenced in April 2011. 2013 marked historic project milestones with the completion of major stage one works including the Royal International Convention Centre in March 2013 followed by the adjoining Plaza and Porte-Cochere.
The RNA and project partner Lendlease then unveiled stage two of the project in 2014, which has seen the construction and completion of The Green residential apartments and commercial tower Kingsgate; construction commencing on The Yards residential apartments; and the construction and opening of the four and a half star Rydges Hotel. Stage two also included the development of King Street and the progressive opening of food and retail outlets.
Stage three of the project got underway in August 2016. Completed works include the development of Kings Co-op, supported by a five level, 375 bay car park; construction of 25 King - the world's largest engineered timber office building; construction of The Pavilion, to house large animals at Ekka and used as a car park and event space outside of show; construction of Marquee No. 2 - a second marquee for the Brisbane Showgrounds; and the construction of Alexandria Park in 2019, featuring two acres of additional green and event space, along with a refurbished heritage-listed undercover events pavilion known as Building 8.
The annual Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) will continue to operate throughout the life of the project.
Vision
The regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds has already begun to re-energise the annual Ekka and will see the site become a year-round destination for the community. The Brisbane Showgrounds will be the centrepiece of a new urban village precinct.
Significance
This world-class regeneration of a famous landmark synonymous with Queensland's social heritage and culture represents an historic milestone for Brisbane. It is not simply an urban renewal but rather a transformation of 22 hectares, 1.6 kilometres from the CBD, into a vibrant year-round destination. For the RNA and Lendlease, this once in a lifetime collaboration signals an opportunity to build a legacy for future generations to enjoy by ensuring the Ekka remains at its rightful birthplace while giving the Brisbane Showgrounds the facelift it richly deserves. The regeneration project will ensure the Brisbane Showgrounds becomes the destination for fashion, design, lifestyle and culture, hosting world-class events and shows all year round.
Support
The regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds has the bipartisan 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.
Background
In 2003, the RNA Council began a process to achieve two vital goals for the benefit of not just RNA members, but the people of Queensland. The goals involved guaranteeing the annual Ekka - the event Queenslanders voted their most iconic - would remain at the Brisbane Showgrounds where it was first held in 1876, and ensuring the long term financial viability of the RNA. Some seven years later, this vision was realised with the approval of the Brisbane Showgrounds Master Plan in November 2010 by the Urban Land Development Authority. This approval paved the way for construction to begin in April 2011, and represents a historic milestone for Brisbane.
Transport
The completion of the efficient Airport Link and Northern Busway, along with other planned transport infrastructure projects, ensures the Brisbane Showgrounds is more accessible to the community.
Project stages
The Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project is now in its tenth year of the 15 year project:
Stage one - complete
- Industrial Pavilion transformed into a $59 million state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre which contains three flexible halls featuring an Australian only custom built operable ceiling grid system, a 1,200m2 commercial kitchen with world-class catering and exhibition space for indoor/outdoor events. The Royal ICC held its first event in March 2013
- $7.7 million 7,000sqm Plaza and Porte-Cochere
- $7 million in enabling infrastructure works to improve stormwater and sewer works
Stage two - complete
- Development and completion of Lendlease's residential apartments 'The Green' and commercial precinct 'Kingsgate'
- Development and completion of the four and a half star Rydges Hotel
- Development and completion of King Street and associated public realm
- Development and completion of The Yards residential apartments
Stage three - complete
- Development of Kings Co-op, supported by a five level, 375 bay car park
- Construction of 25 King - the world's largest engineered timber office building
- Construction of The Pavilion, to house large animals at Ekka and used as a car park and event space outside of show
- Construction of Marquee No. 2 - a second marquee for the Brisbane Showgrounds
- Creation of Alexandria Park and upgrade to Building 8
Other major stages will occur in the project including further commercial and retail development.
Energising the Ekka
The Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration and updated state-of-the-art facilities have secured the Ekka's location at the Brisbane Showgrounds. This means the Ekka is 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. The Ekka has and will continue to operate throughout the life of the Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration project. In 2013, Ekka guests were able to experience the Royal ICC first-hand as it housed some of the show's largest and most popular events and competitions.
The regeneration will also ensure that handlers can continue to stay in close proximity to their prize winning animals, with new proposed state-of-the-art large animal facilities.
More information
For more information on the Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration, visit the King Street website and Rydges website.
Enquiries
For construction related enquires and residential, commercial and retail information please contact Lendlease on 1800 148 019. For enquiries relating to the RNA, Brisbane Showgrounds or the Royal Queensland Show, please contact the RNA on (07) 3253 3900.