Well There did not seem to be an actual thread in existence for this (just some scattered posts) .

The purpose-built facility, located at South Bank in the arts and cultural centre of Brisbane, will be a state-of-the-art broadcast centre, capable of meeting the ABC’s expanding technological and operating requirements.And serve as the Broadcasters QLD HQ.

The new building will be approximately 15,500 square meters in size and house up to 450 ABC staff and members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO).

“The designs for the new facility demonstrate the ABC’s commitment to providing staff a sustainable, modern and healthy working environment,” Managing Director Mark Scott said.

The ABC abandoned its previous headquarters at Toowong in December 2006, as a result of staff health and safety concerns following the detection of a cancer cluster. ABC staff were then re-located to eight different sites across Brisbane. The new building will bring staff together in a modern facility, significantly increasing efficiency and work flow.


Renders:



http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2009/12/22/994442/ABC-Brisbane-Building-Concept-600x400.jpg

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2009/12/22/994443/ABC-Brisbane-Building-site-plan-600x400.jpg

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2009/12/22/994444/ABC-Brisbane-Building-Concept-2-600x400.jpg

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2009/12/22/994440/Grey-Street-view-600x400.jpg




Update | 9th of september 2010

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Starting to see some progress.

this (http://www.southbankcorporation.com.au/sharc) is what they're doing on the site next door, where the building used to stand.

Today

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Mod, please delete

I will create one,I had shots of it too but I didnt know whether or not to proceed with developing a new thread for it. once I have created it you can repost the above shots in it.

Fyfoto Update | ABC Queensland Broadcast Centre | Early December

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4941/dsc032900.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/i/dsc032900.jpg/)

I know we're meant to reference pictures, but I forget which site this came from... Will gladly update if someone knows who I need to give credit to!

http://www.crockfordcomposition.com/pictures/abc2.jpg

Hmm - good excuse to ride the ferris wheel. :)

January 12 2011

Captured from Nine News - The site has been flooded.

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/4756/01122011155314.jpg

^^ I was waiting for this to happen...when the river rises, South Brisbane is one of the first areas to go under! Hopefully the flooding won't do too much damage to this site, the Convention Centre site across the road and South Bank as a whole!

More flood images from Seven News.

January 12 2011

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Some great project updates though, cool to see the BCEC expansion from the air.

Some great project updates though, cool to see the BCEC expansion from the air.

Haha scraping the barrel for positives :)

^^ At the moment, being positive is what we all have to strive for!

^^ I was waiting for this to happen...when the river rises, South Brisbane is one of the first areas to go under! Hopefully the flooding won't do too much damage to this site, the Convention Centre site across the road and South Bank as a whole!

honestly mate that is the most sh1t comment to make , you were 'waiting' for a flood in brisbane that would destroy homes and businesses. ur a dipsh1t.

honestly mate that is the most sh1t comment to make , you were 'waiting' for a flood in brisbane that would destroy homes and businesses. ur a dipsh1t.

I wasn't 'waiting' for this flood! Not only is that taking a specific comment relating to a thread topic completely out of context, but it is also a stupid conclusion to come to! Look at the date of my post - yesterday, January 12 - the flood was already well and truly in effect, flooding the homes of several good friends of mine and damaging my father's place of work, I might add.

What I had been waiting for, knowing that a serious flood was in effect, was for the water to come in and flood/damage both the ABC and BCEC work sites, in addition to the rest of the Cultural Centre and South Bank/South Brisbane, hence why I posted it specifically in this thread. Learn to read things in context!

Some great project updates though, cool to see the BCEC expansion from the air.

Happy to be of service, even if it has been done under bad circumstances. It's quite rare too that we are covering the impact of a flood or any disaster in the construction of buildings.

It was interesting to follow Pat Dohertys commentary as he flew over the site. I captured that when they replayed the flyover which was aired live earlier yesterday.

He pointed out the ABC Studios were flooded back in 1974 during their Toowong days. Second time unlucky for them.

Even without flooding, the poor weather has certainly held up work when you compare it to what has been done over the past month and on top of that the two week Christmas shutdown.

I wonder whether at this stage of construction there is any scope to modify the building to flood proof it to some extent in future.

^^ I was waiting for this to happen...when the river rises, South Brisbane is one of the first areas to go under! Hopefully the flooding won't do too much damage to this site, the Convention Centre site across the road and South Bank as a whole!

I think the lesson here is that the belief for the last 30 plus years that Wivenhoe Dam was able to protect Brisbane against a repeat of the 1974 floods has now been shown to be incorrect.

It is disturbing in hindsight that so many buildings and so much infrastructure have been constructed since in areas that were known to have gone under in 1974.

That's false, duke. Wivenhoe most certainly IS capable of preserving Brisbane from a 1974 flood event. The current flood event is greater in magnitude than even the 1893 flood. It's utterly monstrous. Without Wivenhoe, Brisbane would be totally and absolutely decimated.

So many people don't see this.

^^ That's right, if we had an exact repeat of the chain of events that lead to the 1974 flood, we would have had no issue at all. Unfortunately the chain of events here were quite different, with the rising of the Bremer River which, if I recall correctly, bypasses Wivenhoe completely when it connects to the Brisbane River.

I think the issue is so many people see Wivenhoe as a foolproof flood preventer. "As long as we have Wivenhoe, we will never flood again!" It should really be seen a a flood mitigator rather than an all out preventer. In this case, if we didn't have Wivenhoe, the flood level would have been somewhere between 6-8 metres apparently. That is bloody scary to consider!

That's false, duke. Wivenhoe most certainly IS capable of preserving Brisbane from a 1974 flood event. The current flood event is greater in magnitude than even the 1893 flood. It's utterly monstrous. Without Wivenhoe, Brisbane would be totally and absolutely decimated.

So many people don't see this.

Well said Marty. This one had 1 billion megalitres more water than 1974. That is a massive flood, and probably bigger than 1893.

dont quote me on the figures, but the 1974 flood as a result of 1'500'000 ML's? flowing in the Brisbane River, where as the 2011 flood had 2'500'000 ML's? flowing, the Wivenhoe definetly saved Brisbane from a bigger disaster

I think the issue is so many people see Wivenhoe as a foolproof flood preventer. "As long as we have Wivenhoe, we will never flood again!" It should really be seen a a flood mitigator rather than an all out preventer.

That is the point I was trying to make.

dont quote me on the figures, but the 1974 flood as a result of 1'500'000 ML's? flowing in the Brisbane River, where as the 2011 flood had 2'500'000 ML's? flowing, the Wivenhoe definetly saved Brisbane from a bigger disaster

That's it. I think I said 1 billion more - I meant 1 million more. My bad.

I think the lesson here is that the belief for the last 30 plus years that Wivenhoe Dam was able to protect Brisbane against a repeat of the 1974 floods has now been shown to be incorrect.

It is disturbing in hindsight that so many buildings and so much infrastructure have been constructed since in areas that were known to have gone under in 1974.

Yes but we don't want to see this event scare off future developments. Already the z-grade journalists like Hedley Thomas have started warming up to this sort of crap. Build smarter (and with higher foundations) in the future.

Build smarter (and with higher foundations) in the future.

I totally agree.

^^Definitely! I've thought this especially when it comes to houses. The traditional Queenslander design almost always had the house raised up on stumps, and this aspect of house design continued into about the 1950-60s. But then for some reason, low set brick houses on concrete slab came into favour.

While I admit that I do live in such a concrete slab house, it's in an area that doesn't flood. But in areas where it does flood badly, they should mandate that all future houses really should be built off the ground on raised foundations. Not only does it give a level of flood protection, the ventilation under the house assists in keeping it cool!

To be fair, I think the fact that Wivenhoe did what it did shows that the engineers were fabulously forward thinking.

I am against any such mandate as outlined above. Our flood preparedness and coordination is more than enough to cope with a freak of nature disaster like this that may never happen again. Silly, anti-development laws and overregulation pose an economic hinderance that is not necessary considering all factors.

Besides, this will be good for the QLD economy in the medium term.

Human beings normally learn from experience. To write this event of as "a freak of nature disaster like this that may never happen again" is, I believe, shortsighted.

I am not anti-development. I do think that we need to give more consideration to the way we design buildings and infrastructure in areas that have been subject to flooding in 1974 and 2011.

^^Definitely! I've thought this especially when it comes to houses. The traditional Queenslander design almost always had the house raised up on stumps, and this aspect of house design continued into about the 1950-60s. But then for some reason, low set brick houses on concrete slab came into favour.

While I admit that I do live in such a concrete slab house, it's in an area that doesn't flood. But in areas where it does flood badly, they should mandate that all future houses really should be built off the ground on raised foundations. Not only does it give a level of flood protection, the ventilation under the house assists in keeping it cool!

I think the more sensible option would be to completely avoid building in the areas which flood badly.... I understand what your point is, but the reality is that even having a house on stilts doesn't remove the danger of people been isolated, cars been washed away, power and infrastructure outages etc etc....

But then for some reason, low set brick houses on concrete slab came into favour.

they are cheaper and faster to build and they have better thermal performance.

That's false, duke. Wivenhoe most certainly IS capable of preserving Brisbane from a 1974 flood event. The current flood event is greater in magnitude than even the 1893 flood. It's utterly monstrous. Without Wivenhoe, Brisbane would be totally and absolutely decimated.

So many people don't see this.

Good post Marty. Wivenhoe did a good job in minimising the impact of the floods.

No matter the outcome, the river had to flood. To let the water build up and cascade over the wall invites disaster on a catastrophic scale.

I wasn't 'waiting' for this flood! Not only is that taking a specific comment relating to a thread topic completely out of context, but it is also a stupid conclusion to come to! Look at the date of my post - yesterday, January 12 - the flood was already well and truly in effect, flooding the homes of several good friends of mine and damaging my father's place of work, I might add.

What I had been waiting for, knowing that a serious flood was in effect, was for the water to come in and flood/damage both the ABC and BCEC work sites, in addition to the rest of the Cultural Centre and South Bank/South Brisbane, hence why I posted it specifically in this thread. Learn to read things in context!

whatever you say chief, I quoted what you said and my point still stands, despite your definition of your initial statement. your fascination to see the effect on the site still shows that you were waiting to see what a flood damage would do or at least the extent because southbank/site was close to the river? doesnt really make any difference to the fact that for yourself this is/was an observational expedition. I'm pretty sure to the average person the obvious was apparent that any area near the river would be inundated. so doesnt really make much sense for you to say that you were waiting for the water to come and flood/damage both the ABC and BCEC work sites. What you should learn to do is rephrase your statements so it does not offend those who may have been affected by these floods. end of story, your justification of your statement is not inferred to what your intended target was but what it actually comes across as.

He was intrigued to see what the flood waters would do to the site, just as many others were eager to see what was happening with the Vision site. Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill...

i think as many have stated people are under estimating the complete disaster the dam prevented, in any case, lets put this into context, at about 12pm on January 11 the wivenhoe dam was at 173% when the water was started to be released, same time the next day the dam was at 190%, which shows the force and speed the water was building up in the dam, that despite the release the dam continued to fill up. this was a freak situation where the water just built up a lot faster than what was expected, the wivenhoe dam was reconstructed to hold much more water than was experience in the 1974 floods, and the dam as the premier said would have to again be redesigned to hold of a greater amount of water for the future. but again we can never ever predict what nature will do. you can always spend as much money future proofing infrastructure and even commercial buildings for such disasters but honestly i think this has shown that when it happens, there is always a flaw. so lets not get carried away going hammer and tong after the dam designers for poor foresight.

He was intrigued to see what the flood waters would do to the site, just as many others were eager to see what was happening with the Vision site. Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill...

honestly for some people this is 'interesting' to see what would happen, where as for some its actually a reality. so lets not sit up high and dry and watch what happens to those who actually are affected, this was a disaster for a fair few people so lets not sugar coat this and pretend that this was merely a observational spectacle for those not exactly affected by it.

thats all i am saying choice of words.

Wivenhoe did a good job in minimising the impact of the floods.

Agreed. What I said in my earlier post was that over the last 30 years a belief had arisen that Wivenhoe was capable of preventing a reoccurrence of the magnitude of flooding that was experienced in 1974.

We must now acknowledge that while Wivenhoe can do an excellent job in minimising the magnitude of flooding in Brisbane, particular circumstances can arise where major flooding will still occur.

Leading on from this we need to consider what can be done to flood proof existing and future developments. For example, many of the CBD towers have had their lift wells flooded, causing damage to the lifts. Is it technically possible to have doors that could seal the basement lift openings in the event of a likely flood.

What you should learn to do is rephrase your statements so it does not offend those who may have been affected by these floods.

Let's just not say anything at all Chief. That way nobody can ever get offended!

..the wivenhoe dam was reconstructed to hold much more water than was experience in the 1974 floods, and the dam as the premier said would have to again be redesigned to hold of a greater amount of water for the future. ....

A small thing but Wivenhoe wasn't "reconstructed to hold much more water" after the 1974 floods as it didn't exist yet - if that is what you meant. It was completed in 1985.

^^ correct. 1974 levels only had the mitigation of somerset dam.

i truely believe if wivenhoe wasn't there, then levels far, far higher than 74 would be experienced.

an article in the CM said today that the levels in wivenhoe were 0.6m from activating the secondary spillway, which means that the additional 125% of water in the dam would be released without control. imagine the devastation if that were to occur. only a couple more hours of rain may have done that as well.

Agreed. What I said in my earlier post was that over the last 30 years a belief had arisen that Wivenhoe was capable of preventing a reoccurrence of the magnitude of flooding that was experienced in 1974.

We must now acknowledge that while Wivenhoe can do an excellent job in minimising the magnitude of flooding in Brisbane, particular circumstances can arise where major flooding will still occur.

Leading on from this we need to consider what can be done to flood proof existing and future developments. For example, many of the CBD towers have had their lift wells flooded, causing damage to the lifts. Is it technically possible to have doors that could seal the basement lift openings in the event of a likely flood.

Interesting point there Duke. This flood had 1 million megalitres more than 1974 yet Wivenhoe held levels below 1974. If this event had the 1974 volume of water, I suspect that Wivenhoe would have helped keep this flood at the lower end of moderate.

Talking about learning lessons from this flood luckily this view didn't prevail last March:


Speech by Jeff Seeney
Hansard Tuesday, 9 March 2010

WIVENHOE DAM

....
I believe that more of the total available storage space should be used for water storage so that there is less chance of a water crisis developing in the future.
....
the automatic stream flow monitors and computer flow models allow for much better informed decision making in regard to managing any potential flood events. These advances alone make it possible to attain the same level of flood protection for Brisbane while using less of the available storage area in Wivenhoe Dam as a flood buffer.
....
I believe it would be absurd to release water from Wivenhoe Dam at the current time. It would be absurd to allow any releases until this option is thoroughly investigated. I call on the minister today to ensure that no water is released from Wivenhoe Dam and that serious commitments are made to developing this proposal to increase the storage levels in Wivenhoe Dam. The water that is running into the dam at the moment may well be sorely needed in the future to avert another water crisis.
...

(Source PDF: Daily Hansard (http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CDwQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeffseeney.com.au%2Fgetdata.do%3Fsource%3D3%26id%3D163&rct=j&q=wivenhoe%20dam%20extra%20metre&ei=F5oxTfO2DIqEvAOew9mrCw&usg=AFQjCNHn5WDihnFuDEpUgNZykGZN5Vk29Q&sig2=yyfNqiEkQQg1ALvXy3ACMA&cad=rja))


And again 2 months ago:


But Opposition spokesman Jeff Seeney told Parliament that the dam is not completely full.

"Is not this release of water from Wivenhoe Dam, when it is holding only 40 per cent its available storage capacity, a clear indication that the Government has learnt nothing from the water crisis and is still failing to plan for the next inevitable drought," he said.

But Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson says the extra capacity is needed to prevent a repeat of the 1974 floods.

"What the Member for Callide [Mr Seeney] - on behalf of the LNP [Liberal National Party] suggests, is that Wivenhoe Dam should not be used for flood mitigation purposes," he said.

"As a result of that, puts into jeopardy the very safety of people in Brisbane and surrounding areas?

"Mr Speaker, this is grossly irresponsible."

(Source URL: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/06/3030928.htm?site=brisbane)


I guess this shows the competing pressures of maintaining water for future droughts vs leaving room for flood mitigation.

I assume this explains why it has been encoded in legislation that they must release water within 7 days of reaching 100%.

I wonder if there is room to raise the Dam wall further, maybe we will need to look at a dam in the Murphy's Creek area to prevent the water influx which devastated Grantham and Lockyer Valley

I would be very surprised if reaching the secondary spillway means all the flood mitigation water in the dam gets released in an uncontrolled way, surely it is just that any extra water above spillway level goes straight out without control.

I would be very surprised if reaching the secondary spillway means all the flood mitigation water in the dam gets released in an uncontrolled way, surely it is just that any extra water above spillway level goes straight out without control.

Pretty sure I read it is the former.

^^ The uncontrolled release is via an explosive secondary spill gate that will blow out at 225% capacity (where 100% = total drinking water storage capacity). It wouldn't release the whole flood mitigation capacity of the dam, surely. But it would release a lot more water than the controlled release did, as it's essentially a safe guard to ensure the dam doesn't overflow and burst.

Fyfoto Update | ABC HQ and Broadcasting Centre | March Proper | Under Construction

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^^ As far as I can see, there's not really anything that interesting going on here yet, not like across the road at the BCEC site. Will be good to see the actual building take shape.

Today

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Photo taken Sunday, 5 June.

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Roof is being constructed now. Completion is due for December.

It'll make for an interesting addition to the Southbank precinct if nothing else. I'm hoping for maybe a little ABC History Museum, or something similar to allow for a bit of public use and interaction with the national broadcaster. It would make sense, given where the HQ is.

I know this area used to be a bus area, but why did ABC HAVE to have there HQ here? it could have been anywhere in brisbane

It'll make for an interesting addition to the Southbank precinct if nothing else. I'm hoping for maybe a little ABC History Museum, or something similar to allow for a bit of public use and interaction with the national broadcaster. It would make sense, given where the HQ is.

Unfortunately no...there is only retail space for about 2 cafes.

^^ Well, at least there will be some additional retail space for a couple of cafes. That top bit of Southbank near QPAC/QCM I've always found a little bit lacking for any cafes/restaurants. Maybe a nice ABC-themed cafe then? I can hope for one at least!

I know this area used to be a bus area, but why did ABC HAVE to have there HQ here? it could have been anywhere in brisbane

They didn't HAVE to have it there. But I'm sure they probably made that decision based on a good offer by South Bank Corporation, who are probably trying to further develop a knowledge/arts precinct in there, with QPAC, Conservatorium of Music, QCA, and now the ABC.

I think this is a great location for it.

^^ Agree. That park was very unused. Will be good to get some office activity down this end of Southbank.

It'll be good to get any activity down that end of Southbank. It's always seemed like a bit of a no-mans land, with the exception on the Wheel of Brisbane.

With this and the BECE Grey Street extension, the next area I'd like to see better activated is the Grey Street stretch opposite the Museum and QAG. I think it has some good activation potential. Is that area is under Southbank Corp's jurisdiction or just outside of it.

It'll be good to get any activity down that end of Southbank. It's always seemed like a bit of a no-mans land, with the exception on the Wheel of Brisbane.

With this and the BECE Grey Street extension, the next area I'd like to see better activated is the Grey Street stretch opposite the Museum and QAG. I think it has some good activation potential. Is that area is under Southbank Corp's jurisdiction or just outside of it.

You really don't want every single public area teeming with people.....they kill the grass.

I'm not wanting it to turn into the corner of Adelaide and Edward in peak hour or anything, but just gain a bit more use than what it currently has.

That area around QPAC is a nice area, but it's underutilised - other than the Wheel of Brisbane there's never been a reason for anyone to go there really. I've walked down that main concourse and the grassy areas near QPAC on a warm, fine Autumn Sunday before and passed all of one or two people, despite the main area of Southbank being quite busy.

A couple of cafes in the ABC HQ will give the area a bit more use, which isn't a bad thing really.

I'm not wanting it to turn into the corner of Adelaide and Edward in peak hour or anything, but just gain a bit more use than what it currently has.

That area around QPAC is a nice area, but it's underutilised - other than the Wheel of Brisbane there's never been a reason for anyone to go there really. I've walked down that main concourse and the grassy areas near QPAC on a warm, fine Autumn Sunday before and passed all of one or two people, despite the main area of Southbank being quite busy.

A couple of cafes in the ABC HQ will give the area a bit more use, which isn't a bad thing really.

As long as its not coffee club and gloria jeans

^^ I might die a little bit if it is one of those! I'd like something like the types of venues on Grey & Little Stanley Street - they're the types of places we need more of in this city, rather than overpriced Coffee Clubs and revolting Gloria Jeans.

It's for this reason that I'm very excited for the new venue that the owners of Piaf Bistro and Sardine Tin are opening in Burnett Lane!

^^ I might die a little bit if it is one of those! I'd like something like the types of venues on Grey & Little Stanley Street - they're the types of places we need more of in this city, rather than overpriced Coffee Clubs and revolting Gloria Jeans.

It's for this reason that I'm very excited for the new venue that the owners of Piaf Bistro and Sardine Tin are opening in Burnett Lane!

The good thing is southbank corp has last say so its highly doubtful

The same Southbank Corp that allows Subway and those pov eating places in the middle of Southbank? I think you give them too much honour.

^^ There still needs to be a couple of lower priced options in Southbank for the families who aren't quite as well off, but still want to enjoy a day out.

Besides, there's only a handful of them compared to the amount of restaurants on Little Stanley and Grey Streets. I find that Subway is still a cut above McDonalds or Hungry Jacks in the fast food ratings anyway. And Subway & Co aren't Coffee Club or Gloria Jeans...

or pie face

Love pie face!

or pie face

Don't even joke about that! LOL!

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/assafs/5884553210/sizes/l/in/photostream/

One thing I didn't like about studying at the con was the lack of natural sunlight in any of the rooms due to tiny windows - I can only imagine what it would be like now with this wrapping around the outside... No wonder musicians are so pasty... haha

although unrelated, how was the footpath running alongside the conservatorium acceptable? It is less than a metre wide, and since the construction of a staircase it is even more narrow, with a tree blocking it. Grey street is shitty for pedestrians everywhere though i guess
/rant

^^I've always found that section near the conservatorium especially bad. And it's worse at the moment because you can't even cross the road and walk on the other side due to the construction for the convention centre extension.

It will get better once that's done though.

Personally, I would love to see a renewal of Grey Street between Glenelg and Peel Streets. Make the facades of the Conservatorium and the Museum more open and interesting. Build a nice, clean plaza type area in front of South Brisbane station. Really activate the street a bit more. I love some of the buildings on the western side between Melbourne and Peel streets too, so having more life in there would do them the world of good.

I think a fair bit of work has been done in the past in this area (QPAC upgrade and busway connection) and it will get better with the convention centre and ABC opening up, but there's a few bits which are letting it down.

although unrelated, how was the footpath running alongside the conservatorium acceptable? It is less than a metre wide, and since the construction of a staircase it is even more narrow, with a tree blocking it. Grey street is shitty for pedestrians everywhere though i guess
/rant

I think the main problem there was that it was never meant to be a prime foot traffic area. Between the Rydges Hotel and the Con was originally covered over with a tunnel effect to join the convention centre to Southbank, later removed of course. Thats why there is a narrow footpath/brick wall on one side and the hotel garbage area on the other. Vast room for improvement i agree :)

It does feel very weird if you walk up along Grey St from down towards the South Bank Train/Busway station or the QCA. For the most part you're walking along nice wide footpaths, passing all the eateries and/or bars as far as Rydges, but then you hit the way too narrow section along the QCM, made worse by those stairs (those stairs are just there until the ABC is finished, right?) Even without the stairs, you still can't pass people coming the other way!

The footpath through the QCEC Grey St should be a nice improvement for that side when it's completed (although having to cross over just to have a nice footpath to walk along is slightly irritating), but then you end up out in front of South Brisbane Station in that desolate bitumen area (probably the area that most needs something done with it in all of South Bank!)

The problem is that the only way to improve the footpath on the QCM side is to either rip out the trees down the middle and realign the road, or undertake a major reworking of the QCM building. Neither are cheap and I don't think we're likely to see either...

I originally thought it would be cool to see a boutique theatre or the like on the land outside the station, but now it seems it would be much better to do it up as a really nice Euro-style plaza/park to connect the station-BCEC-QPAC areas.

^^ I don't think we really need a boutique theatre there, as there's a perfectly good 220 seat boutique venue at Qld Theatre Company's Billie Brown Studio, about a 5-10 minute walk up the road from there - that walk is another area I'd love to see revitalised.

The biggest problem with South Bank is that it's so good that the neighbouring South Brisbane areas don't flow, so there's a noticeable gap between the areas. Especially what I was saying about the walk along opposite the Museum. That could easily become an extension of South Bank/Cultural Centre!

And then one block away you arrive at Musgrave Park and surrounds. Oh dear.

^^ I totally agree. That whole area really is disjointed and suffers terribly because of it. I think that doing up a nice plaza in front of South Brisbane station would be the first step in tieing all those areas up together.

For example, it is just a nightmare to try and walk through the museum from South Brisbane to the state library or GoMA. You cross Grey street, up the stairs, across the busway overpass, through the museum, off a deck area at the back, down a set of stairs and walk across. But that's the better alternative because the street from Melbourne Street to Peel Street is just DEAD!

Yeah, I definately agree that that street needs to be done up because it is so poor at the moment, it's not funny.

The Parking at South Brisbane can get F****D, A big plaza there and a full revitalization of the station would go a long way, what idiots idea was it to have parking there in the first place, If the staff really must park somewhere give them a free spot in the convention centre

^^ The station desperately needs a repaint! Not only is the pink just a plain awful colour, but it's also flaking pretty badly in places around on the platform side of the building. Repaint it, clean it up and make a nice plaza area in front to really frame the station! It and Central are the closest things we have to Flinders St (Roma St's original station is beautiful as well, and also in need of renovation, but it's hidden by the transit centre)

Photo taken today, 7 July 2011.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2412.jpg

A few more photos taken today, 24 July.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2433.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2434.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2436.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2435.jpg

Fyfoto Update | ABC HQ & Broadcasting Centre | UC | Late July

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8881/dsc04993k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/dsc04993k.jpg/)

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9713/dsc04994f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/26/dsc04994f.jpg/)

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/8169/dsc04995p.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/837/dsc04995p.jpg/)

They have started taking down the scaffolding and the building looks awesome.

A couple of photos taken today.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2654.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2655.jpg

This is where this project becomes interesting – we can actually see it now! Not looking bad so far, IMO.

Anyone notice the large satellite dish on the roof? :P I like.

^^ the satlink dish is awesome, facade is up on western and most of the northern side.....I love It, that's my ABC!

Fyfoto Update | Early October |ABC HQ and Broadcasting Centre [Southbank] | Under construction/TO/Fitout

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5170/dsc05636r.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/716/dsc05636r.jpg/)

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9563/dsc05639c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/406/dsc05639c.jpg/)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8195/dsc05640tb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/163/dsc05640tb.jpg/)

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9849/dsc05642a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/dsc05642a.jpg/)

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/871/dsc05644t.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/dsc05644t.jpg/)

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/930/dsc05645m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/dsc05645m.jpg/)

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2962/dsc05646x.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/521/dsc05646x.jpg/)

actually looks pretty decent. Thanks for the updates

I preferred the rust colour finish on the blades from the renders rather than grey, though it still looks good.

I'm not sure whether I like it or not. Sort of comes across a bit brutal, similar to some of the ugly Gov't buildings on the other side of the river (at a distance, obviously they're totally different)

is it possible that the blades are being left to rust naturally?

Crane is coming down today.

Fk. I love Richard Kirk Architects.
Thanks for the pictures!

I'm not sure whether I like it or not. Sort of comes across a bit brutal, similar to some of the ugly Gov't buildings on the other side of the river (at a distance, obviously they're totally different)

I don't like it. It looks like it is paying tribute to QPAC & QAG/QM&SC. :ohno:

I have to say this image makes it look shit... but i think its just the angle. Looks a bit like that horrible horisontal tower in the government quarter next to the REX.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5170/dsc05636r.jpg

is it possible that the blades are being left to rust naturally?

perhaps, but the updated renders do show gray blades

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQffOPrMASRg2pogsoGbIfrqN98K2FsSyRkS1jx0kXCPeP1ANcUBA

I have to say this image makes it look shit... but i think its just the angle. Looks a bit like that horrible horisontal tower in the government quarter next to the REX.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5170/dsc05636r.jpg

That was exactly what I thought. Looks very much like that building.

Taken today, 23 October.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_2879.jpg

perhaps, but the updated renders do show gray blades

cheers orfeo, i hadn't seen the updated renders

From today's Brisbane Times. Something I didn't know, the ABC Building will actually have a 400 seat performance space for the Qld Symphony Orchestra, which is good because it makes it more of a 'public use' building, and makes it suit it's location between QPAC and QCM better.

Move has orchestra $4m in the red
Katherine Feeney
November 10, 2011 - 3:00AM
Be the first to comment


The Queensland Symphony Orchestra has been forced on a $4 million fund-raising drive to fit out their new headquarters at the ABC's South Bank site, after the broadcaster put its current home on the market.

QSO chief executive Patrick Pickett told brisbanetimes.com.au the $11 million allocated to the orchestra from the state and federal governments, plus $2.5 million of their own capital, was not enough to cover costs for their new tenancy at the ABC building, still under construction at South Bank.

But Mr Pickett said the QSO had no choice but to move and make the most of it as the ABC, which owns the orchestra's long term home at West End, had put the site up for sale through tender.

Despite being divested from the ABC in 2007 as part of major structural reforms, the QSO continued to operate at the Ferry Road studios, built in 1977 on 6367 square metres of riverfront property.

An ABC spokeswoman confirmed the broadcaster still owned the site, along with its other Brisbane property at Toowong, which forcibly evacuated in late 2006 following the discovery of a cancer cluster.

The spokeswoman said the corporation was “continuing to consider its options” with regards to both sites.

“As for timing of move, ABC staff will be moving into the new South Bank premises early in the new year,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr Pickett said the orchestra, which employed more than 100 staff, including 88 full-time, expected to take up their new lease at South Bank between April and June, 2012.

He said advice the ABC intended to dispose of the Ferry Road site was included in their notice to leave, but they currently could not afford the space allocated to them in the custom-built South Bank facility while still maintaining current operations.

Mr Pickett said the extra money was needed to construct and pay for standard features, such as chairs, lights and the orchestra rises worth about $500,000.

“Among all the challenges associated with the move there's a small flame of excitement, and it may burst into a beacon, once the financials have been finalised,” he said.

“We're making periodical payments at the moment, but it looks like we'll have to make final payments after occupation.

“Four million dollars is a lot of money to raise, though there've been some generous contributions from current benefactors.”

Mr Pickett said the fund-raising campaign, which would include performances and recordings, would target corporate sponsors and music-loving philanthropists.

Situated between the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Griffith University's Conservatorium of Music, the QSO's new space will feature recording, rehearsal and performance spaces, catering to audiences of up to 400 people.

Most large-scale productions would still take place at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and Mr Pickett said the orchestra hoped to continue collaborating with the state's major arts companies, including the Queensland Ballet and Queensland Opera.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/music/move-has-orchestra-4m-in-the-red-20111109-1n76c.html#ixzz1dFg99rGi

Yeah, the space for the theatre is pretty decent and will have a fairly interesting ceiling as well, if you ever get the chance to go inside and see it. There is also space on the roof for a helipad.

^^ Sounds good, and I'll have to see about having a look, although orchestral music usually isn't my cup of tea. As I said, knowing this, plonking the building where it has in Southbank makes much more sense.

and will have a fairly interesting ceiling as well

ooooo! What does that mean?

There is also space on the roof for a helipad.

Thats awesome to hear! Hope they use it!

Hopefully the studios will house areas so we can get into the audiences for shows filmed mostly down south eg Q & A, and I believe, correct me if anyone knows, that Triple J will have a small presence as they scaled back announcing to Sydney over the past few years, which I hope is true that they will have a small announcing studio. Can't wait for this to open, regardless its going to bring us into line with down south for studio space etc.

There are several radio broadcast rooms in the building, so one could easily be used for Triple J.

There are several radio broadcast rooms in the building, so one could easily be used for Triple J.

Sounds good can't wait to see it completed.

Fyfoto Update | ABC HQ and Broadcasting Centre |Internal Fitout | Early-late November 2011

Looking exactly like the renders,if you excse the colour change with the blades on the northern and western facades.

I like it,It's very definetly my ABC :D!

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7329/dsc06040s.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/638/dsc06040s.jpg/)

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6660/dsc05642x.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/171/dsc05642x.jpg/)

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4566/dsc06039k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/641/dsc06039k.jpg/)

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/9332/dsc06038v.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/dsc06038v.jpg/)

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/4121/dsc06037o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/843/dsc06037o.jpg/)

Are there any renders/drawings anywhere?

Yeah, the space for the theatre is pretty decent and will have a fairly interesting ceiling as well, if you ever get the chance to go inside and see it.

^^ The only available renders are probably those we've found and stuck into this thread. South Bank Corporation has complete planning control over the precinct, so plans don't go through PD Online like they do for council-assessed projects.

Are there any renders/drawings anywhere?

Try here (http://brisbanedevelopment.com/abc-queensland-hq/)

^^ I knew about the external renders but had never seen that internal render for the theatre before:

http://brisbanedevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/285.jpg

It's not a bad setup...it's not the biggest capacity theatre (it doesn't need to be) but it makes for a nice addition to the Cultural Centre precinct. As I've said before, it helps justify the ABC complex's being there a bit more.

^^ looking nice , would be a good venue to set up QANDA , although I think they had it @ the powerhouse last time, which was fantastic.

Looks nice. Probably wont be useful for anything more than the orchestra but still NICE. Is it ABOVE the flood level though?

I think this will be an interesting venue for a floating orchestra!




http://brisbanedevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/285.jpg

It's not a bad setup...it's not the biggest capacity theatre (it doesn't need to be)As I've said before, it helps justify the ABC complex's being there a bit more.

It's about 1.5m-2m above where the floodwater hit this year.

It's about 1.5m-2m above where the floodwater hit this year.

Well 2011 was a minor flood compared to 1974 and 1890/1893!!

Nonsense. 2011 was massively bigger in terms of water throgh the catchment than 1974. The difference this time is that Wivenhoe actually did its job and left overall flood levels slightly lower than 1974. This year's flood was similar if not bigger than 1893.

Nonsense. 2011 was massively bigger in terms of water throgh the catchment than 1974. The difference this time is that Wivenhoe actually did its job and left overall flood levels slightly lower than 1974. This year's flood was similar if not bigger than 1893.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1790/floodeu.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/floodeu.jpg/)



But you are correct. If it weren't for the dam, we'd be much worse! The flood itself is INCOMPARABLE with 1893 which saw water almost to the corner of Albert and Queen Street!

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4420/hmss.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/831/hmss.jpg/)


On the right is where the wintergarden & Hilton are today.

THAT is how bad an 1893 flood is.

It was one hell of a flood. Here's another photo of it. If you want a good reference to how high the water was, go have a look at the markers on Naldham House (hint: the 1893 one I believe is quite high!)

http://emuseum.anmm.gov.au/media/full/00048197.jpg

Going off topic here, one question: in both photos, is that Her Majesty's Opera House/ Theatre on the right, and the AMP Building (direct predecessor to the current one) across Edward Street? The reason I ask is that both those buildings, I thought, were built post 1883 (1885 for the AMP building, and 1888 for Her Majesty's as far as I know.)

EDIT: Never mind...I obviously can't read/had a blonde moment! :lol:

1893 was the flood, remember :p

...why have I been reading it at 1883??? It's been a longer week that I thought, obviously! :nuts: :lol:

Would be interesting to know how high the 1893 flood would have been with the Wivenhoe dam in place....I guess it depends where the water came from.

i believe the history from 1893 was that a telegraph was sent from the area near somerset dam (which at the time the dam didn't exist) warning brisbane of the impending flood. the telegraph wasn't received until too late, therefore brisbane had minimal warning.

2011 was a combination of the lockyer creek flood, bremer river flood and wivenhoe dam overflow. due to the record rainfall also in the brisbane / stanley catchment, had the the two dams not been there combined with the lockyer and bremer floods, who knows how high the flood would have been in brisbane. maybe would have surpassed 1893???

If the upper dam fuse plug had collapsed... Brisbane = shit creek?

i believe the history from 1893 was that a telegraph was sent from the area near somerset dam (which at the time the dam didn't exist) warning brisbane of the impending flood. the telegraph wasn't received until too late, therefore brisbane had minimal warning.

2011 was a combination of the lockyer creek flood, bremer river flood and wivenhoe dam overflow. due to the record rainfall also in the brisbane / stanley catchment, had the the two dams not been there combined with the lockyer and bremer floods, who knows how high the flood would have been in brisbane. maybe would have surpassed 1893???

Very possible. This year may have been our worst flood in history. Made 1974's rainfall look like a spring shower.

So under an 1893 flood, which had a peak of 4m higher than 2011, everywhere that was flooded to the roof would be 4m underwater? :nuts:

^^ The peak was higher because there were not the flood mitigation measures in place in 1893.

As a rainfall event, this one seems to have been very similar to 1893.

In fact I know someone who works on the floods royal commission. He says that since 1974, we have had two further weather events (before this year) with rainfall at or very near to 1974 levels. We never heard about these events on the news bcaus Wivenhoe did it job.

I think one was in 1999?

I meant if the flood peak was 4m higher to 1893 levels the spread of water would be uniform ie places that narrowly missed flooding would be flooded by 4m..?

I think in 1996 or 1997 (forget which year) there was MASSIVE rainfall. We lived on the Golf Course at Mt Warren Park (it was a nice area back then :lol:) and it was flooded, as in full of water for 5 weeks. It rained for 3 weeks continuously.

I remember seeing the Logan river flooded over its banks from the train as you go over it. That was possibly one of these years.



I think one was in 1999?

I meant if the flood peak was 4m higher to 1893 levels the spread of water would be uniform ie places that narrowly missed flooding would be flooded by 4m..?

1996.

I remember it well. The flooding in our area was impressive (though not devastating). I remember some guys were jetskiing on the local soccer fields.

:lol: Yer we took the outboard and tinny for a run from our back fence (we backed onto the course, over to the Albert river bridge at the pac highway.

It was continuous water the whole way!

We turned around when we saw the speed of the river! :eek2:

1996.

I remember it well. The flooding in our area was impressive (though not devastating). I remember some guys were jetskiing on the local soccer fields.

7.30 Queensland (9/12/2011) had a nice feature report on the impending move to the new studios including the challenges faced after leaving Toowong. The transcript and video are yet to be posted on their website.

2009 was the most impressive creek flooding I've seen in Brisbane. Particularly on the Northside. I think maybe 2-3 times a year, we get big enough storms to cause significant creek floods.

GOVERNMENT - THEATRE
ORCHESTRA - TENNANT
NEW DEVELOPMENT - INNOVATION

Not a great stretch of the imagination is it.


http://brisbanedevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/285.jpg

GOVERNMENT - THEATRE
ORCHESTRA - TENNANT
NEW DEVELOPMENT - INNOVATION

Not a great stretch of the imagination is it.



:lol: Yes but the narrowmindedness and lack of education amongst the Brisbane leadership will 99.99% ensure your dream of restoring the Regent remains just that, a dream.

:lol: Yes but the narrowmindedness and lack of education amongst the Brisbane leadership will 99.99% ensure your dream of restoring the Regent remains just that, a dream.

There's a lot more to it than just the "narrow-mindedness and lack of education" that you speak of. We need to remember that the Regent site was bought by ISPT, and for a substantial amount of money I would suspect. Now that they own the site, ISPT are able to do with that site what they see fit, including redevelop it, as long as they abide by the local government's planning regulations and, in the Regent's case, the ministerial directives placed on it by the state government, and that the plans are okayed by the Queensland Heritage Council/DERM.

ISPT are not obliged to do anything more than this: they are a business and businesses intend to make money. When it comes to property development, this means that there are times where the proposed development doesn't meet our expectations (Grocon, I'm looking at you!) because they aren't required to. On top of that, ISPT aren't just a business, but a Superannuation Trust, they hold the superannuation proceeds of the tens of thousands of people who have an Industry Super Fund, which they then invest in commercial and retail property (as opposed to shares/cash/other) for the sole purpose of generating returns for the people who's super they hold, meaning they have to be especially careful in investing this money to ensure that they receive maximum returns for minimum expenditure. Simple economics of business I'm afraid.

As for the ABC's Theatre, no, it's not a great stretch of the imagination. However, comparing the inclusion of a 400 seat auditorium in the ABC Building to including a full 2000+ seat theatre in the Regent Tower is quite a stretch. If it were simply a 400 seat complex, it would be considerably easy to include in the Regent project...so easy in fact that they HAVE included it in way of three multimedia auditoriums with a total of 460 seats (1x300 seats, 2x80 seats).

The 7.30 Queensland Reports from last Friday (9/9/11) are now up.

1. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-09/abc-former-brisbane-headquarters-remains-unsold/3723722
2. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-09/abc-staff-to-reunite-five-years-after-cancer/3723716

There are pics (mainly internal) up on the QSO's facebook page! I would post them here, but I don't know if that's allowed....?

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150544226660522.432149.240820615521&type=1

^^ Nice Interiors, shame about the stairway railings :S

Fyfoto Update | ABC Queensland HQ and Broadcasting Centre | Mid December | Interior F/O

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/9444/dsc06270t.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/dsc06270t.jpg/)

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/5059/dsc06271g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/dsc06271g.jpg/)

^^ Yeah, I was wondering about those... Do you think they're definitely the permanent ones or just tempos?

^^ unfortunatly the seem to look reasonably permanent :/

^^ Yeah, I'm 99% sure that they're permanent – they're Griffith Red! Regardless, as long as it gets rid of those staircases along Grey St I won't care too much!

^^ Sorry bud, I was referring to the internal staircases that were posted on QSO's Facebook page, not the external red ones...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150544231220522&set=a.10150544226660522.432149.240820615521&type=3&theater

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150544236970522&set=a.10150544226660522.432149.240820615521&type=3&theater

^^ Ahh fair enough! I'll have to check it out later tonight – no facebook access here!

The ABC has started moving in, with the first ABC News broadcast from the site happening last night. ABC 612 Radio staff will be the last ones to move in, not arriving until the end of the month.

Aunty's long trip home comes to an end
Bridie Jabour
January 11, 2012 - 3:00AM
Read laterComments 5

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2012/01/10/2883992/art-photo2-420x0.jpg
The new ABC Brisbane broadcasting centre. Photo: ABC Brisbane

Five years after the ABC was forced to abandon its Queensland headquarters at Toowong due to a cancer cluster, the broadcaster's diaspora of employees is finally being reunited at its new South Bank studios.

Staff left the ABC's Toowong studios in 2006 and have been spread out across eight sites in Brisbane including Milton, another Toowong office and the basement of Channel 10 at Mount Coot-tha.

In 2010, another woman who worked in the studio after 1994 was diagnosed with breast cancer, bringing the total to 18.

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2012/01/10/2883995/art-20120109_ABCNewsControlRoomFirst-20TVNewsBroadcast-420x0.jpg
Inside the new ABC Brisbane broadcasting centre. Photo: ABC Brisbane

Despite extensive investigations and tests at the site, the cause for the breast cancer cluster has never been found.

On December 29, ABC staff began their move in to the purpose-built South Bank offices and on Monday night did their first television news broadcast from the studio.

ABC Queensland director Mark Bowling said the move had been surprisingly smooth and the television, online and radio news teams had already moved in to the building.

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2012/01/10/2883994/art-20120109_ABCNewsDavid-26JennyFirst-20TVNewsInStudio-420x0.jpg
Inside the new ABC Brisbane broadcasting centre. Photo: ABC Brisbane

The ABC 612 staff would be the last to move in at the end of January.

"(The breast cancer cluster) was incredible," Mr Bowling said.

"I wasn't there at the time, but I had worked in the newsroom in the 1990s and a lot of the women were known to me.

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2012/01/10/2883996/art-20120109_ABCNews_KirstenMacGregorReadsFirstNewsFromNewBuilding_2-420x0.jpg
Inside the new ABC Brisbane broadcasting centre. Photo: ABC Brisbane

"It was just unbelievable for everybody involved that something like that could exist...

"It was quite courageous to say 'let's get out of here'."

Mr Bowling said now the ABC offices were so central, staff were getting used to catching public transport to work instead of driving, as the building had parking for operational vehicles only.

He said the first television news broadcast last night had gone well and the studio was "pretty spectacular", with robotic cameras and facilities to produce 7.30 in Brisbane.

"It's fantastic, it's bringing people together and the building is state of the art," he said.

"A lot has happened in five years in terms of analogue and digital."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/auntys-long-trip-home-comes-to-an-end-20120110-1ptbt.html#ixzz1j6U2ZATS

^^

Thanks nath.

I hope they get rid of the Toowong one and build something on it, be good if they found the cluster, but it will be prime real estate.

^^ I don't know what they could do with it. They weren't able to find any reason for or scientific evidence to prove the cancer cluster when it first came to light, but it's presence there means that there's not a lot you could do with the site. I doubt people would want to live on the site, nor companies moving there and potentially endangering their staff. A park maybe?

^^ I don't know what they could do with it. They weren't able to find any reason for or scientific evidence to prove the cancer cluster when it first came to light, but it's presence there means that there's not a lot you could do with the site. I doubt people would want to live on the site, nor companies moving there and potentially endangering their staff. A park maybe?

Park is fine, I just have issues with leaving things eg Trilogy, the courts in George Street for years, the Novotel, the site next to Orient Hotel, Brett's Wharf, the long time to get the Barracks at Paddington to become something etc and of course the Vision Tower mess and horrific sad Village Twin and Waltons issues. Don't like holes in the ground or incomplete buildings. Sorry if that offends readers :omg:

Yes I am realistic that the economy and other factors make it out of control of us without billions to make something happen but it needs to go. A park, yes, I mean I miss the smelly old Kangaroo Point TAFE where I did study a few times, but hell the new park there is great.

So here is hoping the old ABC is not left as an eyesore, but, I do know there isn't much one can do, but still forums are here to speculate and debate.


Sadly, as is Brisbane, it will sit and rot for years.

they are trying to sell it........ cbre took it to market last year. it'll probably get apartments on it. it's a hard one to sell tho.... they can't find any scientific explanation for what's wrong with it, it just seems haunted.

The stigma of the site being the location of a cancer cluster is definitely there. If it was residential, they'd probably have to sell all the apartments overseas. I certainly would never go near it.

they are trying to sell it........ cbre took it to market last year. it'll probably get apartments on it. it's a hard one to sell tho.... they can't find any scientific explanation for what's wrong with it, it just seems haunted.

Oh ok thanks for that thought it was not up for sale.

Soul agree.

Haunted or not, I can't see that being there forever, maybe a park as nath said. Time will tell.

Wow, drove past yesterday and they have put a really cool live news ticker along the entry to the building! Looks bloody fantastic! Wasn't expecting to see that at all. Wish buildings in the city did more of that. I'll take a photo of it when I'm next down there.

Triple J will have a very small presence there it seems but to date no annoucements if any shows will orginate out of Brisbane like in the early 2000's with Kosta Zu (sorry for spelling).

Picture of ticker here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/commonwealthbroadcastingassociation/7095977079/sizes/c/in/photostream/

I'm not a fan of those blinds... at all.

I think that this looks great! Loving the ticker!!

^^ +1 on that! The ticker is a great addition. I'd love to see a couple more tickers around the CBD as well. They're one of those features that just add a bit more interest to the environment. Not sure where I'd like to see them placed though...

^^
I certainly think there is the potential for them to be placed on bank buildings (but I have a feeling the CommBank in the city on Edward Street at least does one on shares) and I think there's one for the sharemarket in the Riverside Plaza Lobby?

There are a few in Sydney (on buildings like the Channel 7 headquarters). But it's not really that strictly defined as only being on news buildings.

I'm not sure about Riverside, but there is one inside the CommBank on Edward St which is a combination share ticker and displays currency conversion rates to I think. It's the news tickers that I'd like to see more of personally.

Triple J will have a very small presence there it seems but to date no annoucements if any shows will orginate out of Brisbane like in the early 2000's with Kosta Zu (sorry for spelling).

And Mel Bampton was based in Brisbane for a while too I think? It's a shame they don't spread it around a bit more.

I think almost all shows are now broadcast out of Sydney??

ABC Online (so most of the website's news content) is based in Brisbane. I also think Landline and Australian Story are produced here. However, you're correct that the ABC skews towards NSW, with around 48% of staff employed there compared to 18% in Victoria and just 9% in Queensland.

And Mel Bampton was based in Brisbane for a while too I think? It's a shame they don't spread it around a bit more.

I think almost all shows are now broadcast out of Sydney??

Yes you are right Chris. I just believe, and can be corrected, that like Melbourne (where Saffron broadcasts) and the other cities JJJ keeps studios as things arise, but I don't think there are always people based in Brisbane and other cities for JJJ, at least not announcers. I know Costa Zou used to be based here. But I would say most of JJJ is out of Sydney, which is a shame as 20 years ago broadcasters at JJJ where all over.

I think we can tick this one off as a completed project now.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7390021390_ba11c2f8c8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7390021390/)
P6171290 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7390021390/) by Nathan Murray (http://www.flickr.com/people/76513211@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/7390034570_21d952ba75_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7390034570/)
P6171281 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7390034570/) by Nathan Murray (http://www.flickr.com/people/76513211@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5119/7390039334_9c57f67320_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7390039334/)
P6171280 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7390039334/) by Nathan Murray (http://www.flickr.com/people/76513211@N07/), on Flickr

Excellent Nathan, I took some photos of the area at night last month but can't be bothered putting them up, but and the centre look fantastic at night.

It's a shame the QPAC, the con and now this turn their back on grey street though... Its certainly not a stretch of the street you'd hang around...

The ABC building seems to have some retail/cafe space facing Grey St.
Dunno what could be done about the Con. I always thought maybe a rock wall to discourage grafiti and give it a "natural" ambience as opposed to the painted concrete with electrical cupboards there now.

^^ Or even a vertical garden or big piece of public artwork would work. The retail in BCEC, the reworked Grey St frontage of Rydges and whatever is proposed for the site next to South Brisbane will help that stretch of Grey Street a lot regardless. Hell, I even see the potential for a cafe or something in South Brisbane Station's forecourt, possibly not dissimilar to the Grand Central Hotel in Central Station.

It's a shame the QPAC, the con and now this turn their back on grey street though... Its certainly not a stretch of the street you'd hang around...

grey street feels like a back alley now. but its never been a destination. they did try to make it a bit of a boulevade with the apartments at the vulture st end. wish they selected some other plant varieties though... those boganvileas lose their appeal after a short time... then u discover that southbank is literally dripping with the stuff...

You'll get your wish with the trees that will be replacing the ones they took out opposite the ABC. They're putting in Pink Trumpet Trees according to the City News.

http://neighborhoodnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/tabebuia-ipe-gift-shop.jpg

Can't help but think they will take 30 years to reach the maturity in the pic, and then of course will be ripped out because they are "damaging" the sidewalk :)

I might as well add some of my shots.

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1462/img0485e.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8088/img0480m.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2051/img0481xe.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/769/img0478fi.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/622/img0465j.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1708/img0464gm.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07

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By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7132/img0479m.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-09-07