they've announced where the cross city rail station is going.. albert st!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=60217071#post60217071

PS. Thats bloody deep. Seriously. 4 escalator rides to get from top to bottom

So one new city station?

2. Roma Street also has one:

Link: http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/file/2010/07/13/1690646/Central%20section%20of%20study%20corridor.pdf?rand=1278984660868

Fly through video up on youtube:

pUPQJ7fBBBw

A new one at Woolloongabba, a new one at Albert St, while the Park Road/Boggo Road and Roma St stations will be new underground ones, not the existing above ground stations. The largely unused Ekka station and Bowen Hills Station will likely also be upgraded, with the tunnel connecting to the surface just before the Ekka station.

This has got to be one of the best public transport upgrades seen in Brisbane since integrated ticketing!

http://westside-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/high-density-call-for-indro/

Ohhh, platform screens :(

What is wrong with platform screens?

Bad aesthetics

^^^ you should probably get used to them.. we're only going to get more of them

They allow people to reach the edge of the platform. It also means there is less chance of delays bacause of people getting hit by trains.

I also don't mind the aesthetics, KGS Busway Station is not bad at all as far as aesthetics.

Some of you may care to know that Google Maps has updated some its road data around Brisbane. The imagery shown for the streets hasn't changed (nor of course the satellite stuff) at all for the maps, but if you put in directions you can now get routed via the Clem7Example (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Lutwyche+Rd&daddr=South+East+Fwy&hl=en&geocode=FaNXXf4dERIfCQ%3BFfFIXP4dJDAfCQ&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&sll=-27.49274,153.045559&sspn=0.069438,0.169086&ie=UTF8&ll=-27.467764,153.052597&spn=0.069453,0.169086&z=13) and New Gateway motorways Example (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gateway+Mwy&daddr=Gateway+Mwy&hl=en&geocode=FSp6Xv4dZg8gCQ%3BFezvXP4dtE8gCQ&mra=mi&mrsp=1&sz=13&sll=-27.445068,153.12212&sspn=0.069468,0.169086&ie=UTF8&ll=-27.413376,153.119717&spn=0.069488,0.169086&z=13). No Hale Street Link, Centenary Highway/Ipswich Highway fixes though. But interesting to see something happening.

Development up to 60 stories for the Gabba ULDA area: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gabba-expands-skyward-and-downward-20100719-10h21.html#poll


(The 60 stories is for 1 site only, the rest is 40)

Article doesn't mention 60st?

Look at the last picture. It is on the corner of Vulture Street and the Freeway.

Look at the last picture. It is on the corner of Vulture Street and the Freeway.

Yeah something going by the name of 'Landmark tower' apparently:banana:. How come there's nothing about this on here?

I think it is a blurry 40.

I that a 40 or a 60 though? Image quality is lacking.

http://www.ulda.qld.gov.au/_dbase_upl/WG_Land_Use.pdf

It's only 40 stories.

I that a 40 or a 60 though? Image quality is lacking.

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/606/40storeys.jpg (http://img831.imageshack.us/i/40storeys.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Yeah, looks more like 40 storeys, actually. :ohno:

Oh Snap, CKF.

I stand corrected. 40st Office is pretty big though. That's almost 200m!

i'm content.

i wonder how the rest of the local community will react though; in theory there should be little complaint as there are few people living there at the moment, and there isn't exactly any historic merit to whats there now.

I can see this turning into Meritonia... And Metro Properties.... Ewww.

Is it just me or is anyone else bamboozled at the Brisbane Times poll results???

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn131/SoulVisionQ3/GoogleChromeScreenSnapz001.png

A whopping 88% of Brisbane times readers support skyscrapers in the Gabba...! Is this... just amazing or what! Possibly a revolt against Nimbyism perhaps?? or maybe people are just growing some brains.

lol...I was shocked as well....happily shocked.

Haha, read the criticisms - one person says it will cast a shaddow over the cricket ground. Another says that the heights are excessive because there will be too much of a "disconnect" between the people in the towers and the ground! Apparently this somehow impacts pedestrian flows?!

That's up there with drunk people frying themselves on the light rail lines.

If it was 60 stories wouldn't it be taller than most of the buildings in the CBD? :D

I like the way as soon as certain conservative people I know heard about this, they went down the whole "Woolloongabba will become a soulless ghetto" line :(

SEQ's big 7 (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-election/magnificent-seven-sweeteners-will-swing-votes-seq-mayors-20100719-10his.html) ?

Try this link - http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-election/magnificent-seven-sweeteners-will-swing-votes-seq-mayors-20100719-10his.html

The projects are:

- Delivering the Toowoomba Bypass
- Upgrading Kingsford Smith Drive
- Extending the Eastern Busway to Capalaba
- Fixing the Warrego Highway/Blacksoil intersection
- Widening the Pacific Motorway through Logan
- Expanding the Sunshine Coast Airport
- Upgrading and extending the Gold Coast Rail Line through to Coolangatta

I must say, the Eastern Busway would be nice!! Followed by the Coolangatta rail extension and Kingsford Smith Drive.

Thanks Marty, sorry about the bad url folks!

The projects are:

- Delivering the Toowoomba Bypass Needed and beneficial.
- Upgrading Kingsford Smith Drive Not needed
- Extending the Eastern Busway to Capalaba Doesn't look like we'll ever see rail for this, so I guess this is the next best option.
- Fixing the Warrego Highway/Blacksoil intersection Don't know about it
- Widening the Pacific Motorway through Logan Not needed
- Expanding the Sunshine Coast Airport Not needed at the moment...maybe 5-10yrs?
- Upgrading and extending the Gold Coast Rail Line through to Coolangatta. Not as essential as the next stage of the light rail.

In bold.

^^ agree 100% with everything mate.

Out of curiosity, does anyone have any insight on what the cost difference would be like Busway vs Rail for the Eastern corridor?

Rail would be nice. It could run through to the rail/busway interchange (including the new cross-river rail) at Park Rd.

I disagree that Kingsford Smith Drive is not needed. Other than that your points are mostly valid... Especially the next stage of light rail.

- Widening the Pacific Motorway through Logan Not needed

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. As a local living in that area of Logan, while the highway itself doesn't specifically need the widening, we do need a lot of the associated works, such as a Loganlea road overpass duplication, and an extension of the south east busway to Loganholme via this new Daisy Hill station and existing Springwood stop would do a lot to improve bus times and services to the Logan area. And realigned on and off ramps could also be beneficial.

I think the main point of the Pacific MWY upgrade at Logan is actually to improve the safety of the ramps, overpasses and service roads. That is where the vast majority of the work is occuring.... And to be honest that's a good thing. Said areas of the road system are pretty dangerous.

So there will be no significant upgrade to capacity.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the motorway around Daisy Hill being widened/upgraded as we speak?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the motorway around Daisy Hill being widened/upgraded as we speak?

That is the first phase of the Logan stretch upgrade. The full upgrade was split into parts due to the credit crunch, with the most urgent needs addressed first.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the motorway around Daisy Hill being widened/upgraded as we speak?

Yes. But they want to do the same to the parts north and south of the Daisy Hill upgrade segment.

I don't believe there are any additional lanes being added as part of the Daisy Hill upgrade. As I said before, it's all the service roads, breakdown areas, slip lanes, on and off ramps and over/underpasses. At present these components of the road are in a state of disrepair and are unsafe.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the motorway around Daisy Hill being widened/upgraded as we speak?

I thought they were making it 3 lanes each way (it's currently 2?) with a new bridge?

The last time I drove through there, a few weeks ago, there seemed to be stuff happening.

Development up to 60 stories for the Gabba ULDA area: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gabba-expands-skyward-and-downward-20100719-10h21.html#poll



And then this (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fickle-finance-could-topple-gabba-tower-20100719-10hy0.html) :ohno:

I read that list this morning and had great difficulty deciding which one I wanted to see the most.

I think for purely selfish reasons it would be the Pacific Motorway upgrade, I drive through that stretch atleast twice a week and it is certainly the most dangerous stretch of that road.

I would then probably run with Eastern Busway, but only to Carindale. It isnt really needed at the moment past there.

I thought they were making it 3 lanes each way (it's currently 2?) with a new bridge?

The last time I drove through there, a few weeks ago, there seemed to be stuff happening.

You're thinking of the wrong spot. The Daisy Hill upgrade is already 3 lanes each way, and will still be 3 lanes each way when the upgrade is complete.

Are you thinking of the Gateway South? That is currently 2 each way, being upgraded to 6.

I would then probably run with Eastern Busway, but only to Carindale. It isnt really needed at the moment past there.

Eastern Busway gets my pick, but I guess it's for selfish reasons. I would use it a LOT.

I also want them to go further than Carindale... Purely for selfish reasons :)

In bold.

jeez, you are a hawk for PT aren't you..!!

capalaba busway is my #1

#2 - the pacific motorway definitely needs an upgrade through logan.. where it merges with the gateway heading south is just too tight and it causes major congestion before it crosses the logan river and eases up again.

#3 - kingsford smith - well, we can wait and see what impact the airport link tunnel has - but i reckon it is a question of when, not if. in the next 5-10 years there will be another 6,000 people living at portside/hamilton northshore. PT cannot meet everyone's needs. we should be congratulating them on forward planning.

And then this (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fickle-finance-could-topple-gabba-tower-20100719-10hy0.html) :ohno:

So it's a 15 year plan, but bad economic conditions now mean we should right it off. Gah numpties. I thought Brisbane Times might be better than the Courier Mail.

Well obviously developers have to properly finance it... but while there's demand for residential apartments, there will be supply. They just need a percentage of pre-sales to secure financing, thats common sense. Its nothing we don't know... the brisbane times tries to fish for storys out of nothing.

The latest SEQIPP has now been released and is up on the DIP website.

I just found out that Brisbane had Bid for the 2009, 2011 and 2013 IAAF World Championships. I reckon they should keep bidding until they get it because they would be great for the city, its not quite as bid as the Olympics but it would be a good "tester" to see if we could one day hold the greatest show on earth.

The latest SEQIPP has now been released and is up on the DIP website.

cheers for the info.. some interesting projects

CBD Bus Infrastructure Capacity Program - Cultural Centre safety upgrades
Pre-project
10m
2011-12

Brisbane - Gold Coast transport network investigation
Concept
30m
2010-12

Pacific Motorway Upgrade - Gateway Motorway to Springwood South - Corridor Preservation
Concept
18m
2010


Petrie to Redcliffe Rail Corridor
2020-26

CBD Bus Infrastructure Capacity Program
2014-20

Kenmore Bypass - Western Freeway to Moggill Road
2020-26

Stafford Road - Gympie Road to South Pine Road - Corridor Preservation
2014-20

Additional pedestrian/cycle bridge in the CBD
2014-20

Out of curiosity, does anyone have any insight on what the cost difference would be like Busway vs Rail for the Eastern corridor?

i don't know the actual cost difference.

but the darra-springfield railway line is 10km and is budgeted at 650m - so 65m/km. but this project is being build out in the sticks, so the cost of land would be $sfa and construction would be cheaper as well.

the future stages of the eastern busway are something like 16km and are budgeted at 1270m - so 85m/km.

Brisbane CBD now has a 3D interactive model for DA purposes!
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/property/brisbane-a-model-virtual-city-20100722-10ltv.html?autostart=1

Council website: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_6109

The quality of that virtual model is really really bad. Compared to the technology that Brisbane-based Urban Circus (http://www.urbancircus.com.au/) has.

The buildings they have tried to do properly look okay, but the rest is really just blocky massing, suppose with all things, if they keep it up it will be good.

You're thinking of the wrong spot. The Daisy Hill upgrade is already 3 lanes each way, and will still be 3 lanes each way when the upgrade is complete.

Are you thinking of the Gateway South? That is currently 2 each way, being upgraded to 6.

You're right, now that I think of it there aren't any 2 lane bits of the Pacific near that area

Brisbane CBD now has a 3D interactive model for DA purposes!
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/property/brisbane-a-model-virtual-city-20100722-10ltv.html?autostart=1

Council website: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_6109

FINALLY!
I've been waiting for this for about a year.

This is a truly great idea... putting new developments into perspective just off the plans can be difficult (especially if you're not too familiar with the location) so this will be a great real world tool for us!

Why didnt they just pay urban circus an amount to do brisbane properly and have is accessible to the public?

Cause thinking outside the box isn't exactly a strong point for the BCC.

To be fair, its great that this is finally being implemented in Brisbane however for virtually the same cost they could have gotten a virtual model a hundred times better, from a Brisbane company. A model that you can actually walk around at ground level (pedestrian) and look up. You can't do that with the technology they have gone with.

From a briefing I got recently they said that that would be possible.

I can't see any issue with the quality personally.

Cause thinking outside the box isn't exactly a strong point for the BCC.

Sorry, but you simply CANNOT say that with zero knowledge of how, or why the system was chosen and implemented.

Sorry, but you simply CANNOT say that with zero knowledge of how, or why the system was chosen and implemented.

I work for a simulation company, so yes... I can, and do have a fair bit of knowledge of virtual simulation technology.

But you don't know why BCC chose that system. Often when given reasons it makes better sense.

sense makes more sense when it has a narrative.

^^
narration is good, discourse is better.

But you don't know why BCC chose that system. Often when given reasons it makes better sense.

problem is, we'll probably never know.

Ok so i've finally got my ass in gear and produced a Brisbane montage video. Gave up when adobe after effects kept making it impossible to do certain things. Thats the last time i use that program... painful is an understatement, I was ready to throw my laptop through the window at one point.

And yes, there are no doubt insignificant errors like 1 floor off actual height etc, meh to them. Enjoy ;)

xSqxw5DZ92w

Ok so i've finally got my ass in gear and produced a Brisbane montage video. Gave up when adobe after effects kept making it impossible to do certain things. Thats the last time i use that program... painful is an understatement, I was ready to throw my laptop through the window at one point.

And yes, there are no doubt insignificant errors like 1 floor off actual height etc, meh to them.

fantastic. Really enjoyed it. Thankyou. Only small error i noticed not of your making was i believe the british survey was way off. 1 in 20 british expats not 1 in 10 according to federal stats.

I was just going off results from the Natwest survey, seen in the CM (http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/one-in-ten-brisbane-residents-are-british-ex-pats/story-e6freoof-1225895294962) and BT (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bris-vegas-or-little-britbane-20100716-10e23.html).

1 in 10 is what the latest reports have been saying. I would believe it for the bayside area at least.

I was just going off results from the Natwest survey, seen in the CM (http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/one-in-ten-brisbane-residents-are-british-ex-pats/story-e6freoof-1225895294962) and BT (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bris-vegas-or-little-britbane-20100716-10e23.html).

natwest is an english bank trying to get their name in the paper. if you read the article rather than the headline you would have realised that their stats are rubbish.

the 2006 census found that just 6.3% of brisbane residents were born in "North-West Europe". and this includes a whole lot more countries than britain - it also includes ireland, germany, sweden, france and many others. unfortunately it doesn't break it down into individual countries for privacy reasons, but you can see that there is no way that britain could make up 10%.

looking at queensland as a whole - where the stats are broken down into selected countries - the 2006 census found that just 5.2% of queensland residents were born in the UK. again, this includes more countries than just britain - it also includes northern ireland. so again - no chance of the 10% figure being correct - it is just marketing crap made up to get natwest's name in the paper.

Ok so i've finally got my ass in gear and produced a Brisbane montage video. Gave up when adobe after effects kept making it impossible to do certain things. Thats the last time i use that program... painful is an understatement, I was ready to throw my laptop through the window at one point.

And yes, there are no doubt insignificant errors like 1 floor off actual height etc, meh to them. Enjoy ;)



:applause: Well done mate! brilliant job.

Not bad at all.. Convention typo though :P

the 2006 census found that just 6.3% of brisbane residents were born in "North-West Europe". and this includes a whole lot more countries than britain - it also includes ireland, germany, sweden, france and many others. unfortunately it doesn't break it down into individual countries for privacy reasons, but you can see that there is no way that britain could make up 10%.


there's a full classfication list for Brisbane which put the figure of Brits at 78k or 4.4%

Good job SV.

Couple of errors I noted: Soleil will be tallest in Brisbane, not Infinity, and McLachlan and Ann is being developed by Laing O'Rourke, not Watpac.

I find a claim of a population gretaer than 2 million difficult to believe????

Eh? Brisbane passed 2 million ages ago.

facts are difficult to believe for some

Completed photo of the widened pathways.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/8162/img66668113370.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/img66668113370.jpg/)

Looks good!

Do you like the twinkle lights?

i love twinkle lights

They're programable LED strands catenary suspended.

No Fyver i think you had the correct terminology first time.. they're twinkle lights... sorry... floating twinkle lights to be precise

Looks pretty good, especially the part on the Macarthur Chambers side. Speaking of Macarthur Chambers, they need to hurry up and boot out that cheapo bookshop and allow in a high end retail shop if they want to turn that stretch into the high street of Brisbane.

I think given time Edward street will continue to be given its new face, which can only benifit the whole surrounding area as well.

And BTw I took a picture to illustrate a idea,do you think there should be a advertising board on that existing blank facade on that building in Albert Street?

Soz Quality ,Shaky Phone pic from the bus :P

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/4315/dsc02476h.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/dsc02476h.jpg/)

Stand corrected on the 2 million population claim Master TOCC. Just to clarify, is it a projection or estimate based on the last census or is someone physically counting?

Stand corrected on the 2 million population claim Master TOCC. Just to clarify, is it a projection or estimate based on the last census or is someone physically counting?

King TOCC would be more appropriate

Completed photo of the widened pathways.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/8162/img66668113370.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/img66668113370.jpg/)

It does look really good!! I think this is perhaps one of the best street view pictures I have seen of Brisbane in quite a while, thanks Jesse!!

Nathandavid, couldn't agree more. When it was announced that Macarthur Chambers was going to get a do over, around this time last year, they thought the new store/s could be up and running by the end of this year...fat chance of that happening now!

I would like to Zara as the new tenant. The interior would need a fix up but considering it is one of the few large retail floor spaces in the CBD that is available. It isn't exactly high end but it is a good location for it and would compliment the existing retailers in Macarthur Central and Edward Street nicely.

zara would be an excellent tenant for that space.. but they won't be opening aussie stores for a few years yet!!

Stand corrected on the 2 million population claim Master TOCC. Just to clarify, is it a projection or estimate based on the last census or is someone physically counting?

the ABS makes an educated guess based on based on birth and death certificates, interstate migration based on change of address info submitted to Medicare (plus an expansion factor) and internation migration based on what people fill out on their forms when they enter the country.

this tends to underesimate the population in Brisbane and Queensland

King TOCC would be more appropriate

right. you do know Master is the form of address for boys under about 13 years old?

King TOCC would be more appropriate

Its not like its a secret .. there is this thing called the internet and you can look stuff like that up.. ie wikipedia will tell you that as of 2009 Brisbane had a population of 2,004,262 ;)

Just to clarify, is it a projection or estimate based on the last census or is someone physically counting?

Hey King REdress- you will have to wait until August next year to learn something the rest of us already know.


The next Australian Census of Population and Housing will be held on Tuesday, 9 August, 2011. This was announced recently by Assistant Treasurer Sen. Nick Sherry and the Prime Minister.

Source (http://www.franchisebusiness.com.au/c/Spectrum-Analysis/Date-for-the-next-Census-announced-as-9-August-2011-n872162)

^
unfortunately even longer than that - they wont tell us the results for ages. lazy ABS.

right. you do know Master is the form of address for boys under about 13 years old?


A insight into the life of orefo?

zara would be an excellent tenant for that space.. but they won't be opening aussie stores for a few years yet!!

Actually their parent company Inditex announced two weeks ago that they will open Zara stores in Australia next year. As per usual they will open in Sydney and Melbourne first, but hopefully we might see one within the next one to two years. Maybe they are hanging out here at Macarthur Chambers for something like that?

I don't believe people like the Queen Street Mall stuff. I think it looks crap. We have the best retail mall in Australia, and this is how we try to extend, it looks like it should be in a small suburban centre, actually some of the SCIPs stuff has been better, such as Logan Road at Woolloongabba. It demanded quality, and it so far hasn't been delivered.

It's pronounced Skip, not SCIP.

A insight into the life of orefo?

;) nah, just pointing out how apt it is - going by what you post, you have to be under 13.

Actually their parent company Inditex announced two weeks ago that they will open Zara stores in Australia next year. As per usual they will open in Sydney and Melbourne first, but hopefully we might see one within the next one to two years. Maybe they are hanging out here at Macarthur Chambers for something like that?

As per usual? What do you mean? Zara may open a store in Sydney first but this is not nor will it be usual for them as they have never opened a store here.

^^
i'd say he means ''international retailers normally open in either Sydney or Melbourne before opening elsewhere''

^^
Spot on Orfeo

;) nah, just pointing out how apt it is - going by what you post, you have to be under 13.

haha, coming from you i would almost take that as a insult, may i ask what i have jammed up that precious little ass of your to get you all cwanky?

River City Blueprint site updated: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_5841

;)

so very blue and yellow.

haha, coming from you i would almost take that as a insult, may i ask what i have jammed up that precious little ass of your to get you all cwanky?

1) did you edit your original post 3hrs after the original in an attempt to make it more witty? if so, I'm underwhelmed

2) what would it take from me to be insulting? you know, just for future reference.

*insert pompous comment here*
so very blue and yellow.



1) did you edit your original post 3hrs after the original in an attempt to make it more witty? if so, I'm underwhelmed

2) what would it take from me to be insulting? you know, just for future reference.

no sweetheart, i removed a comment i was sending to Sky_Is_The_Limit, not everything revolves around you..

and you tiptoed around my question, what have i done which has your knickers in such a knot? or do you always act like such a twat, its just that i havent noticed?

:popcorn:

^^:lol:

im a little bemused by it all, im still not sure what i said which got Oreo all cranky

there's really nothing to see here. i'm not cranky/angry. twat perhaps. nothing set me off, i just felt the need to point out Redress made a snarky comment that i thought you might have missed. you commented, i wrote back and it seems a blood feud has formed, complete with spectators.

River City Blueprint site updated: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_5841

;)

The "connected city" options are crap. I had hoped after all this planning, something useful would have come out of this. Still the same old CBD-centric PT network.

And I'm utterly confused as to why the hell the tunnel from Buranda to Toowong is in there - this to me seems like an absolute joke of an idea...as well as the KSD upgrade as well.

Not really CBD centric IMO (other than the fact the whole idea is looking at the inner 5km. There are thoughts that buses will interchange with other modes such as Metro on the edge of the CBD in the same way that London does. It has 2 primary Metro lines that are like a cross across the CBD. If you look at this presentation with the Prosperous City it makes more sense. Business like to be within 30 minutes of other major businesses. The idea of decentralisation only works for localised business or if you are able to travel 30 minutes or less to get from boardroom to boardroom. This is why the CBD is so important as it is able to Hub these businesses, however you need a good distributer transport network to get you around.

On another note there is a lot of work going into non CBD centric transport.

there's really nothing to see here. i'm not cranky/angry. twat perhaps. nothing set me off, i just felt the need to point out Redress made a snarky comment that i thought you might have missed. you commented, i wrote back and it seems a blood feud has formed, complete with spectators.

rightio oreo, no blood feud here

rightio oreo, no blood feud here

Ok enough. TOCC just said that ' ... some people can't bring themselves to be believe facts', or something like that, in response to me questioning the claim that Brisbane's population was 2 million or more. I think we was having a go at me, perhaps... I don't really know why. Maybe he took personal offence at my skeptisism. Maybe he is proud of Brisbane's population being over 2 million and he wants it so bad that he has convinced himself that this is in fact - a fact?? In the end TOCC, I don't know, someone else can interpret it or you can clarify maybe. In any case, I then bowed to 'Master' TOCC being gracious to his superiority, and then Orfeo took it up. Got it? Clear as mud eh!

Look TOCC, maybe Orfeo is just not that into you, just like your not that into me. So whatever

i couldnt personally give a crap what you think Brisbanes population is, i havent lived there for 5 years, i do however take a interest in statistics and facts, hence my comment about 'facts'.

Like i said, i was unsure as to why Orefo would label me a 13yr old and hence persisted with the alleged blood feaud, that and the fact that i find these little bickers entertaining to watch.

So run along little boy ;)

hyperbole. i get that it doesn't come across well online, but still - no i don't really think a blood feud has formed. i dont' care about you nearly that much.

i'm not really sure how this has turned out the way it has - i thought one smarmy comment deserved another. i thought the 'insight into the life of'' coment might be a reference to kiddie-fiddling, but couldn't be sure and didn't find it offensive anyway. and in my response, i find it strange that a comment prefaced by a smilie could set this off. usually thats the international sign for i'm not entirely serious. but ok. next time i'll make sure to include "just joking ha ha ha" just for you.

and while you might be entertained, i'm getting a bit bored.

Great, can we move on now

Hi All

I've been an avid follower of the forum for some time but this is my first post.

I've been amused by the current argy bargy about Brisbane's population.

Our southern cousins seem to think we are desparate to prove that we have reached the magic figure of 2 million. Seems to me that they are equally desparate to prove we haven't!

If Brisbane-ites wanted to be smug about it we are technically Australia's biggest city with 1,052,458 residents in the BCC area while Sydney City has only 177,000 and Melbourne City 93,105 (2009 figures).

Clearly what everyone is arguing about is the greater metropolitan areas of each of the cities. Just to prove the point (and not wanting to be cite some parochial Qld source) check out this link to a NSW government website which quotes Brisbane's 2009 population as 2,004,262.

http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/aboutnsw/labour/C4_pop_estimates.htm

I'm with TOCC. Can we all build a bridge and just get over it!

PS Great shots of the Brisbane skyline in the Courier Mail's Qweekend mag. Maybe someone (who's not a noob like me and knows how) could post them?

^^
well, welcome to posting

there's really not that much of debate about the population of Brisbane, it's just the sometimes people aren't always aware of the latest figures. the ABS is the arbiter, so disagreement is kept to a minimum. argument tends to focus on the significance of the figures than the numbers themselves, for example whether Perth will catch up to Brisbane or Qld surpass Vic, and i doubt those down south are worse than those out west. redress does have a point that the numbers are based on projections rather than an actual count, but they tend to underestimate growth in most qld district anyway. not to mention that census data comes along rarely.

^^ Agree with Orfeo, have to admit I don't really get this inter-city rivalry on here (sibling-rivaly?). As much as I feel loyal to Brisbane and SEQ, I would love to see Perth hit 2 mil mark and Adelaide have 250+'s soon. Although I'd prefer if T'ville got there first I suppose.:shifty:

Lol southern states are just jealous that our Cities are actully run by "City councils" which cover most of the metro area excluding Moreton , Ipswich and Redlands.

While down south its pretty much the old school style local government in Melbourne and Sydney which have councils fragmented into teeny..tiny ineffective councils that cant for the life of them work together with each other which put the ratepayers of those councils at a disadvantage compared with a larger more unfied LGA.

as well as the KSD upgrade as well.

lol.. you are so passionate about being against this aren't you..! i wouldn't be surprised if you chained yourself in front of a bulldozer on the sod turning day :P

lol.. you are so passionate about being against this aren't you..! i wouldn't be surprised if you chained yourself in front of a bulldozer on the sod turning day :P

It's just a pointless waste of money, when we should be looking to spend money on far, far more socially, economically and environmentally beneficial projects - i.e. a metro to Hamilton, upgrade of cycle and pedestrians routes etc.

If it does go ahead, I could do this: ;)

http://i.treehugger.com/images/2007/5/24/tiananmen-square-hero.jpg

I agree, waste of money, establish a strong PT presence and the KSD upgrade won't be needed

lol.. you are so passionate about being against this aren't you..! i wouldn't be surprised if you chained yourself in front of a bulldozer on the sod turning day :P

How about we just make the whole river an underground 8 lane freeway?

In other words I think there are places to spend money that are good and there are places that are bad. IMO this is not a priority.

yeah, but it might be different when there are an extra 10,000 people living at hamilton northshore. that is more than triple the current population of hamilton. either way, shall we agree to disagree and watch what happens?? lord knows posting here isn't going to change anything :P

Anyone who knows KSD knows the upgrade is not stupid. Especially in light of the MASSIVE Tradecoast expansion underway and Northshore.

Drive along the new Gateway some time and look at the earthworks on the left and the right. Those huge areas are all going to be part of the Tradecoast expansion. They are connected ONLY to KSD. As if the commercial traffic volumes were not already huge.

After our last discussion I actually decided to check out how many trucks etc HAVE to use KSD as their only or only practical option. I have to say that I even educated myself... Most of those guys cannot use Airport Link. Their destinations are connected to KSD.

I agree - if the option was a metro or KSD, then I'd go the metro. But in and of itself, you cannot say that the KSD upgrade is a waste of money.

So what if they had KSD turned into a 6 lane road. 2 bus lanes, 2 freight lanes and 2 lanes for whoever wanted to use them?

I have a major problem with inducing demand. My issue is that the upgrade, although it is adding bus lanes, it also makes a more efficient trip for general motorists. Even the Feds have noticed that this impedes of freight travel in the long run and are now concentrating more on PT funding.

Anyone who knows KSD knows the upgrade is not stupid. Especially in light of the MASSIVE Tradecoast expansion underway and Northshore.

Drive along the new Gateway some time and look at the earthworks on the left and the right. Those huge areas are all going to be part of the Tradecoast expansion. They are connected ONLY to KSD. As if the commercial traffic volumes were not already huge.

After our last discussion I actually decided to check out how many trucks etc HAVE to use KSD as their only or only practical option. I have to say that I even educated myself... Most of those guys cannot use Airport Link. Their destinations are connected to KSD.

I agree - if the option was a metro or KSD, then I'd go the metro. But in and of itself, you cannot say that the KSD upgrade is a waste of money.

wtf??

KSD does not exist in a vaccum - these places are perfectly capable of using Airport Link. There is no industrial presence along KSD itself, west of Nudgee Road, which requires a massive upgrade of KSD. Anything Nudgee Road or east thereof is well connected to Airport Link.

Moving through traffic away from undesirable locations that it does not need to be in is not exactly a new precedent - or should we return the Pacific hwy to Beenleigh CBD, the Warrego and Cunningham Hwys to Ipswich CBD and not have built the Clem Jones Tunnel? For a less exaggerated example, try the banning of trucks along Metroad 2 and their re-routing via the longer M2 route.

I have a major problem with inducing demand

Which is not happening. Growth at x% + allowance for x% more traffic = constant demand in relative terms.

KSD does not exist in a vaccum

Of course it doesn't. Never said it did.

There is no industrial presence along KSD itself, west of Nudgee Road, which requires a massive upgrade of KSD.

I am talking about east of Nudgee Road. In a just a few years that area will have grown exponentially. Like I said, look at the Tradecoast expansion and the location of the roads. The traffic generated by the Tradecoast expansion, IMO, is going to be far greater than that of Northshore which we have rightly observed can be (at least largely) helped by public transport. Airport Link is right out of the way for so much traffic. Planning for the future, in my opinion, demands Airport Link and KSD... But obviously we'll be here until next year arguing that.

Let's pretend that this is true... In a just a few years there most certainly will be. Like I said, look at the Tradecoast expansion and the location of the roads. The traffic generated by the Tradecoast expansion, IMO, is going to be far greater than that of Northshore which we have rightly observed can be (at least largely) helped by public transport.

Tradecost is EAST of Nudgee Road and quite capable of using Airport Link and/or the M1/M2 corridor.

^^ Wow, you were quick. I edited that immediately. Got my easts and wests mixed up.

Public Transport is the key to reducing the induced demand, Northshore Hamilton needs to be served by a quality public transport route, and I think most of us on here would hope that is by a Metro style train line. I still think it is folly to start pouring money into another road solution when one of your major plans to reduce traffic off KSD by providing the easy way to the Airport hasn't been completed yet. Get Airport Link built and see what impact it has on travel patterns. You can't predict what impact its going to have before it happens even with the best traffic modelling systems.

Marty, if it will take a freight truck 45min to travel down KSD and only 15min on Airport Link, are you saying they will still use KSD and avoid Airport Link as it is the most direct route?

Depends if the freight trucks want to increase their overheads, they'd have to work it out what 30mins of fuel costs are.

Regardless of the actual cost of travelling the extra distance, there are plenty of precedents of implementing longer alternative routes for trucks. Look at Sydney's M7 - heaps longer than the Cumberland Highway yet all through trucks use it.

regardless of heavy vehicle traffic, 10,000 extra people in hamilton northshore are going to generate a lot of trips. even if they had a freaking teleporter between portside wharf and queen st mall there would still be people using their cars to go to other places. from hamilton northshore 90% of journeys will be to the north or the west, placing most of the extra load on KSD. public transport is a very important part of the solution, but it is not going to solve the problem by itself.

oh o, sweetchariot you didnt just suggest that PT isnt the be all and end all of transport did you?

I think there is going to be an old fashioned public lynching now.

from hamilton northshore 90% of journeys will be to the north or the west, placing most of the extra load on KSD

You're kidding, right?

Anyone aware of the start date for the CityCycle scheme? Seems much infrastructure is being completed now. I think Melbourne recently launched a similar scheme, does anyone know how that is going?

Melbourne recently launched a similar scheme, does anyone know how that is going?

Failing miserably with only approx 70 uses per day.

The major problem is the helmet laws which limits your market to people who carry around helmets for fun :lol:

Melbourne also has very good hop-on-hop-off street PT through its CBD so there's not a huge demand for cycling for the sort of trips this scheme is focused on

You're kidding, right?

well they certainly can't go south.. you'd need a boat.

that leaves only the east - and i don't see that being a major trip generator. there simply isn't as much stuff there as there is to the north or the west.

Thanks for your expert transport planning opinion :lol:

The traffic assessment for the development suggests (but gives no justification) 40% to/from the north and 20% to/from the west. The north would of course include traffic destined for Nudgee Road and the Gateway, so this would have no influence on the section of KSD in question.

There is plenty in the east - i.e. heaps of car dependent employment and the Gateway which takes you to most of brisbane. In comparison there is very little in the north-west (random suburbia). In the west is the CBD, however we should not be widening roads to cater for commuter traffic to the CBD. Other somewhat significant employment locations such as Toowong are quite accessible by PT so, again, no need for significant expenditure to serve private vehicle commuters to this location.

So, tell me, where are the masses of traffic going that requires an additional 1500 vehicles per hour capacity in each direction on KSD between Racecourse Rd and the ICB?

hey, i never claimed to be a traffic engineer!! :p

which 'development' are you referring to??

and either way - as you alluded to - the report you are referring to 'suggests' where the traffic will go. it does not give any justification to justify its 'suggestions'. everyone is just guessing where it will go.

but there is no need to guess about one thing - absolutely everyone should be able to agree that KSD is going to become more congested when the suburb of hamilton *triples* in size and an extra 10,000 people live at the end of it.

^ The only traffic assessment I could find online was for the western part of the North Shore development. Agree with the criticism of the traffic distribution in the report, which is why I mentioned it. Unfortunately, a lot of guess work (aka 'professional judgement') is involved with this sort of thing, particularly where JTW data is not available to give at least some semblance of a scientific base.

I don't disagree that KSD will become more congested. I am disagreeing that the best way of 'moving forward' (sorry Jules) is to widen it.

Is there a problem with a congested KSD when there are alternate routes?

I think most people agree on these forums that they should delay any decisions on upgrading KSD until we can see the impact that the Airport Link has.

I still think KSD will need to be upgraded in the future, but this whole argument started because the local councils think this should be in our top 7 transport priority list. Which at this stage in time it shouldnt be.

The CM reported the nimbies won the fight in west end - area 7 will now have buildings no higher than 8 levels (proposal was 12)

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/planning-minister-rejects-12-storey-buildings-in-west-end/story-e6freoof-1225901135245

apparently due to a lack of school places. but isn't the govt supposed to provide funding for schools....... so it's their fault that the schools aren't big enough???? it seems to me that the decision was based more on local politics than school places.

Idiots :ohno:

“This is a real victory for local residents, common sense and sustainable planning”

Huh? I thought it was the opposite.

sustainable for them to keep what they have to benefit their own

apparently due to a lack of school places.

they'd argue with anything and everything to get what they want.

Wow, that just took the term nimby to a whole new low for me. Idiots is an understatement.

Isn't it common sense just to build a new school? Or are they really that incompetent?

“This is a real victory for local NIMBYs” Cr Abrahams said.
Fixed.

it *is* west end
they have *always* been like this
it's not surprising.. and i find it hard to find reasons why they should be forced to change

^^ huh?? No one is forcing them to change. Change is inevitable in life and especially evident in built environment. As the saying goes “Change is the only constant”. So they are doing the forcing not anyone else. Forcing their view on how the suburb should be, which is fine, they should have a view, and it needs to be heard, but the rest of the suburb and city shouldn't held at ransom to placate a vocal minority with unfounded unsubstantiated views. As far as I see it the views of this vocal minority have already been heard and addressed and kept in balance with the needs of the city and the general population - Most of the high rise that have been allocated are for the commercial and industrial zones of south brisbane and parts of West End which helps keep the "tin and timber" character housing of West End and other suburbs.

Those dwellings will have to go elsewhere, do we want more sprawl? No thanks. Densify the inner suburbs with reasonable, well thought-out plans that can keep character housing and the essence of the suburbs and we can house them easily. But the NIMBYs dont see this.

Vocal minorities really irritate me sometimes.

the 'change' is the change in the town plan

the term sustainable is overused

Tabcorp's $500m punt on Qld hotel casinos
August 7, 2010 - 10:17AM

The Queensland Government says it looks forward to receiving a detailed submission from Tabcorp regarding investment proposals for the state's casinos.

Tabcorp is planning to invest more than half a billion dollars in two new luxury hotels and 1000 poker machines on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

The company has asked the state government to sell it licences to used poker machines to put in the two casinos, to avoid any sensitivity issues.

The move aims to give Queensland's fledgling tourism industry a shot in the arm, as well as win back high-rollers lost to the Asian, Sydney and Melbourne casino markets.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser today said the state government welcomed Tabcorp's proposal.

"This project has the potential to deliver jobs and a boost to our economy," Mr Fraser said.

"The project has the exciting potential to provide a welcome boost to the tourism infrastructure on the Gold Coast and a new five star hotel in Brisbane's CBD.

He said Tabcorp advised the state government in the last month that it would be looking to provide a formal submission about investment plans at its Queensland properties.

"The government looks forward to receiving a detailed submission regarding Tabcorp's investment proposals," he said.

"This is a massive proposal and one that obviously has many issues to consider.

"We will be considering the proposal in the context of our strong policy commitments on gambling regulation and the recently released Productivity Commission report on gambling."

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tabcorps-500m-punt-on-qld-hotel-casinos-20100807-11ozw.html

Similar article in today's Courier Mail, but it names William Street as the site for the new five star hotel. So where is it going to be built?

The Casino building itself would be heritage listed so it won't be subject to a major rebuild.

The buildings on the Casino side of William Street are all government owned. There's the Public Service Club (where would the public servants get their cheap beer if it went? LOL) the Executive Building (with the Premier's office) and its annex.

On the opposite side another relatively new government building (Neville Bonner) and two heritage listed buildings the Commissariat Store and Queensland House (I think its called?).

There is also a park but this has significance for the local Aboriginal people.

My guess would be the old State Library building (the one with the faux corinthian colums and the 1960's annex with the fab mural) on the corner of Elizabeth Street.

Anyone know if it has a heritage order over it?


Courier Mail August 7 2010

QUEENSLAND casinos stand to undergo a revamp of more than half a billion dollars in what could prove a shot in the arm for the state's ailing tourism industry.

But the scale of the investment in Tabcorp's Gold Coast and Brisbane casinos hinges on State Government willingness to grant the company more poker machine licences.

Plans for Brisbane's Treasury Casino include a new five-star hotel on William St with a 1000-seat ballroom, nightclub, prestige restaurants and retail and VIP gaming facilities.

Jupiters on the Gold Coast would also gain a new hotel tower on its existing site along with more conference facilities, six restaurants, nightclubs and a spa.

It is believed the investment, aimed partly at shoring up Queensland's shrinking share of the coveted Asian high-roller market amid strong competition interstate and overseas, could reach $600 million.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

But without the addition of some 1000 poker machines to its casinos to bolster declining revenues and underwrite the expansion, Tabcorp would probably commit only a quarter of this - $150 million - and scrap its ambitious Brisbane plans.

Tabcorp has asked the Government to sell it licences to unused machines which could be relocated to the casinos. This avoids any attempt to increase the number of machines the Government has allowed under its cap.

Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper said the company understood the "sensitivities" around poker machines, hence its attempt to buy existing machines.

"What we have to realise is that casinos, particularly integrated resorts, are made for this sort of business and have all the infrastructure around responsible gambling and responsible service of alcohol," he said.

Gamblers lost just over $600 million in Tabcorp's Queensland casinos last financial year.

^^ As far as I know, the old State Library is indeed heritage listed. It was built before 1900 so it would have to be I suspect!

I kind of wish the Casino would move, i hate casino's and think its such a shame that a casino would occupy one of Brisbanes grandest buildings in arguably the most prominent and accesible position.

Im by no means against Casino development, i can see there benefits in boosting tourism but i think the Brisbane casino needs to move to a site where they can build a purpose built facility.

Maybe towards the valley, or South Bank, that way they can better capitalise on there conference facilities and hotel side of the house.

^^ As far as I know, the old State Library is indeed heritage listed. It was built before 1900 so it would have to be I suspect!

It is definitely heritage listed. My suspicion is that they are planning to revisit the plan for this site that was included under the Northbank scheme.

They could be planning to revisit part of the Northbank scheme by stealth but they would face a few giant hurdles - both engineering-wise and by risking stirring up the Northbank NIMBY controversy all over again.

I think one of the proposed Northbank buildings was for the small sliver of land opposite the Casino between Queens Wharf Rd and the RSE (adjacent to the northern end of the Victoria Bridge).

But it's a narrow, awkward site approx 85 metres by 20 metres (assuming they would be allowed to build hard up against the freeway). Any building here would need to be 20 stories plus to accommodate everything that is being planned.

Even 3 or 4 stories would block the view of the heritage listed casino from the southside. As I recall this was one of the many objections to Norhbank.

I still think the old state library site is a better prospect for redevelopment. It's larger and if they were allowed to build over Queens Wharf Rd they'd have a site approx 45 metres by 65 metres.

Besides the Casino is already using this building as a training centre for staff. Does anyone know who owns it? Is is a state government building on a lease back deal?

So what's more interesting then is what is the state government's hand in all of this? Especially given the comments in the Brisbane Times "Treasurer Andrew Fraser today said the state government welcomed Tabcorp's proposal."

Seems like these plans may be well advanced.

I smell a rat!

Shock horror a government trying to improve tourism infrastructure to increase the tourist trade. Casinos are big business, especially when it comes to Asian tourists or more specifically tapping into the China market.

I don't have problem with casinos at all. I agree they are big business and overall good for the economy. I also don't have a problem with the government supporting them and the tourist trade. Good on them.

The point of my post was about the location for building a new five star hotel in William Street.

With all of the heritage and government buildings in William St, wherever they site it, it has controversy written all over it.

While I'm all for development, Northbank would have been a disaster in my opinion, so I certainly hope this won't end up bringing a massive Northbank project back onto the agenda. Personally, I'm pretty certain it's dead!

As for the new hotel, I'm totally against anything being built that would ruin the view of the Treasury from Southbank. I'm personally thinking that it has to be the old State Library, after all their tag line is something like "A heritage Casino/Hotel". Can't say that and have a brand spanking new building. That, and where on William could they fit something new that's within spitting distance of the Casino?

In the Name of Northbank! NORTHBANK LIVES IN DEATH!

Did anyone check out the Valley Laneway Markets today? I had no idea there was so much life in Fortitude Valley's laneways or that so many shops and cafe's backed onto these laneways. There were some really cool coffee shops there too. Very different - though very 'Brisbane'.

Most of the action was in Winn Lane, California Lane and Bakery Lane. :banana:

^^The girlfriend and I were going to go in for it today, but she got called in for work. It's on every Sunday isn't it? I've never seen, or even knew, that the Valley had laneways! Will need to check it out next time!

Am I missing something - has nobody picked up on the Carrington Tower development yet, I can't find a thread?

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/q1-developer-turns-eye-to-brisbane-20100805-11klm.html

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2010/08/05/1752858/200carrington-200x0.jpg

Am I missing something - has nobody picked up on the Carrington Tower development yet, I can't find a thread?




Here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1165919):)

Am I missing something - has nobody picked up on the Carrington Tower development yet, I can't find a thread?

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/q1-developer-turns-eye-to-brisbane-20100805-11klm.html

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2010/08/05/1752858/200carrington-200x0.jpg

Yeah, thread can be located here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1165919).

Also anyone check out the news tonight? Apparently a blueprint will be available tomorrow morning for 20 floor highrises in places like Indooroopilly etc.

Thanks Yosie & Burden - sorry for the post everyone, don't know how I missed that one!

Did anyone check out the Valley Laneway Markets today? I had no idea there was so much life in Fortitude Valley's laneways or that so many shops and cafe's backed onto these laneways. There were some really cool coffee shops there too. Very different - though very 'Brisbane'.

Most of the action was in Winn Lane, California Lane and Bakery Lane. :banana:

Winn St is the one by the Zoo, but where are the other two?

Winn St is the one by the Zoo, but where are the other two?

California Lane, which runs from McLachlan Street, around the back of The Beat to Ann St and Bakery Lane which is just down from The Bowery.

i reckon the 'new' hotel is probably a refurb of the existing 'old' hotel.. it will get a new name or something, hence making it 'new' ??

There are plenty of spaces along William Street. Across the road from the existing Treasury Hotel is one. There is enough land there to build something.

i reckon the 'new' hotel is probably a refurb of the existing 'old' hotel.. it will get a new name or something, hence making it 'new' ??

Reasons why the new five star hotel won’t be a refurb of the existing casino:

1. Five star hotels are big (eg Brisbane Sofitel has 429 rooms not to mention conference facilities restaurants etc).

2. The news reports say it will also include a 1,000 seat ballroom, a night club and retail space

3. An additional approx 500 pokies have to be added on top of the existing pokies filling the current casino

Where do you think they will be able to fit all of this into an existing heritage building structure?

There are plenty of spaces along William Street. Across the road from the existing Treasury Hotel is one. There is enough land there to build something.

No there aren’t. William Street is relatively short – approx 550 metres long.

There are just 4 areas of land along the entire street that aren’t built up.

The biggest of these is Queens Park, and quite apart from the outcry about resuming recreational space, there is a damn big excavation underneath housing the casino car park. So it not exactly a practical site for building a new tower.

The next biggest is the block of land at the Parliament end which is currently used as a government carpark. It would be a great spot for a tower but I think the state government has dibs on it. Besides the drunks spilling out of the casino at night wouldn’t be able to find their way to their hotel beds two blocks away.

There is the ‘sliver’ of land opposite the casino down the end but its just 20 metres wide – about the width of a standard house block. That’s one tall and skinny tower! London has the Shard. Maybe Brisbane could have the Sliver.

The final, and most practical, is the small park between two heritage listed buildings (the old state library and commissariat store) which is itself listed by the BCC as ‘adjacent to heritage’ (whatever that means). I think it is a significant indigenous site but it’s not a big site anyway.

So its got me buggered where they plan to whack a tower for a five star hotel???

The last location is it. Adjacant to a heritage building is just that. As long as it doesn't detract from the heritage, it's all good.

I kind of wish the Casino would move, i hate casino's and think its such a shame that a casino would occupy one of Brisbanes grandest buildings in arguably the most prominent and accesible position.


Here’s an out of left field idea. Brisbane CBD suffers from a shortage of space to expand the city’s retail footprint.

What if we moved the casino somewhere else entirely? Gawd knows where - maybe a 40 storey tower in the heart of West End? ;)

But just hypothetically speaking it would free up a heritage building at the top of the Queen Street Mall for high end retail. It could be Brisbane’s answer to Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building or Melbourne’s GPO.

The land area occupied by the heritage Treasury Casino is about twice that of Melbourne’s similar vintage (and height) GPO (approx 5860 sqm versus 2400 sqm).

While anyone familiar with QVB knows it’s a very l-o-n-g building it’s also much narrower than the Treasury and in fact occupies a slightly smaller land area (about 5600 sqm) although I think it has an extra level so probably more gross retail floor area.

Still something for the shopaholics to speculate about.

Here’s an out of left field idea. Brisbane CBD suffers from a shortage of space to expand the city’s retail footprint.

What if we moved the casino somewhere else entirely? Gawd knows where - maybe a 40 storey tower in the heart of West End? ;)

But just hypothetically speaking it would free up a heritage building at the top of the Queen Street Mall for high end retail. It could be Brisbane’s answer to Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building or Melbourne’s GPO.

The land area occupied by the heritage Treasury Casino is about twice that of Melbourne’s similar vintage (and height) GPO (approx 5860 sqm versus 2400 sqm).

While anyone familiar with QVB knows it’s a very l-o-n-g building it’s also much narrower than the Treasury and in fact occupies a slightly smaller land area (about 5600 sqm) although I think it has an extra level so probably more gross retail floor area.

Still something for the shopaholics to speculate about.

Totally agree! The casino would make an excellent shopping centre. But they have a 99 year lease on the building.

Pauls Site at Kurilpa would make an excellent casino site.

I would actually like to see the casino (if it ever did relocate) remain in the city. Casinos don't necessarilly have to be located outside the city and casinos don't necessarilly have to be tacky exorbitant RSL clubs...they can actually be nice entertainment destinations with places to catch up with friends, eat, shop, gamble, stay etc. A large purpose built casino and entertainment destination (the current courts site bound by Adelaide, George and Ann Streets as well as North Quay) is big enough to warrant such a development and to deliver a genuinely good casino along the lines of Melbourne's Crown and the new Star City in Sydney. The hotel could also be relocated from further down George Street and built above the casino. It would help to make George Street a bit more of a desirable destination.

I'm not sure that I would want to see the existing casino transformed into a behemoth of luxury shops, because I don't think Brisbane has the demand (and will not have the demand for a number of years) and because there are other uses which could the building could better serve. I would like for Reddacliff Place and this part of the mall to perhaps have a bit more of a cultural/civic role and as such perhaps a new theatre could be built to take some pressure off QPAC and enable the city's live performance scene to grow and prosper. There are also several museum/art gallery ideas that could take up space in the existing hotel, such as an indigenous art gallery, museum and even performing space (Bangarra Dance Company) or something along the lines of an Immigration Museum...

This would further George Street as a place of interest.

Edit double post

While I do see the benefits of having the Casino move out of the Treasury to allow for it to be Brisbane's QVB/GPO, I personally would be sad to see it go, as it offers a very different experience to, say, Jupiters and Crown. It sets Brisbane apart from GC, Sydney and Melbourne in having a casino based in a heritage listed building rather than a purpose built behemoth of a building which, in often cases, will stand out generally for less than positive reasons.

The Treasury Casino is a case of Brisbane thinking outside the box, rather than copying our Southern neighbours. It would be a hell of a loss if we were to lose that, no matter what the potential gain would be!

Reasons why the new five star hotel won’t be a refurb of the existing casino:

1. Five star hotels are big (eg Brisbane Sofitel has 429 rooms not to mention conference facilities restaurants etc).

2. The news reports say it will also include a 1,000 seat ballroom, a night club and retail space

3. An additional approx 500 pokies have to be added on top of the existing pokies filling the current casino

Where do you think they will be able to fit all of this into an existing heritage building structure?

some fair points.. i don't necesarily have any of the answers - and neither do you - but unless they already own surplus land i don't think it is likely they will build something on land they don't own. it is a bit naive to pick out parcels of land just assume that they can buy them for the right price and get the necessary approvals. it is much more likely that something will happen on land they already own.

either way, just to return your volleys..

1. five star hotels don't *have* to be big.. they can be any size.

2. again, it is possible that this could all fit in the existing building. or potentially they could build up.. if they design something very striking it isn't unconceivable that it could be approved.

3. pokies go in the casino - not the hotel. seperate buildings. and also - i think you are getting confused and thinking i meant converting the existing casino into a hotel? i didn't mean that - i said convert the existing/old hotel into a new hotel.

Myer, the fresh food people?
MARISSA CALLIGEROS
August 10, 2010 - 5:00AM (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/myer-the-fresh-food-people-20100809-11trx.html)

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2010/08/09/1765009/420_myer-coorparoo-420x0.jpg

The abandoned landmark Myer building at Coorparoo will soon house fresh food markets under a two-year lease agreement.

The building on Old Cleveland Road has been vacant since 2007, when the state government purchased the site to make way for the Eastern Busway.

Market operators Frank Dragani and Tony Abi-Fares have signed a lease agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, following five months of negotiations.


The run-down building will be given a facelift, with the iconic blue and red trim to receive a new coast of paint ahead of the opening of Myermarkets next month.

"Think Sydney's Paddy's Markets," Mr Abi-Fares said.

"The first level will house gourmet food - fresh fruit and vegetables, a delicatessen, fish and meat.

"The second level will have a variety of stalls - mainly boutique clothing and accessories."

Mr Abi-Fares said 50 per cent of the floorspace was already reserved by traders.

"We're almost full," he said.

The air-conditioned market will boast 350 stalls over 7,000 square metres.

"The building, although it has been an icon, has been an eyesore in Coorparoo," Mr Abi-Fares said.

"After sitting idle for a few years, she's a little bit tired inside, but we'll give the old girl a facelift and give her back to the public."

He said the markets were designed to be family-friendly.

"We're looking to have face painting and clowns for the kids, so they're kept as busy as Mum and Dad."

He was not concerned about the short-term lease, saying the area was extremely viable.

The building was one of Brisbane's first suburban shopping centres when it opened in 1960, complete with a bakery, hairdressing salon and toy store.

It was then home to Coles Myer's ill-fated electrical and furniture Megamart before Harvey Norman took over for a brief period.

Daryl Gallagher-Collins of Raine and Horne Commercial said the agency had been working with the state government to lease the building since November last year.

"It has been a long consultancy ... but now there's a hive of activity in the building - there's been contractors all over the place," Mr Gallagher-Collins said.

"The lease agreement is valid for two years, after which time it can be optioned."

Councillor Ian McKenzie said the markets would revitalise the intersection of Cavendish Road and Old Cleveland Road, known as Coorparoo Junction.

"We have been putting pressure on the state government to have this building leased so that Coorparoo Junction doesn't seem so much of a wasteland," Cr McKenzie said.

The markets, which are due to open next month, will operate from 7am to 6pm Thursday to Sunday.

The building will be manned by security guards 24 hours a day so traders will be able to leave their stalls intact overnight.

So no busway for 2 years...

Am I the only one who thinks having a casino in a heritage building is great? Its a fantastic location which suits a casino (QLD Treasury is basically the same thing) and it makes very good use of the space - not to mention Conrad have not only the responsibility but also the ability to take very good care of such a grand building.

Don't really care what or who is in a heritage building, so long as the fitout is empathetic of its heritage.

While I do see the benefits of having the Casino move out of the Treasury to allow for it to be Brisbane's QVB/GPO, I personally would be sad to see it go, as it offers a very different experience to, say, Jupiters and Crown. It sets Brisbane apart from GC, Sydney and Melbourne in having a casino based in a heritage listed building rather than a purpose built behemoth of a building which, in often cases, will stand out generally for less than positive reasons.

The Treasury Casino is a case of Brisbane thinking outside the box, rather than copying our Southern neighbours. It would be a hell of a loss if we were to lose that, no matter what the potential gain would be!

Treasury Casino does offer a different Casino experience. It just keeps to the basics without going over the top in it's decor. Even interesting to note how the slot machines are placed in rooms, meaning you gamble away a little more privately.

I have to question it moving out of the CBD, but Southbank is an established entertainment precinct and an expansion to include some theatres and exhbition space wouldn't hurt.

If the casino is to be moved i'd prefer the Valley rather than South Brisbane. even if the views across the river might be pleasant, i think the vibe of the former better matches a casino neighbourhood.

Am I the only one who thinks having a casino in a heritage building is great? Its a fantastic location which suits a casino (QLD Treasury is basically the same thing) and it makes very good use of the space - not to mention Conrad have not only the responsibility but also the ability to take very good care of such a grand building.

I think it's fine at the moment, but retail would be better. Just as long as it's not so high class that it stops being used much (thought not quite the same, see: upper floors wintergarden)

some fair points.. i don't necesarily have any of the answers - and neither do you - but unless they already own surplus land i don't think it is likely they will build something on land they don't own. it is a bit naive to pick out parcels of land just assume that they can buy them for the right price and get the necessary approvals. it is much more likely that something will happen on land they already own.

either way, just to return your volleys..

1. five star hotels don't *have* to be big.. they can be any size.

2. again, it is possible that this could all fit in the existing building. or potentially they could build up.. if they design something very striking it isn't unconceivable that it could be approved.

3. pokies go in the casino - not the hotel. seperate buildings. and also - i think you are getting confused and thinking i meant converting the existing casino into a hotel? i didn't mean that - i said convert the existing/old hotel into a new hotel.

Hey guys just for the record I don’t have a problem with the location of the casino or it being in a heritage building or it being in the CBD. It’s just a hypothetical discussion. A what if?

What’s not hypothetical, at least according to their own news release, is that we are about to see some major changes to the casino and/or hotel.

I actually walk past it every day and I’m quite proud that Brisbane has retained a significant heritage building and re-purposed it.

So to return serve...

I’ve never said or suggested that any of the blocks that are unbuilt in William Street would be available for sale. In fact my point is that there really isn’t any available land – well none that wouldn’t involve controversy. And you’re right I don’t know for sure.

Agreed that five star hotels can be small and boutique. I don’t think Conrads do small and boutique do you? Besides what would be the economic return from 50 or so five star rooms?

I agree they could build up. It would be interesting to see how they address the heritage aspects of the building and what the public reaction would be. Could be done spectacularly with the right architect and be an icon for Brisbane. Think about the glass dome on the top of the German Bundestag (parliament). Drool.

They could refurb the old hotel (Conrads) and turn it into a new hotel. But Conrads is already regarded as a five star hotel. Plus the media report describes it as a ‘new five star hotel on William Street’. Of course the Courier mail couldn’t be wrong could it? ;)

Time will tell.

For such a significant historical building, I do think its sad that not everyone can actually go inside the treasury building, and the casino has pretty much destroyed the inside with tacky palm trees etc.

Yes its interesting and different to southern states, but is that a good enough reason to not put it to better use? where everyone is allowed to walk though.

I think if they converted it to be like GPO in melbourne and built them a new casino/hotel in the northern end of the valley. It would be a positive contribution to the Valley's night scene / entertainment district growth.

double post.

A large purpose built casino and entertainment destination (the current courts site bound by Adelaide, George and Ann Streets as well as North Quay) is big enough to warrant such a development and to deliver a genuinely good casino along the lines of Melbourne's Crown and the new Star City in Sydney.

I would like for Reddacliff Place and this part of the mall to perhaps have a bit more of a cultural/civic role and as such perhaps a new theatre could be built to take some pressure off QPAC and enable the city's live performance scene to grow and prosper.

There are also several museum/art gallery ideas that could take up space in the existing hotel, such as an indigenous art gallery, museum and even performing space (Bangarra Dance Company) or something along the lines of an Immigration Museum...


Agree the current Supreme Court site in George Street (soon to be vacant – well at least on completion of the new Roma Street building in late 2011) would be a great alternate site for a Melbourne Crown Casino style casino/hotel development. Anyone have any insights or heard any rumours on the state government’s plans for the site?

Heritage buildings traditionally aren’t ideal for adapting for use as a theatre. They tend to be rabbit warrens and don’t allow for the creation of the unobstructed spaces theatres need, not just for the performance space but for the backstage machinery spaces, rehearsal spaces, public foyers etc.

However in the case of the Treasury building in its original form it was shaped around a large internal courtyard. A theatre could easily be constructed in this space without impacting on the main heritage structure. It would be plenty big enough for a 1,600 to 2,000 seat theatre that Brisbane desperately needs to guarantee a home for the long running blockbusters that are a feature of the cultural landscape in Sydney and Melbourne and that skip Brisbane because QPAC is otherwise booked.

Interested in ideas for new museums for Brisbane too. They probably don’t do much for the young and trendy night club set but they can be bigger drawcards for families, grey nomads and add another cultural attraction for o/s tourists. Have a critical mass of them and you might get tourists to stay another day in Brisbane – which can add millions of tourist dollars.

We need to make sure we are not just replicating something in Sydney or Melbourne. For example an immigration museum would be fine if it had, say, an asia-pacific focus. Queensland has a strong connection with early south sea islander immigration (actually more like conscription) for our cane fields etc. Yungabah (under the Story Bridge) would have been ideal since it was historically an immigration centre. Pity it wasn’t the centrepiece of the resi development approved for there.

We should try and bid for ‘national’ status for any museums so they become the pre-eminent collection in their field. For example there isn’t yet a National Indigenous Museum. Queensland is uniquely placed as the only state with two indigenous cultures (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) to take the lead. Musgrave Park or Kurilpa Point are possible sites.

They don’t all need to be CBD centred either. The Brisbane Airport Corporation is trying to develop the airport as a mini-city in its own right. They could easily allocate space for a National Aerospace Museum into their master plan and create a tourist destination out there in its own right. Could connect to the second runway when it’s built and offer joy flights (move the old ‘warbird’flights from Caboolture) as well as static displays (the aircraft boneyard in Arizona houses a huge range of types that could be restored) etc etc.

Instead of the government having to cough up all the money to build and maintain it, BAC could explore public private partnership models (PPPs) or run it more along commercial lines a little like a theme park attraction. About time we had a museum for the boys.

pradella have a 15st DA on blamey st, kelvin grove. it is high on a hill so it should stick out a bit.

I blame Kevin dudd <facepalm>

The revised WAVE DA at West End looks to be getting approved!?!!!

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/two-12-storey-highrises-to-be-built-on-montague-road-in-west-end/story-e6freoof-1225906259360

http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/MasterView/modules/applicationmaster/default.aspx?page=wrapper&key=A002745133

On a pie related note, a new shop has opened near Starbucks on Creek and Queen and is filling the hole Big Dads left. Its called Pie Face and is open 24/7 - a first I would think for Brisbane. mmmmmmmmmm

the ex-boost tenancy.

The revised WAVE DA at West End looks to be getting approved!?!!!

that would be a nice middle finger to the recent state government actions.

On a pie related note, a new shop has opened near Starbucks on Creek and Queen and is filling the hole Big Dads left. Its called Pie Face and is open 24/7 - a first I would think for Brisbane. mmmmmmmmmm

If your talking about it being the first 24/7 place in brisbane, then your mistaken. Dont forget about Pancake Manor on Charlotte Street.

First 24/7 Pie shop I would assume he is saying. There are a few 24/7 places to eat in Brissie.

7/11's sell pies, does that count?

It may be open 24hrs, but the place is a effing rip-off...something like $6.50 for a pie??

6.50 for a pie?? dreaming!

Hi all, just came to tell you that I was in Brisbane the last two weeks and I got in love with your city, it was a real pleassure to visit all the museums: GoMA (I missed Ron Muecks exhibition at the GoMA :( but I went to valentino's :/), Queensland museum, the art gallery, maritime museum, the botanic gardens, the south bank, west side, crossing all the bridges (specially the story bridge), Brisbane wheel, going to the hypsters market at the city hall square, fortitude valley, victorias street, china town, hearing little red last friday, etc, etc. And obviously the people who is very warm and extremely good looking (very hot girls ;) ). Anyway, congrats for such a city and keep improving it.

Greetings from Christchuch

Pd. Sydney also super mega rocks

^^
There is a lot in Brisbane I need to check out. I still haven't seen the Go-Between bridge yet and I live here :bash:

Interesting concept:

pVkrB2fFUUY

http://202.148.140.187/blogs/riverstage/upload/2010/08/1000_riverstage_04.jpg

http://202.148.140.187/blogs/riverstage/upload/2010/08/1000_riverstage_05.jpg

http://202.148.140.187/blogs/riverstage/upload/2010/08/1000_riverstage_03.jpg

http://202.148.140.187/blogs/riverstage/upload/2010/08/1000_riverstage_01.jpg

http://202.148.140.187/blogs/riverstage/upload/2010/08/1000_riverstage_02.jpg

I like!

^^
NICE!!
This combined with the changes at QUT should make for a very interesting precinct which will attract people and activity. Yet another wonderful public space will be created in inner Brisbane.

I like this stuff more than your average skyscraper because at the end of the day spaces like these will enhance and improve the city at street level more than any tower would.

Love it!

seems like a good idea - the current one is looking dated and the facilities aren't up scratch.

the CM mentioned the capacity would be 11,000 which would be up from the current 9,000

still, i'm having problems visualising how the structure fits together even with the extra renders.

^^
NICE!!
This combined with the changes at QUT should make for a very interesting precinct which will attract people and activity. Yet another wonderful public space will be created in inner Brisbane.


Agree wholeheartedly.

Do it! The sooner the better I reckon! It looks great!

Way way way overdue, get the dozers in now..

I think I am paying the botanic gardens a visit this weekend. It's been a while so can't really picture this development there.:)

It may be open 24hrs, but the place is a effing rip-off...something like $6.50 for a pie??

Went there today, not that expensive, but still didn't get much change from $5. I didn't see any sign that it is open 24/7 either, I would have assumed it would be noted somewhere around the place....

Riverstage; looks a pretty cool concept to me. I wonder if any of this planning has thought of multi stage setups, like what Sunset Sounds currently utilises. Also where are some of the choke points for access, for when concerts are on, looks a very open plan which is all nice and good, but when you having paying customers you need to restrict access to those who have paid.

^^ This map shows it fairly well, and it's basically similar to the existing arrangements there. The gates or entry points will pretty much be where internal paths meet external paths. So you can see there'll be one right at the top of the map, another one about half way down that QUT side, where it'll connect to a walkway through QUT to Old Government House, and then another one down the bottom, near the Goodwill Bridge, at the side of the stage.
Interesting concept:

http://202.148.140.187/blogs/riverstage/upload/2010/08/1000_riverstage_03.jpg

[QUOTE=beastjim;62190577]Went there today, not that expensive, but still didn't get much change from $5. I didn't see any sign that it is open 24/7 either, I would have assumed it would be noted somewhere around the place....

I've done some leasing deals near them in Melbourne and their Queen Street Melbourne shop is 24hrs and from what I've read abou the company they are a 24hr setup.

Also where are some of the choke points for access, for when concerts are on, looks a very open plan which is all nice and good, but when you having paying customers you need to restrict access to those who have paid.

the design is more open that it is currently, a good thing since it seems currently cut off from the QUT campus and really the rest of the botanic gardens at the moment. I'd assume they'll just put up more fencing than they current do to make paid access only.

it sounds like this is just a peliminary design, there could be quite significant changes in the next few months/years before they actually start building it.

Screw the 8 year time frame! ,Bulid it now take it to Julia! Its Vital Nation Building!!!!.........and the fact that I hate what is currently there :P

Hello everyone !!

That design looks amazing, i hope it goes ahead.
Remember when they use to talk about a bridge from the gardens to Kangaroo Point? Does anyone know if that will ever happen?

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/twelve-storeys-for-west-end-should-come-as-no-surprise-newman-20100820-138jv.html

These sort of NIMBY community groups annoy me. You can't realistically live in the inner city and not expect to have high density developments in the area. If you want to live in a low density area move out to the 'burbs.

You can't have the easy proximity to the city and low density. It's not sustainable and it's not logical!

^ Second comment from that article by 'Michael' reads:

"Brisbane has four choices on how to fit the massive growing population and housing shortage: 1) Have high density areas near the city and public transport 2) Knock down every old "rust and termite" Queenslander and build a duplex or triplex. 3) Keep growing outwards with low density housing and end up like Los Angeles 4) Stop population growth and economic growth. To me, option 1 sounds the best way to keep Brisbane livable. Everyone in Brisbane should have a say about these matter, not just the NIMBY whingers who live in the same suburb!"

I like :)

"In a letter to the council, Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the standing height restriction should remain in place until the review of the neighbourhood plan was completed."

Honestly....

Didn't he approve a development around Milton Train Station on a draft plans heights and sizes.......

Stay tuned for a major cultural infrastructure project announcement for Brisbane once the federal election is sorted.

Think GoMA construction budget times two.

How can they afford that?

Hopefully it's a replacement for the Entertainment Centre.

Stay tuned for a major cultural infrastructure project announcement for Brisbane once the federal election is sorted.

Think GoMA construction budget times two.

Does this announcement go ahead if either party wins?

Jesse Lockhart-Krause's Brisbane Opera house perhaps?? :P

http://www.brisbanedevelopment.com/images/stories/Article_Images/OperaHouse/opera.jpg

Entertainment centre would be awesome too.

How can they afford that?

Hopefully it's a replacement for the Entertainment Centre.

I'm hoping for an major upgrade/expansion or even a twin facility for QPAC! We need another major venue for theatre! Hell, build it in a way to allow it to replace the BEC as well!

I think the entertainment centre has had it's day, but it's a big piece of infrastructure to leave to the dogs.

I think the proposed opera house would be awesome, but I'm concerned that the design might be a bit too visionary for the conservitive Brisbane folks. That said, if it did go ahead, there would be some servious delays on the Riverside Expressway during construction cos' they'ed have to stop the cars when lifting construction materials overhead, or very costly, cos' all the work would have to happen between 11pm and 5am so the expressway could remain open during the day.

^^ im not a fan of the entertainment centre, but until a suitable replacement is built, it is still a rather important stadium facility in the 10'000-15'000 category.

Yeah, replacement of the entertainment centre would be great. Or a new major theatre in the Valley.

Just noticed the Ed Hardy store on Edward St has been cleared out.....meh!

http://afr.com/p/business/companies/ed_hardy_in_voluntary_administration_Rr4mtZKsbF2Ne6RjwIT1xK

^^ Can't say I'm overly sad to see it go...while I did like a lot of the designs, the people that often wore Ed Hardy clothing ruined it for me!

Stay tuned for a major cultural infrastructure project announcement for Brisbane once the federal election is sorted.

Think GoMA construction budget times two.

Maybe its the mooted new entrance to the QPAC?

^^

arent they already constructing that??
thats hardly double the construction budget of GOMA

ed hardy is for yuppies who wanna be in the tattoo culture. No offence to anyone here if you fall under that category.

Stay tuned for a major cultural infrastructure project announcement for Brisbane once the federal election is sorted.

Think GoMA construction budget times two.


Stuff trying to create some suspense, just tell us what you know!!!!

A lot of forum members know more than they post. A lot of us have jobs too that we'd like to keep. LOL

I can say that none of the speculation so far on the forum is on the money.

Would love to see the opera house concept go ahead though. I think its brilliant but it was a student design not a government proposal.

On that budget, if it's not a performing arts venue or a stadium, then I have no idea.

Museum, library and art gallery are already accounted for.

A lot of forum members know more than they post. A lot of us have jobs too that we'd like to keep. LOL.

do you have no regard for us at all? :lol:

Ok, if it's not the opera house (which would be cool) and it's government endorsed already, then I'm gunning for a bigger, boring looking theater like QPAC.

It's probably the concert venue on the RNA site.

Concert venue costing more then $400 million? Slash, how much was GOMA again?

Not an Opera House or Performing arts theatre or Entertainment Centre... what other cultural things are there that we don't already have or need? aghh the anticipation kills me.

Maybe it'll be for whatever is replacing the Law Courts on George St...

Concert venue costing more then $400 million? Slash, how much was GOMA again?

Not an Opera House or Performing arts theatre or Entertainment Centre... what other cultural things are there that we don't already have or need? aghh the anticipation kills me.

You never know, after all we do live in the age of the 1 million dollar shade cloth for state schools. Perhaps it is the "missing" corner of QPAC, next to the Playhouse? I think GOMA was a little over 100,000,000.

Redevelopment of the Pauls site at Kurilpa?

is it a Brisbane inner city light rail project???