i love this plan but i dont see think we need another aboriginal museum when the current museum is mostly devoted to the indiginous matters :lol::lol::lol:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78910271@N06/7062962871/Eleven and a half months back I sent a series of emails to Tourism Queensland suggesting to extend SouthBank around the River. Wow, then the former Gov. released its SouthBank 2 plan. Fancy that. Of course it was nothing like my plan as you can see on the link above.
See link
My plan Included a large Coral Reef Museum, a Dreamtime Museum and an Opera House. The brown lines show a light rail system as well as a series of new Theaters to create a Mini West End/Broadway for Brisbane. Since the election of the LNP. This area will remain a cultral backwater. Shame :ohno: The Reef Museum I intended to be a World Class construction in the shape of a whale. An Icon for Brisbane.What do you all think? I think its a pity this wonderfull position may end up full of apartments. Some people may think im nuts :nuts: But it was just an idea :)

I have been working on what they would look like and will post soon

The Exchange Hotel is also recieving a refurb (again)

Application number: A003324310
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/5443/exchangeq.jpg

Wow! What is with the sudden rush for pub upgrades? We had the renewal of the Victory Redevelopment proposal, now this and there's also an internal refurb for the first floor of the Elephant and Wheelbarrow (nee. Prince Consort) on Wickham St (A003324567) which looks potentially very cool, adding a new bar and tons of little function spaces.

I do like this for the retention of the existing Exchange facade in full (unlike the Vic, the Exchange still has a lot of original elements in the facade.) I do feel that the extension should really be set back a bit though, and particularly should be set back behind the older corner parapet section rather than sitting directly above it with the parapet sitting in a cutout. But it's not a big deal either way.

EDIT: The Exchange and the Elephant and Wheelbarrow are both owned by the Independent Pub Group. Maybe the are planning on refreshing all their inner city pubs (they own these two and The Norman at the Gabba).

Hideous.

That is foul.

Clad in copper guys, will start off shiny and then patina to green.

Without looking through the DA, anyone have details on what is being done? Obviously it looks like a 3rd level roof top bar...so will the current roof top bar be retained or closed in?

^^ It is a third level, but the current roof top bar will remain. The new level sits directly above the roofed section of the hotel but it will be offset and won't sit over the current rooftop bar. There's also a new lift being put in and firestairs added, closing off the left most entrance on the Edward St frontage.

While it completely changes the look of the hotel, the actual changes to the current Exchange are quite minimal really!

Proposed (Grey shaded areas are unchanged):

http://i.imgur.com/H3Per.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/5aNjg.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/DlcZU.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/JNvx9h.jpg?1


Even the majority of the existing roof will actually largely remain in place under the floor of the top level!

http://i.imgur.com/iRPtF.jpg?2

bah, smokers get their own little corner...

^^ Is that the little corner on the top left of the plans (i.e. down the Charlotte St frontage back towards St Stephens)? If so, they can keep it! I'd rather a bench seat near the front corner!

DOSA = Designated Outdoor Smoking Area.

DOSA = Designated Outdoor Smoking Area.

I work in healthcare and for us DOSA stands for day of surgery admissions.

Ahh ok. That's my new thing learnt for the day!

Hey everyone, sorry if I'm a pain but does anyone have a floor plan of riparian plazas lobby? I managed to source the other floors just not the lobby.

Thanks guys

Coles tipped to take over Alderley Square land for shopping centre
Allira Preece, North-West News
April 19, 2012 5:00AM


http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2012/04/18/1226331/193024-alderley-square.jpg
Coles is rumoured to have purchased the site of the failed Alderley Square project. Source: Quest Newspapers



Coles is rumoured to be in negotiations to buy land which was to be used for the failed Alderley Square project.

The development, which was to include a residential, commercial and shopping precinct, folded after Alderley Village Pty Ltd went into receivership in November.
Recent media reports suggest Coles could sign off on the Alderley centre for about $12 million.
But Alderley Village Pty Ltd directors are remaining tight-lipped about the deal.
Director Solly Preller refused to comment on the future of the development and the rumoured sale to Coles.
Investors in the failed Alderley Square project are yet to be updated.
Sue Connolly, from Everton Park, who paid a $50,000 deposit to secure her unit, said she was ``in the dark'' about what was happening to the development.

Half of the 234 residential units had already been sold off-the-plan before the project folded, with deposits held in trust by McCullough Robertson lawyers.



http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/north/coles-tipped-to-take-over-alderley-square-land-for-shopping-centre/story-fn8m0rl4-1226331190407

People actually bought into those over-priced units??

People actually bought into those over-priced units??

Mmmmhmm, I found 2 bed units around there fore 300k, quite nice as well.

Thought I might pass on some news I caught last week (legit - not just a rumour). Amazon.com are scouting Brisbane for a mega warehouse to open an Australian branch.

They are open to anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard (Port Melbourne is the other location they're keen on), but Brisbane currently has some attractive locations and prices. Execs flying out to inspect next month.

^^ Would be good if Brisbane could nab it from Syd & Melb

^^ Would be good if Brisbane could nab it from Syd & Melb

It will go to Sydney, it's not good for business cred to have your headquarters in hicksville.

^^ What???

I don't think Amazon really care what Brisbane Rulz thinks. They will go with the location that will give them the best return. Factors would include site costs and the cost of distribution. It may work in Brisbane's favour since we're closer to Asia and shipping costs could be slightly reduced.

Their biggest concern is cost. They want the best value.

With all the new land out at Tradecoast right now, there are some pretty amazing deals happening for huge parcels of land right next to the airport. Kmart recently went out there for that reason.

Given that their US warehouses are in locations like Phoenix, Coffeyville, Red Rock, Lewisberry and Louisville, I don't think they care that much... The only really recognisable city with an Amazon warehouse over there is Dallas.

Yeah heard they were looking at the East Coast however I had no idea what the chances were for Brisbane.

Good news so far!

Thought I might pass on some news I caught last week (legit - not just a rumour). Amazon.com are scouting Brisbane for a mega warehouse to open an Australian branch.

They are open to anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard (Port Melbourne is the other location they're keen on), but Brisbane currently has some attractive locations and prices. Execs flying out to inspect next month.

Brisbane port charges are the highest in the country.

Would not make sense to have goods landed at this port.

That will probably put the kibosh in it then :(

There's no way this will happen with parallel import rules as they are. If it does operate in Australia, it will be just as expensive as Dymocks and have just as pathetic a selection. If Amazon are scouting for anything here, it'll be data servers for their eBook stuff.

I daresay Brisbane's port charges are so expensive because it's the closest major Australian port to anywhere else in the world? An extra two days by boat to Sydney and more to Melbourne probably make Port of Brisbane attractive.

No, this is for real. They are actually looking for a 50,000m2 warehouse with the intention of opening and Australian site. They have now put the brief out to certain real estate agencies.

I know it seems like it'd be tough in Australian conditions, but they clearly have a pretty advanced plan.

Haven't they been looking for a site to setup an Amazon Web Services cloud hosting centre so Australian business do not have to host could data offshore? Maybe the site is just for the huge server farms or have you heard it is specifically to setup an amazon sales/distribution centre as well?

It will go to Sydney, it's not good for business cred to have your headquarters in hicksville.

:ohno: didn't think that one through did you?

They already have offices in Sydney I believe. As far as I'm aware they are scoping out a new warehouse not a new headquarters.

What about to the south west? I'm pretty sure there are still some big areas available in the Logan and Ipswich areas around Browns Plains. Metcash (IGA) I know has a big state distribution hub at Crestmead, and I think Coles has one nearby... Heathwood I think? Not 100% sure...

Woollies has there mega ugly white tin shed at larapinta. Fosters also has a distribution centre at Heathwood.

Yeah, when it comes to distribution centres, alongside the Logan Motorway between the Centenary and Gateway is where it's at.
Would be good to have it near the airport, but the land would be too expensive.

What about to the south west? I'm pretty sure there are still some big areas available in the Logan and Ipswich areas around Browns Plains. Metcash (IGA) I know has a big state distribution hub at Crestmead, and I think Coles has one nearby... Heathwood I think? Not 100% sure...

IGA and coles are in brisbane because they have to be close to their stores. amazon don't need this because they operate by post - so the decision will be a lot more complicated.

^^ While that's true, I was just referencing IGA and Coles as an example of large scale warehouse operations located nearby large arterial roads in the location, and without the land prices of the Airport area.

If Amazon are considering setting up in the Brisbane area, they would want space for a large facility akin to that of the supermarkets, and would still need access to major freight routes. And I'm sure having established major distribution operations like Coles, Woolies, Metcash and Fosters in the area would be something they'd look positively on.

Just from left field, but Big W put their distribution centre in Warwick QLD. You could find Amazon will go for somewhere like Albury/Wodonga, as it's regional (cheaper), and easily links to both SYD and MEL.

^^ While that's true, I was just referencing IGA and Coles as an example of large scale warehouse operations located nearby large arterial roads in the location, and without the land prices of the Airport area.

If Amazon are considering setting up in the Brisbane area, they would want space for a large facility akin to that of the supermarkets, and would still need access to major freight routes. And I'm sure having established major distribution operations like Coles, Woolies, Metcash and Fosters in the area would be something they'd look positively on.

amazon don't ship their own stuff, so i don't think major freight routes will matter to them too much. so long as they are close-ish to a sea port and FedEX/AusPost/DHL/AAE/whoever likes their location enough to give them a good deal then they'll be happy. so it could be a surprising choice.

amazon don't ship their own stuff, so i don't think major freight routes will matter to them too much. so long as they are close-ish to a sea port and FedEX/AusPost/DHL/AAE/whoever likes their location enough to give them a good deal then they'll be happy. so it could be a surprising choice.

Amazon are big enough for one of these groups to set up facilities next to them.

Well DHL are already based in Brisbane...

Where's AUS post at the airport?, and the old K-Mart distribution site has been for sale for quite some time now, possible bargain there with pre-existing premises etc all needed is a refurb.

Well DHL are already based in Brisbane...

Yep, and DHL have a facility at Crestmead already I'm pretty certain.

Well DHL are already based in Brisbane...

Yep, and DHL have a facility at Crestmead already I'm pretty certain.

Um, DHL have a facility at Eagle Farm in the tradecoast precinct... One site on Viola Pl (HQ, offices) and one site up the road on Boronia Rd (runway access, warehouse).

If Amazon took up some of the newly released industrial land on the eastern side of the new Gateway MWY, they would be less than 100m from the DHL facility and less than 750m from where the freight planes actually land, not only for DHL but also Australian Air Express and so forth.

As pointed out, however, it's very prime land and would no doubt come at a price.

The stuff out at Heathwood on the Logan MWY would be going cheap in the current climate. They haven't had any new tenants in ages. I don't think it suits their requirements though - better options in Melbourne and Sydney.

I would be so shocked if they went to Tradecoast. I have been watching that very parcel of land for a while now thinking, "oh I wish I had the money to set up a massive distribution centre for a decent online shop right there" - maybe I am a prophet!

Agree Marty but I still think sometimes it is done for cultural reasons rather than economic (prove me wrong) ie come to Sensational Sydney and Marvellous Melbourne, that is where business is the rest of the country is illerate redneck.

Fortunitly, Costco and a few others prove them wrong but we have to work at convincing business there is life here, for Sydney it's easy as everyone knows it, for the rest, it's a fight.

^^ Ummm... I don't think cultural reasons would really be considered at all when it comes to putting in a distribution hub of this sort. Amazon, in a nutshell, needs a facility to bring their stock to, house it, and ship the stock on to customers from. I really can't see how the cultural pros and cons of one location over another would be a major consideration.

Um, DHL have a facility at Eagle Farm in the tradecoast precinct... One site on Viola Pl (HQ, offices) and one site up the road on Boronia Rd (runway access, warehouse)...

They also have a large warehouse of some description out Crestmead way. SouthWest 1 Enterprise Park I think it might be at... Just adding it to the the Heathwood/surroundings argument.

Don't really care that much where it goes, but I'll be happy to be able to buy their books minus the international postage! :banana:

Agree Marty but I still think sometimes it is done for cultural reasons rather than economic (prove me wrong) ie come to Sensational Sydney and Marvellous Melbourne, that is where business is the rest of the country is illerate redneck.

Fortunitly, Costco and a few others prove them wrong but we have to work at convincing business there is life here, for Sydney it's easy as everyone knows it, for the rest, it's a fight.

did you have a run in with someone on the street recently or something? Seem to be doing this 'redneck' rant alot

A BT article states that the local Amazon company that has sprung back to life recently is 'conducting business in the form of the provision of marketing and other corporate services for and on behalf of an associated company, Amazon Web Services LLC'' '.

For those of you that don't know Amazon Web Services is amazons cloud computing arm. There is a lot of demand for a local cloud solution from one of the big guns. Maybe Amazon is here to start a cloud data centre?

With regards to whether amazon retailing/distribution is involved the article says:

'Mr Burford said he was not aware of specific plans for Amazon in Australia and whether or not they included retailing. He said that ''to date'' plans had included data operations but added: ''I sense it's going to be big.'''


Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/amazon-moves-a-step-closer-to-local-operation-20120418-1x7p1.html?skin=text-only

Agree Marty but I still think sometimes it is done for cultural reasons rather than economic (prove me wrong) ie come to Sensational Sydney and Marvellous Melbourne, that is where business is the rest of the country is illerate redneck.

Fortunitly, Costco and a few others prove them wrong but we have to work at convincing business there is life here, for Sydney it's easy as everyone knows it, for the rest, it's a fight.

I don't know where you get your business knowledge from, but I'm pretty sure any business decision is based on economical factors. And stop downplaying Brisbane's potential. The rest of QLD maybe redneck but Brisbane has come a very long way at differentiating itself from this stereotype. Melbourne and Sydney have their fare share of crazies.


Please at least think before you post.

Don't really care that much where it goes, but I'll be happy to be able to buy their books minus the international postage! :banana:

spend £25 (about A$40) on amazon.co.uk and shipping is free.

^^ Oh really? Thanks for the heads up on that! I'll be looking to make good use of this!

spend £25 (about A$40) on amazon.co.uk and shipping is free.

Are you sure that's back again? It comes and goes, and I thought it wasn't currently happening.

Are you sure that's back again? It comes and goes, and I thought it wasn't currently happening.

indeed you are right, that's a shame..


We reserve the right to change or discontinue Free Super Saver Delivery at any time. Please note that Free Super Saver Delivery to Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa was offered on eligible orders over £25 placed during a trial period that ended on January 19, 2012 (GMT), inclusive

Bugger!

Don't worry, it will probably be back soon enough. You can always try Book Depository instead...always has free shipping to Oz.

Don't worry, it will probably be back soon enough. You can always try Book Depository instead...always has free shipping to Oz.

Good that amazon haven't removed Book Depository's free delivery since the takeover.

On the eve of the council elections, Brisbane Times has brought up the old chestnut of King George Square's appearance and lack of shade...

Asset or eyesore? Candidates rate King George Square

April 26, 2012 - 3:00AM
Read laterComments 22 Vote

Is Brisbane's new King George Square a "park" or a "square" and are you satisfied with its new design almost three years after it opened in 2009 at a cost of $28.5 million?

The new design was approved in 2006, after 3000 public comments were received, and the square was reopened in October 2009, during a very hot spell in Brisbane.

By December, questions were being asked about the design and even former mayor Campbell Newman conceded that it was his one regret of 2009.

The modern design of the square has frequently been criticised as too hot and too glary during summer.

Trees installed after the negative response still require more time to grow and provide shade cover.

While it is popular with overseas tourists, and the coloured inset lights in the pavers are absolutely striking at night, city dwellers say it is still too hot, too bare and too glary.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said King George Square was now Brisbane's place to host events for the city, not necessarily a place to sit and have lunch.

Most recently, it was the site of the Brisbane Roar civic reception to celebrate the club's second consecutive A-League championship.

Cr Quirk said he did not think grass would ever be returned to King George Square, citing other places in the CBD people could sit on the grass, eat, talk and have lunch.

"You've got Roma Street Parklands, you've got Queens Park, you've got Post Office Square; we've just re-turfed all of that – that's a very nice place to stretch out and have a picnic – and Anzac Square itself," he said.

"And then you got Botanical Gardens at the other end of town, so there are many opportunities for people to look for a grassy patch."

Cr Quirk said King George Square had a different function for Brisbane.

"It is the centre heart; it is the activated heart; it is the events heart of our city," he said.

Cr Quirk said in 2006 every member of Civic Cabinet signed off as approving the chosen design.

"So when Labor run around criticising King George Square, they are criticising a Labor-majority Cabinet at the time," he said.

"So it was joint agreement that we went with."

Cr Quirk said the number of complaints have dropped off and people now understood it was a different place.

"It is not a park, it is square and the functionality of it is a public space and we have plenty of other parks in our city."

brisbanetimes.com.au asked Cr Quirk's challengers for their views on King George Square:

Ray Smith (Labor)

Labor has set aside $15,000 for an architectural review of the square's design in its election commitments.

Mr Smith said it was upsetting that King George Square was now seen as a venue, not a place for the people of Brisbane.

"That's what it always was when I was a young man. That's what I grew up in. King George Square should be a place for the people," he said.

"I think that is disgraceful, quite frankly. What Cr Quirk is virtually saying is that it should be about meetings and a venue space.

"Sorry, I disagree."

Mr Smith said he grew up being taken into King George Square by his grandmother.

"We would eat a sandwich in King George Square and then go up and listen to the bells chime up in City Hall," he said.

"I don't ever remember King George Square being as miserable and hot as it is now."

Mr Smith said Labor has put aside $15,000 to get architectural advice on the design, which was agreed upon when Labor held the majority in council.

"It reminds me of Sesame Street, which two things don't go together; King George Square and City Hall," he said.

Mr Smith said he would act only on the architectural advice on King George Square.

"There [are] two facets to this. One is that I want to get this right for the people of Brisbane; the other is I don't want to waste ratepayers' money because that has been done too much already," he said.

Mr Smith said he was not interested that Labor signed off on the design in 2006.

Andrew Bartlett (Greens)

Mr Bartlett said he was appalled at the "baking hot" design when it was first unveiled.

"You almost feel that it was deliberately designed to encourage people to keep moving through; it's fine to walk through, but as a public space to hang around in it was very inhospitable," he said.

Mr Bartlett said attempts had been made to soften King George Square's lines with the introduction of new trees.

"That shows some responsiveness, but I think the fact that it was designed so badly in the first place is a key example that council doesn't think what the public wants from a public space," he said.

Mr Bartlett said if he became lord mayor, the large television screen would go straight away.

"To be in a place like King George Square and having commercial television blaring out at you while you are there, I find just terrible," he said.

But Mr Bartlett conceded it would be too expensive to make major changes.

"I would certainly love to get rid of that big TV screen. I think it impairs that location as a public space," he said.

"Beyond that it costs a lot of money to undo, to re-do, so I wouldn't like to make any concrete demands. But clearly there has been a lot of unhappiness about it."

Chris Carson (independent)

Mr Carson said the main issue for most people was the lack of shade in King George Square.

"That is really the main issue for people," he said.

He said the combination of dark pavers and the lack of shade made it a problem in summer, but the trees were slowly growing.

"So I think in around five years it would be pretty good," he said.

Mr Carson agreed with the approach to encourage events in the square.

"To me, they are doing the right thing in getting events going there, they seem to be doing that properly," he said.

As a cyclist, Mr Carson said the cycle centre under the square was a worthwhile facility, although he had heard complaints about cost.

"It comes right off the link from the Bicentennial Bikeway, so it encourages people to ride into town. So I think it's a pretty good facility," he said.

(Sex Party member and independent candidate Rory Killen could not be contacted yesterday.)

Architecture students research Brisbane King George Square

Rachel Gallagher is a University of Queensland student sent to King George Square for a first-year architecture assignment.

"We are basically studying the space and because it is a very bland space, we are designing a 'pod' to put in it," the 21-year-old Ms Gallagher said.

"Some people are doing pods to create shade, because there is no shade and it is really exposed to the elements.

"I am doing a pod which forces people to look up, because there are so many beautiful things when you look up; like the tops of buildings, the rooftops, City Hall's bell tower itself."

Ms Gallagher said the movement of people inside the square told the story of how it was used.

"No-one really stops anywhere, you can sit on a bench, but how many benches are there," she said.

"People are usually just walking from one side to the other to get to the bus stop, or to get to work.

"The only thing here is really the cafe and other than that, it is so under-utilised. Sometimes you have functions here, but other than that it is just boring."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/asset-or-eyesore-candidates-rate-king-george-square-20120425-1xl5l.html#ixzz1t7BLAzcK

Oh for goodness sakes - have they totaly forgotten that the design was the result of a public vote?!?!?!

I HATE BRISBANE TIMES.

Oh for goodness sakes - have they totaly forgotten that the design was the result of a public vote?!?!?!

I HATE BRISBANE TIMES.

Exactly and this is the problem with community consultation, you can have the best design but the public waters it down so much it that it becomes bland and boring

What does everyone think about the Wintergarden Facade?

Personally i think it looks horrible ! So dated already, you can't even see the butterflies, it's just a big mess. And the colours are dull, nothing like the renders.

It's disgusting !!! i hate it so much.

The Wintergarden facade looks OK at night, but not too good during the day. Especially when you look on the other side of Queen St and see the more classic facades.

The Wintergarden facade looks OK at night, but not too good during the day. Especially when you look on the other side of Queen St and see the more classic facades.


It looks great at night, but only when it is in a sequence that uses lots of the L.E.Ds. It has a lot of patterns that use hardly any of the lights and the majority of it stays black. You can stand there a long time, just waiting for anything to happen. Hopefully they will realise this during this testing phase and make it a little "louder".

During the day though, it looks absolutely horrid. There's no redeeming features what-so-ever.

"Butterflies feasting on vomit"

What does everyone think about the Wintergarden Facade?

Personally i think it looks horrible ! So dated already, you can't even see the butterflies, it's just a big mess. And the colours are dull, nothing like the renders.

It's disgusting !!! i hate it so much.

I love it!! looks interesting and is unique.

What does everyone think about the Wintergarden Facade?

Personally i think it looks horrible ! So dated already, you can't even see the butterflies, it's just a big mess. And the colours are dull, nothing like the renders.

It's disgusting !!! i hate it so much.

hate it and like it at the same time, no idea depends on mood, it looks good and bad :bash: crazy opinion but it's overall ok. But you are right does not seem like the renders.

Sunland reckons they are selling Palazzo Versace because they want to invest in other developments.

Do you think we would be lucky enough for Carrington Tower to be one of the first cabs off the rank or is that another one of my dreams?

Sunland wouldn't be selling Versace if they could possibly avoid it.

What they are saying is that they absolutely cannot continue as a developer unless they offload their prize asset... Which is consistent with what the market has done to their various interests over the past few years.

That is a problem.

What does everyone think about the Wintergarden Facade?

Personally i think it looks horrible ! So dated already, you can't even see the butterflies, it's just a big mess. And the colours are dull, nothing like the renders.

It's disgusting !!! i hate it so much.

I like it. And at the end of the day it's a vast improvement over what was there.

Just went to Rowes Arcade for some juice, the place is on fire. The food court is filled with light smoke and QFRS have arrived.

Sunland wouldn't be selling Versace if they could possibly avoid it.

What they are saying is that they absolutely cannot continue as a developer unless they offload their prize asset... Which is consistent with what the market has done to their various interests over the past few years.

That is a problem.

So it looks like we've lost that one too. They were hoping to launch it early this year but there's been nothing on the web site for centuries.

Just went to Rowes Arcade for some juice, the place is on fire. The food court is filled with light smoke and QFRS have arrived.

Haven't seen anything on the BT or CM sites about it yet... I hope it's not too big a fire, I'd hate to see us lose the Rowes and Rothwells buildings.

Haven't seen anything on the BT or CM sites about it yet... I hope it's not too big a fire, I'd hate to see us lose the Rowes and Rothwells buildings.

Nah, its business as usual now. Burnt toast maybe?

So it looks like we've lost that one too. They were hoping to launch it early this year but there's been nothing on the web site for centuries.

They are working on a JV / funding.

Nice to come home to the news that Quirky is our Mayor for another term.

I'm glad Labor is on the nose at the moment or we might have ended up with that chuckle-headed goon.

Agree with your first comment and half agree with your second. A weak opposition is never good regardless of who you support.

I'm happy Jackie Trad got in. The public would be bloody stupid if they handed the LNP more power.

Also happy ray didn't get in. His plans to abolish Brisbane Marketing and the Vibrant Laneways program were ridiculous.

I'm happy Jackie Trad got in. The public would be bloody stupid if they handed the LNP more power.

Also happy ray didn't get in. His plans to abolish Brisbane Marketing and the Vibrant Laneways program were ridiculous.

Im on the fence, trad really seems to have done nothing with her life, The LNP candidate had world wide experience especially in public transport. I find this to be a major issue with labor. Often there candidates are ex union officials etc.

I have to say that the LNP guy actually did have a thing or two going for him and he was experienced. He came across as an intensely practical and down to earth person.

Having said that, I do see the concern that Labor has no leadership or ministerial talent left... And the LNP do have a number of very talented ministers with spades of real world experience already.

Im on the fence, trad really seems to have done nothing with her life, The LNP candidate had world wide experience especially in public transport. I find this to be a major issue with labor. Often there candidates are ex union officials etc.

She is just another union hack. You would think the ALP would try and rebuild with some diversity but I guess not.

How do you find a decent candidate in one week that doesn't already belong to 'the fold'? It would be almost impossible.

She is just another union hack. You would think the ALP would try and rebuild with some diversity but I guess not.

Agreed.

She is also responsible/involved in those horrible ads against Newman at the state election.

I too liked the LNP guy- finally we had someone decent to vote for!

In a way it bewilders me that no matter how dodgy the ALP candidate or how good the LNP one, the people of west end (look at the booth results- most of the other booths had an LNP win!) are still going to vote ALP!

Agreed.

She is also responsible/involved in those horrible ads against Newman at the state election.

I too liked the LNP guy- finally we had someone decent to vote for!

In a way it bewilders me that no matter how dodgy the ALP candidate or how good the LNP one, the people of west end (look at the booth results- most of the other booths had an LNP win!) are still going to vote ALP!

you only need to walk through west end to see why, hippies (shivers)

^^ Yeah, it's one of those seats that will always vote a single way due to the demographic of the area (Woodridge is another seat like that). If the ALP don't get South Brisbane (I think final counting is still underway, and the LNP hasn't yet conceded) then that just continues to show just how major a problem the Labor Party in Queensland actually has!

(look at the booth results- most of the other booths had an LNP win!)

You do realise that 2/3 of the booths preferenced ALP and only 1/3 preferenced the LNP.

Vulture Street and the Mater both preferenced the LNP. What figures are you using. The only West End booth that preferenced the ALP was the West End State School.

You do realise that 2/3 of the booths preferenced ALP and only 1/3 preferenced the LNP.

Vulture Street and the Mater both preferenced the LNP. What figures are you using. The only West End booth that preferenced the ALP was the West End State School.

That was after a quick glance at the major booths on the ABC website. West End and surrounds always votes ALP, Kangaroo Pt & East Brisbane favoured the LNP.
Vulture St booth isn't in West End by the way. It's in East Brisbane.

Yeah, it's one of those seats that will always vote a single way due to the demographic of the area (Woodridge is another seat like that). If the ALP don't get South Brisbane (I think final counting is still underway, and the LNP hasn't yet conceded) then that just continues to show just how major a problem the Labor Party in Queensland actually has!

Well they did lose safe Labor seats such as Ipswich and Logan at the election. A quick look at Wiki shows in 2001 Anna was sitting at almost 75% of the 2PP vote, so to almost lose the seat is a major embarrassment for Labor.

The ALP still won 67% of the booths. There is more to South Brisbane than just West End.

you only need to walk through west end to see why, hippies (shivers)

That's just ridiculous. West End has a growing professional demographic. Waters Edge, Flow and Koko would all be enough to overtake the amount of 'hippies' in west end.

Agreed.

She is also responsible/involved in those horrible ads against Newman at the state election.

I too liked the LNP guy- finally we had someone decent to vote for!

In a way it bewilders me that no matter how dodgy the ALP candidate or how good the LNP one, the people of west end (look at the booth results- most of the other booths had an LNP win!) are still going to vote ALP!

Which is exactly why they should be putting their best candidates into seats like this. If this seat cannot be lost under these circumstances then the ALP will probably always have it.
Best and brightest does not equal unknown union hack.
As I said, a wasted opportunity for the ALP which indicates they don't have a clue.

As I said the the QLD election thread, they had no time to find the best candidate, they needed to find someone they knew the history of.

LNP already had a candidate so that wasn't an issue for them.

As I said, a wasted opportunity for the ALP which indicates they don't have a clue.

I am happy to vote for the ALP if they have a good candidate but this time they didn't so I didn't vote for them. I voted back in my local councillor (Helen Abrahams).
I must say though, I am happier having Jackie Trad as my representative than someone like Andrew Fraser.

As I said the the QLD election thread, they had no time to find the best candidate, they needed to find someone they knew the history of.

LNP already had a candidate so that wasn't an issue for them.

I am sure the Labor party should have had some unofficially selected as Anna's replacement well before the past election. Heck, I know the ECQ had already started planning for the by-election at that stage as they pre-empted Ms Bligh's resignation.

Newman is shaking up development. Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank Corp, higher height limits in West End and ULDA are all in for some changes...

LNP launches development shake-up

May 4, 2012 - 11:17AM

Twelve-storey buildings are likely to be allowed in the part of West End opposite Toowong, while plans to build a boutique hotel under the Story Bridge will be revived.

Premier Campbell Newman and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk fronted the media this morning to signal their plans for changes after the Liberal National Party's victory at state and local government levels.

As flagged during the state election campaign, management of the South Bank parklands will return to Brisbane City Council, rather than be overseen by the powerful state body South Bank Corporation.

Mr Newman said the council would receive state government funding to ensure it was not left out of pocket when it regained control of South Bank.

The exact amount was yet to be decided, but Mr Newman said the state government's existing annual subsidy for the South Bank Corporation was $10 million.

Mr Newman also said development areas under control of the state government-established Urban Land Development Authority would be handed back to Brisbane City Council.

The urban development areas to be transferred are in Carseldine, Woolloongabba, North Shore Hamilton and Bowen Hills.

Mr Newman said the council would be given the ULDA's strong powers, which included approving developments without the community having the right to appeal.

However, he argued the council, unlike the ULDA, was a "democratically elected local government" accountable to voters.

Mr Newman and Cr Quirk also reached an in-principle agreement that the South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood Plan would be resubmitted to the state government to allow 12-storey buildings to be constructed between Montague Road and the Brisbane River.

The "Riverside South" precinct at the centre of the discussions is south of Davies Park.

The previous state government had insisted no more than seven storeys should be allowed in the area.

Mr Newman and Cr Quirk also plan to revive Brisbane City Council's Howard Smith Wharves proposal to build a boutique hotel and parklands under northern end of the Story Bridge.

The Labor government scuttled the hotel plans last year, citing flood risks.

Mr Newman and Cr Quirk have also agreed to split the bill to upgrade level crossings at Robinson Road, Geebung, and Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge, an issue they said had reached a "stalemate" when the Labor government was in charge.

The combined cost would be $260 million, Mr Newman said.

The LNP vowed during the election campaign to re-empower local councils.

Mr Newman said the management of Roma Street Parklands, Roma Street Forum and Emma Millar Place would also return to Brisbane City Council.

He said the detail of the South Bank transfer was still to be decided, noting the council could take control of the South Bank car parks so it had a revenue stream to manage the parklands.

However, commercial tenancies were likely to stay with the state government.

Asked whether he might be giving the local council free rein, Mr Newman said: "The previous Labor government felt it should be in the game of running these little patches of park around Brisbane. Why?"

Cr Quirk was unsure when asked whether the council would try to retain the expertise of the South Bank Corporation and take on some of its officials.

"I think that's all up for grabs at the moment," he said, without putting a timeframe on the transfer.

"Everything comes to an end and I just say I think there needs to be a transitional period across."

Cr Quirk was lukewarm on former premier Anna Bligh's idea of expanding South Bank further, in a concept called "South Bank 2", saying it was a debate for another day.

"I think we need to just manage what we have at the moment," he said.

Cr Quirk argued Labor's rejection of the Howard Smith Wharves hotel proposal was more about politics than flood risk, saying there was less water in that area than there was in the location earmarked for the South Bank expansion.

Mr Newman, the former Brisbane lord mayor, and Cr Quirk, his former deputy, touted their ability to work together as a "new partnership".

Mr Newman said the government also wanted to work with other councils in a similar fashion, hailing councils as the level of government closest to the people.

More to come...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/lnp-launches-development-shakeup-20120504-1y2q5.html#ixzz1trY92VwM

good, most of the stuff in west end is rubbish

Great. I do hope they also take on board the expanded South Bank proposal.

Abolishing SBC is stupid. They have done an amazing job at both developing and marketing the precinct. It'll go downhill for sure now.

A lot of talented people at SBC will be lost.

Abolishing SBC is fantastic. They have done their job and it should now be brought across to BCC. I would imagine BCC will set up a body ala Queen Street Mall to manage the area, however they would still be involved with development assessment.

Surely Soul you can't say that QSM is a crappy area and that South Bank will be hopless as a result of the transition?

SBC is an outdated institution and it's time is was put to rest. I am a little concerned however about the Brisbane ULDA areas. So far, design and planning seems to relatively well instituted, and hopefully won't get lost in BCC redtape.

ULDA powers will be conferred on BCC for the ULDA areas... So it shouldn't make a big difference.

West End residents whinging already over 12 story bulidings could ruin the area... Far out the place aint nothing flash in the first place!

I don't see a scrap of bad news today.

West end is a great suburb, but the NIMBY whining is ridiculous. Montague road is dead and lifeless, full of milton-style office parks and light industrial - what the hell is wrong with building 12 story apartments along the river there? It can only improve the situation

West end is a great suburb, but the NIMBY whining is ridiculous. Montague road is dead and lifeless, full of milton-style office parks and light industrial - what the hell is wrong with building 12 story apartments along the river there? It can only improve the situation

I completely agree.

^^ I would like to see the grass area next to Goodwill Bridge turned into something even a path it looks horrible ATM.

There is a new crane in West End. Looks pretty tall and I'd say it's somewhere south of Davies Park, near Montague Road.

Any ideas what it is for? Today is the first time I have noticed it.

There is a new crane in West End. Looks pretty tall and I'd say it's somewhere south of Davies Park, near Montague Road.

Any ideas what it is for? Today is the first time I have noticed it.

Maybe something on this site?

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?ll=-27.481567,153.00436&spn=0.00128,0.002642&fb=1&gl=au&hq=west+end&hnear=Brisbane+Queensland&t=h&fll=-27.481424,153.004199&fspn=0.00256,0.005284&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-27.481342,153.004514&panoid=hwHuJJGI01HDRkd6i2AoCQ&cbp=12,299.02,,0,3.47

There is a new crane in West End. Looks pretty tall and I'd say it's somewhere south of Davies Park, near Montague Road.

Any ideas what it is for? Today is the first time I have noticed it.

It's for Ecco Apartments... About 8 levels high. More info here:

http://brisbanedevelopment.com/9-kurilpa-street-west-end/

does anyone have any pictures of the "tunnel" that used to cover grey st, near the intersection of glenelg st. it had a twist in it and it opened up near what used to be russell st. i also remember a pedestrian underpass at the intersection of russell and grey st. you could access the convention centre carpark from it too.

other things i miss so much abt southbank are the gondwana land, butterfly house and i very much miss the ferrys that used to run thru the middle of southbank/

they should have all been fired when they took the boats away

Are you talking about pre-Expo 88 times when the South Brisbane rail yards existed? Russell Street used to go underneath them.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1917/1984southbank.png (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/1984southbank.png/)

i think it was built in 92 with southbank. it was demolished when the brick conservatory of music or rydges was constructed and it was just an overpass really not a tunnel as such

Are you talking about pre-Expo 88 times when the South Brisbane rail yards existed? Russell Street used to go underneath them.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1917/1984southbank.png (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/1984southbank.png/)

God Brisbane definitely has come a long way since then. Gives me some hope for the next 30 years.

^^ Oh definitely! I think that in the next 10 years alone, we will see a "South Bank" done to Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills and Newstead. We'll barely recognise the area, Bowen Hill especially!

be sure to checkout nearmap. brisbane update
may8

http://www.nearmap.com/?ll=-27.403471,153.110275&z=18&t=k&nmd=20120508

^^ Oh definitely! I think that in the next 10 years alone, we will see a "South Bank" done to Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills and Newstead. We'll barely recognise the area, Bowen Hill especially!

It'll be great to have some other 'go-to' places in and around the CBD. Looking forward to it.

What exactly are they planning?

^^Well, the northern end of the Valley (up around Emporium) and Newstead are getting some major density-boosting redevelopment happening, with projects like M&A, Brooklyn on Brookes, Waterloo Junction and the big Gasworks and Waterfront projects.

Bowen Hills on the other hand in under the authority of the ULDA (for now at least), and has projects popping up all over the suburb, but the biggest by far is the complete redevelopment/rejuvenation of the RNA showgrounds which is currently underway. The aim is to turn it into a 24/7 precinct with dining and a fresh food markets among the residential and commercial developments.

Marty put together a comprehensive list of all the proposed and U/C projects in this thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1448200). Have a look at the map and you'll see better what I mean about it looking completely different!

Toowong Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan (http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/downloads/planning_building/current_planning_projects/neighbourhood_planning/toowong_auchenflower_np.pdf) now in effect.

Toowong Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan (http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/downloads/planning_building/current_planning_projects/neighbourhood_planning/toowong_auchenflower_np.pdf) now in effect.

Thankyou Brissy. I like to here about any council/planning news out there.

The new State Gov has asked for proposals to develop the current Supreme Court Site, however it now doesn't directly state that a performance theatre must be included. Applications now close in August. From today's Prime Site.

It was the Newman Government who said that that is where a theatre should go. The ads have been running since before the election.

It was the Newman Government who said that that is where a theatre should go. The ads have been running since before the election.

The previous ads had a close off date of late march (i think?) and had stopped running. Now they're back up but with an August cut off and no stated requirement for the inclusion of a performance theatre.

If the government was smart here they would do a JV with the developer to deliver a mixed use precinct on that site. When the review being undertaken comes back saying we need another theatre, this could be quite a good opportunity to reduce costs.

^^ The question there is whether it's the Government's role to fund, even partially, another performing arts space? While I don't at all dispute that we BADLY need another 1500-2000 seat space, I just think that they should just stick with impose the requirement for one as part of redeveloping the Courthouse site. Developers (well, the good ones) would have bigger pockets than our State Government at the moment. They should stick to funding things that you can't get from a commercial entity (eg. infrastructure like Cross River Rail).

^^ The question there is whether it's the Government's role to fund, even partially, another performing arts space? While I don't at all dispute that we BADLY need another 1500-2000 seat space, I just think that they should just stick with impose the requirement for one as part of redeveloping the Courthouse site. Developers (well, the good ones) would have bigger pockets than our State Government at the moment. They should stick to funding things that you can't get from a commercial entity (eg. infrastructure like Cross River Rail).

I would agree with that and perhaps the developer could operate it for a while to recoup money on a lease arrangement that expires in xx years.

^^agree too.

Mixed space, yeah can go with that. Turn it into the new Festival Hall for concerts and theatre, call it Festival Hall (too bad for the Melbourne lot with the naming issues) and put other stuff you all think is needed there. The only thing I don't agree with is, we do need a new theatre and I see your points re funding, but believe me, being older and living back here in the 80's, Brisbane is not missing out on productions as much as it used to. I picture the new area maybe putting on arty crap like at Belvior Street *sorry spelling Sydneynites* in Sydney, or be a bit like the Malthouse in Melbourne with productions that are less well-known. But please don't turn the courts into office crap.

^^ While QPAC has meant that Brisbane is getting the types of productions we used to miss out on completely 25 odd years ago, it's become a victim of it's own success in that we now have a situation where we are again missing out on the big touring productions because the Lyric Theatre is already booked out, and unlike Sydney and Melbourne, we don't have anywhere else capable of holding shows of that size (the closest is probably the Powerhouse with an approx 600 seated capacity.)

We don't really need a Festival Hall replacement as such because we have a good variety of venues that can accommodate music acts of various sizes – the BEC at Boondal, BCEC at South Bank, the Riverstage, the RNA, Suncorp and QE2 Stadiums, and smaller venues like the Powerhouse, the Tivoli, the Zoo and a few similar ones down in West End. Theatre productions aren't quite as flexible, and need a much more specialised space, which are in short supply in Brisbane.

A BT article states that the local Amazon company that has sprung back to life recently is 'conducting business in the form of the provision of marketing and other corporate services for and on behalf of an associated company, Amazon Web Services LLC'' '.

For those of you that don't know Amazon Web Services is amazons cloud computing arm. There is a lot of demand for a local cloud solution from one of the big guns. Maybe Amazon is here to start a cloud data centre?

With regards to whether amazon retailing/distribution is involved the article says:

'Mr Burford said he was not aware of specific plans for Amazon in Australia and whether or not they included retailing. He said that ''to date'' plans had included data operations but added: ''I sense it's going to be big.'''


Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/amazon-moves-a-step-closer-to-local-operation-20120418-1x7p1.html?skin=text-only

Heard that amazon is indeed looking at setting up an AWS cloud centre in Australia around October...possibly starting with using an existing data centre.

http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/selections/high-rise-tops-out-in-cbd-3316070.html

A003359071 - Centre Activity, Centre Activity Within Centre 6 LITTLE CRIBB ST MILTON QLD 4064 21/05/2012 12:00:00 AM
^^
Another small office tower proposed for Milton.

Looks good. I like the street level.

Lots of retail is always a good thing! Not a bad little building at all!

Personally I'd prefer projects like these spread around the city in places like Milton, Indooroopilly, Toowong, Upper Mount Gravatt, Sunnybank, Carindale, South Brisbane, Wooloongabba, East Brisbane, Chermside, Newstead, The Valley etc than another 40+ skyscraper in the CBD.

Brisbane needs to get out of the CBD and take some commercial / employment density to the suburbs rather than continue to pack the city. But in saying this we would then need to shake up public transport and replace some of the city services and make more cross city/ suburb routes to service them properly.

I wish we had suburban routes. Like in my region a route that services Mt Gravatt Central, Carindale, Wishart, Mansfield, & Garden City, for example.

Good little building...I count 12 stories at ~55m.

I've just been looking today's City News, and the QR network closure ad for this weekend - Roma Street to Yeerongpilly & Murrarie (any train fans might want to catch a Beenleigh or GC service this weekend, they'll be going via Sherwood on the Tennyson Loop).

Anyway, as per usual, they've listed the works to be done, including the normal type of stuff; re-railing around Roma Street, overhead maintenance and South Brisbane Station works. However, one of the ones listed was a bit more unusual – "Southbank (Southpoint) Development". Anyone care to hazard a guess as to what QR means by that?

Personally I'd prefer projects like these spread around the city in places like Milton, Indooroopilly, Toowong, Upper Mount Gravatt, Sunnybank, Carindale, South Brisbane, Wooloongabba, East Brisbane, Chermside, Newstead, The Valley etc than another 40+ skyscraper in the CBD.

Brisbane needs to get out of the CBD and take some commercial / employment density to the suburbs rather than continue to pack the city. But in saying this we would then need to shake up public transport and replace some of the city services and make more cross city/ suburb routes to service them properly.

I tend to agree Birkish, it has happened in Sydney with Chatswood, and slowly in Melbourne, but I would say they may have no choice to move out of CBD for taller buildings.

Probably not worthy of it's own thread yet as it is long-term and a long long way from starting.

Brisbane Airport to become village hub (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/travel/news/brisbane-airport-to-become-village-hub/story-fn32891l-1226366689623)
May 25, 2012 11:29am

http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2012/05/25/1226366/690052-brisbane-airport-future.jpg

THIS is the bold new vision of Brisbane Airport Village, which is set to become a major hub for leisure and business over the next 50 years.

Brisbane Airport Corporation today unveiled its long-term plan for property development within the 2,700ha identifies development which will see it become a 24 hour aviation, trade and commercial hub.

Chief executive officer Julieanne Alroe said the aim was to enhance the airport's primary aviation function with commercial and lifestyle offerings that created a destination in its own right.

The plan foresees the creation of upwards of 25 new buildings over the next five years, while a longer term forecast predicts the airport-based workforce will more than double in the next 20 years from its current level of 19,000 to more than 50,000.

Specialist property division, BNE Property, is already in discussions with a hotel developer and will soon begin a tenant drive for a significant commercial development at Airport Central near the domestic terminal.

The corporation, which is 12 years into a 99 year lease, has invested $1.7 billion at the airport already and plans to spend a further $2.9 billion over the next 10 years.

Love the idea! Doesn't sound like it's too long term to me? 25 new buildings in 5 years is pretty quick!

Hope they are going to add another station at DFO

Probably not worthy of it's own thread yet as it is long-term and a long long way from starting.

That render looks pretty incredible! Brisbane will be an amazing city in another ten years or so, the CBD, Airport, Carindale, Mt Gravatt, etc.

Thats a good vision. It would be akin to the highrise development at Mascot in Sydney behind the Domestic Terminal. However Mascot doesnt have lifestyle facilities at all. Its mostly business parks with the odd hotel and now apartment towers.

The lifestyle facilities and services are a good idea. Lets see what more information is out there.

Sounds really positive! It'll be interesting to see what exactly they have planned in terms of lifestyle facilities etc.

I've heard that the Holiday Inn are in negotiations for a new hotel at the domestic terminal.

BAC should get the piece of shit Domestic Terminal road system fixed first - dual level arrivals/departures roads for starters. The current setup is a joke.

BAC should get the piece of shit Domestic Terminal road system fixed first - dual level arrivals/departures roads for starters. The current setup is a joke.

Can't agree with this more. They made it hard for themselves with the link to the train station/ carparks.

Probably not worthy of it's own thread yet as it is long-term and a long long way from starting.

hmmm does the commercial development impinge on the planned second runway? i thought it was supposed to run parallel to the main one but on the otherside of the road - where all those rendered buildings are lol

It does look good, but they will need to improve transport connections. No one is going to go out of their way to drive out to the airport for their lifestyle precinct beyond those who do so to get to DFO anyway, and likewise a lot of people would baulk at paying the Airtrain fare to get out there!

On an unrelated topic, is it just me, or has it been open season for plastering posters around the CBD, particularly on hoarding over vacant buildings/facades and U/C shops? I'm not at all complaining, I love it! It just seems to have happened virtually overnight!

For example:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7279191176_4632ff5999_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7279191176/)
P5271071 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76513211@N07/7279191176/) by Nathan Murray (http://www.flickr.com/people/76513211@N07/), on Flickr

Those same posters are everywhere here in Sydney. Mel Gibsons army, perhaps.

hmmm does the commercial development impinge on the planned second runway? i thought it was supposed to run parallel to the main one but on the otherside of the road - where all those rendered buildings are lol

No problems, the parallel runway is not even in shot...it is far closer to the bay and more north. ie. between the domestic and the bay but further north.

Those same posters are everywhere here in Sydney. Mel Gibsons army, perhaps.

They seem to be a set of three: The Gringo movie poster, Max Payne 3 and that musio who's name escapes me who's poster is on the end. As I said, nothing against it. If anything, I'd love to see more!

I love them too. More interesting to look at than a blank wall. I'll also admit to loving when power poles and light poles, etc are absolutely covered with posters.

Great to see the future development around our airport. I do tend to think though that maybe too much money and time will be spent there for the amount of people and traffic it will see. What I mean is so far over the last few years our airport system as a whole (roading, train services and infrastructure) has come a long way which was very much needed! But large development in the near future might be too much for the amount of people around. My uneducated opinion, feel free to debate. Also my dad recently showed me the old domestic terminal from the 80's lol!

I've always wanted to see some sort of attraction out there, my initial thoughts were some sort of aviation museum behind the SCKS memorial. I'd like to see a F-111 displayed similarly there to.

Does anyone remember what the go was with Australia Zoo's plan for animal planet was?

The King George Square Ice Rink will be back next month! :banana:

Ice rink to return to Brisbane

May 28, 2012 - 12:21PM
Read laterBe the first to comment

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2011/06/11/2424276/ipad-art-wide-winter%20festival-420x0.jpg
Warm reception ... Ariel Campbell, 6, skates on the rink in the city last year. Photo: Michelle Smith

Australia's largest outdoor ice-skating rink and alpine ski lodge will return to King George Square next month as Brisbane's Winter Festival activities begin.

There's food, 45 minute ice-skating sessions, a range of different hot drinks, rare European mulled wines and spirits and for the kids, cartoon characters.

Brisbane City Council experimented with the ice-skating rink last year and, despite some early teething problems with the warmer-than-expected winter temperatures, it managed to grab enough attention to win a repeat spot in King George Square for 2012.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said skating in the shadows of City Hall was a nice touch to winter in Brisbane.

“The city will mark the season with special food and retail offers, plus there's an entertainment program that includes ice skating with City Hall as a backdrop, so it's certainly a unique experience," he said.

The daytime programs are geared to children, while the night sessions not surprisingly are targeted towards the adults.

Festival director Justin Ricketts said they had broadened the festival for 2012.

"There's plenty for the adults too with a ski-themed lodge complete with roaring fireplaces, specialty European alpine cuisine and dining, licensed bars, live music and entertainment," he said.

"Those who brave the cold for a winter's night out will be able to enjoy high-quality hearty comfort food and Glühwein, a type of mulled wine, rarely seen on Australian shores, that is ideal for providing some welcome warmth."

The Winter Festival will run from June 8 to July 1 and will be open from noon to 10pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm weekends.

More information at the Winter Festival website.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/ice-rink-to-return-to-brisbane-20120528-1ze7a.html#ixzz1w87c9ppQ

Great to hear! I'd say it's the best event KGS hosts in the year!

It's one benefit of having why he design that we have now

mmm mulled wine.

I agree soulvision, I just wish it was level with stairs at one end rather than the slope.

There was an article on 7 news tonight regarding state government plans to revitalise the CBD, particularly the government end down George St.
They mentioned a new building at 1 William St and that many of the current buildings being used are in need of major refurbishment or replacement.

Has anyone got a copy of the video?

Not yet. But their youtube channel now has a video about the airport expansion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmw1xFj8Gys

Executive Building is to be demolished!

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/newman-plans-new-government-office-block-20120528-1zf2a.html

Intredasting. I await the master plan with keen interest. I'm even more interested to see how much of tax payer's funds he plans to use. Oh Campbell you old dog.

Executive building to be demolished??? My dreams have been answered!!

:master:

Is that the parliamentary annexe? Or the ugly brown one?

The ugly brown one. If only it were the parliamentary annexe as well...

I'm even more interested to see how much of tax payer's funds he plans to use. Oh Campbell you old dog.

The private sector will foot the bill for sure. Take EOI's for commercially viable options, get their guaranteed tenant (state gov), get finance from the banks and presto.

This is actually something which, if played right, will cost the government very little. The developer could even fit the building out for free (is often done with commercial tenants anyway). Especially in the current depressed market, developers will be tripping over themselves for such an opportunity.

Good move.

Agreed, Politically it's not though, Most people won't understand and the think campbell is personally paying millions for a new office, I notice the opposition has no issues with a nice new office building =p

Something round 180m+ would look great!

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/05/28/1226370/424395-masterplan.jpg

Looks very good. Much better than any of the Northbank proposals. Better views of the tower in the distance is what I'd like to see.

This has me very excited indeed.

This is the scale I was expecting when Northbank was previously proposed by the last government.

This I can approve of, although I don't want all of those trees blocking the fine view you get from Southbank of Treasury casino.

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/05/28/1226370/424395-masterplan.jpg

Looks very good. Much better than any of the Northbank proposals. Better views of the tower in the distance is what I'd like to see.

This has me very excited indeed.

I had seen a pre-northbank proposal by cox (late 90's) long before the one we all know as northbank, and it was VERY good, however, I agree, the river front doesn't need all the towers etc as previously proposed. This looks like its just enough to get the area activated which is all it needs, it's actually quite a nice/pretty little area with the heritage buildings. Thus far, balance looks good.

So.. Isn't this considered sale of public assets? And if so I seem to remember a certain politician saying he would go to the polls if he ever sold public assets?

So.. Isn't this considered sale of public assets? And if so I seem to remember a certain politician saying he would go to the polls if he ever sold public assets?
Most likely a 50/99 year lease.

While technically they are public assets, property is a very different type of asset.

The way I see it is, unlike QR National or Port of Brisbane, which were assets that generated ongoing physical cash profits for the Government, these buildings and the land they sit on don't generate ongoing profits in the same way. The only way to unlock the real value of a property is to either liquidate it, or borrow against its value, and while the value of the property does appreciate (generally) it can only ever be accessed once anyway. Add to that the fact that the Government has to pay for the upkeep of the building, and some of these buildings are coming to the end of their useful life meaning that upkeep costs will continue to rise. As the government is in need of more space, the only alternative would be to fund a new building with Taxpayer Funds, which is exactly what they don't want to do, and going down that route carries risks as well (hence the cancelling of the Bowen Hills development due to the risk that the end product won't be worth the investment made).

I think that, in this case, the State Govt is making a positive move in selling the properties and unlocking the value of these assets (which will help the state's current financial situation), however, unlike QRN and the rest of the assets Labor sold, the Government is not removing an ongoing revenue stream in doing so.

Interesting your last observation. The State sold of approx. half or QRN, allowing it to act as a private company and in turn almsot doubling in price.

In other words The State essentially did not reduce their value in QRN, yet they received a payout of billions of dollars.



Remember with your first point though, if it were cheaper for the government to rent rather than build and own, how on earth would a private company see it as a valid opportunity if they are not going to receive profit?

^^ I thought the state government only kept approx 30% of QRN? But yes, I see what you mean in retaining their value of their holding and getting the payout (although, the value of that stake is fluid – Myer and Facebook investors will tell you that), but in doing so haven't they also reduced the amount of ongoing cash revenue they receive from the company – now equivalent to the dividends on their remaining stake as opposed to dividends from full ownership on the company, even if the overall value of the company was less? I don't know how current dividends compare to the revenue they received from it while a QOC though...I'm not a business major and have a rudimentary view on how these things work so I could easily be wrong. It's a long term view vs short term view thing – is it better to get a lump sum at one from selling out, or smaller amounts over time from continued ownership which will add up over time?

As for my first point, I wasn't saying that it's as an absolute that it's cheaper for the government to rent rather than own, obviously it's relative to the term that you are going to rent it. In a long term renting situation, at some point the rent paid will end up exceeding the cost of the building had you built it. Again, it all depends on how long or short term you're looking and your personal opinion on what achieves better value. The Government's wildcard is the 99 year lease possibility...

In the end, in this particular case, it seems to have boiled down to the fact that the government needs more space, and it currently has a portfolio of (largely) ageing buildings that will need overhauling/replacement in the short to mid term, particularlt to facilitate urban renewal of that part of the city. However, the govt aren't financially able to fund this overhaul (well, while they technically could, it's more that they certainly shouldn't be taking on more debt, and the public will call them up on it!) So, if the government want to do this, they really don't have any other choice.

The whole thing is bulls***, the arguements most have on here are correct, nath makes sense, but it is not that run down that area that badly, they way people talk it is like a slum and it is not. Anyway unlikely to happen for years anyway so why worry, just sad that people, not saying on Skyscraper City yet, bring up Labor vs LNP issues over it, but from a development perspective, it's a boring project to line the pockets of construction firms. Renovations are more sensible.

I don't think you could have mischaracterised this more completelly.

It's a great project which solves a long-term and much discussed problem: the eyesore that is the REX and the barrier that it is to activating the river. It also addresses the issue of a serious need for new government offices without costing the taxpayer anything at a time when the government has to cut back. Finally, since when did they say it wouldn't happen for years? Have you EVER known Newman to sit around for years with a proposal? Not likely!

The slum comment is utterly irrelevant. The above three points are the salient ones and frankly you are wrong.

Though I think it's a great project that will help activate northbank, I don't think it's really necessary to demolish any major buildings. The state law building used to be one of the worst in the city but after an extensive refurb in the 90's it's now one of Brisbane's most recognisable. It's a good building but nothing overly flash, but my point is that even though there may be issues with the Executive building now doesn't mean it can be transformed into a kick arse building with a decent refurb. Weither it's sold off to the private sector to do or not, dinamite isn't the only answer.

One of the main problems with that end of town is the fact that the street frontages are bare of any activation. If they reconfigured some of the buildings to involve more retail on ground level it would change the feel of the whole area. Though the fact it's anchored by the govrrnment means it's still likely to be dead on the weekends.

I think they wanted to push Mary Street through to William, hence the 'need' to demolish the building.

Id be more in favour of knocking down that low slung building behind The Mansions and Harris Terrace, the one that covers over Margaret St.
That would afford an opportunity to revamp the square where the Bellevue was. Maybe a 5 star hotel there?

That was part of the idea to from what I understand.

Id be more in favour of knocking down that low slung building behind The Mansions and Harris Terrace, the one that covers over Margaret St.
That would afford an opportunity to revamp the square where the Bellevue was. Maybe a 5 star hotel there?

I like the State Works building (one that crosses Margaret Street) but I was thinking the same thing about the old Bellevue site. Perfect spot for a new 5 star hotel.

^^ Bit too far from the retail and activities centres of the city for a hotel though isn't it? That said, I would love to see the Bellevue site used...the fact that it's an empty spot still is part of the reason why the Bellevue's demolition was such a travesty in my opinion.

And I don't hate the State Works building as much as I do the Executive Building, but I think it's a perfect candidate for the State Law Building-style makeover into something a bit special and iconic. Not sure how much could be done to the Exec Building though...I'd love to be proven wrong though!

^^ Bit too far from the retail and activities centres of the city for a hotel though isn't it? That said, I would love to see the Bellevue site used...the fact that it's an empty spot still is part of the reason why the Bellevue's demolition was such a travesty in my opinion.
IMO it is the perfect spot for a hotel. Walking distance to South Bank, the Botanic Gardens, Eagle Street, the Casino and QSM.


And I don't hate the State Works building as much as I do the Executive Building, but I think it's a perfect candidate for the State Law Building-style makeover into something a bit special and iconic. Not sure how much could be done to the Exec Building though...I'd love to be proven wrong though!
I'm the exact opposite. The State Works building is a complete waste of space and it darkens Margaret Street by crossing the Road. It takes up a massive land area for the size of the office building. The executive tower would be easier IMO to put a skin around the outside as the columns are on the outside of the building.

^^ Oh yeah, I forgot that the columns are on the outside of the Exec Building...I always picture it being a lot more similar to T&G than it really is. I retract my previous statement.

Still not sure about the hotel site... yes, it's close to the Gardens, but South Bank is still a hike across the river and the Govt precinct, and George St down to Elizabeth St is pretty well a ghost town on weekends. The Courthouse is a much better site for it.

^^But that is what the plan is trying to reverse, this area of town being a ghost town. Remeber, if CRR gets built, it will be a 200m walk to a rail station ;)

I know, but like Birkish said, it's still going to be pretty dead on weekends as it's still a Government precinct. The CRR station would help though.

If 111+222 ever gets off the ground, it will have significant ground floor retail, any new buildings in this precinct will aim to have late night uses and there will be access to the riverfront area.

Also, if a Casino gets built here, will that not be an attraction for a hotel in its own right?

I think the Bellevue site is perfect for a hotel, it's right next to Parliament House, The Gardens and QUT. It's probably in a better position than the Quay West. I imagine if they had some decent function rooms they would be kept very busy.

Personally I think it's a shame Parliament House is between QUT and the city. The Uni could have made that end of town heaps better (if Parliament wasn't there, but it's obviously not going to move), with student accommodation, restaurants, bars, retail etc. The main problem I see with the area is that it's too concentrated with government offices. I prefer the idea of decentralising government services to the suburbs where it's cheaper.

...decentralising government services to the suburbs where it's more expensive.

Fixed.

Fixed.

How is it cheaper to have the Health Dept down the street from the Education Dept while they're both paying CBD office rents. Having lots of small Health Dept offices around the suburbs wouldn't be cheaper, but why not have the Health Dept Offices currently in Charlotte St moved to Buranda near a suburban hospital where land and therefore rents etc are cheaper.

If 111+222 ever gets off the ground, it will have significant ground floor retail, any new buildings in this precinct will aim to have late night uses and there will be access to the riverfront area.

Also, if a Casino gets built here, will that not be an attraction for a hotel in its own right?

Still not so sure about it...it all depends on how all these plans that have come out over the past few days end up working. It's a big jigsaw puzzle which, if all the parts fit, would work well. I think it's just too early to tell. I'd still be placing bets for the casino going to the Courthouse site (if we get a new one...I would rather see the Treasury receive a substantial upgrade personally!)

How is it cheaper to have the Health Dept down the street from the Education Dept while they're both paying CBD office rents. Having lots of small Health Dept offices around the suburbs wouldn't be cheaper, but why not have the Health Dept Offices currently in Charlotte St moved to Buranda near a suburban hospital where land and therefore rents etc are cheaper.

It may be closer to PAH, but you've moved it further away from Prince Charles.

It also becomes more expensive as you need to significantly upgrade transport links as you would be putting these departments in areas that are less accessible.

It also results in less productivity due to the travelling that would be required to meet with other departments.

Cities that have a dispersed nature to their commercial urban form have higher costs for transport. This directly impacts on the cost to Government.

Just going to touch on this while it's hot on topic. I used to work with a company who facilities managed most of the government buildings. They're hideously expensive to run, and terribly inefficient - Knocking them down, recycling the concrete / steel would and replacing them with efficient buildings, better glazing systems, water efficient fixtures etc etc will be doing the environment a great favour.

Remember, things like air conditioning has a life cycle of around 25 years, which means it could be at least that long before new tech gets used. We're doing case studies at the moment regarding issues like how long it takes to implement new technology, and how that can improve.

This excercise could half, or better the operting costs of the existing set up. Plus, potentially (LOL) improve department productivity.

Just thinking about the State works building that covers Margaret St, and the other building near Central that covers Turbot St. Is that a uniqely Brisbane thing, because I can't remember seeing the same sort of over the street buildings in any other Australian city.

The QR building also does it over Turbot Street.

^^ I wish that QR building is included in the sell off. I want to see that thing blown up. Its a ridiculously terrible building.

^^ Well, part of it was sold off as part of the QR National float wasn't it? The portion on the corner of Ann and Edward that was rebranded?

I don't know if it was owned by the State Government in the first place. Does anyone actually know who owns it?

Either way, it would be an expensive building to demolish and rebuild something else.

The part over the road used to house CITEC (state govt)...

sorry to go off topic guys and gals but does anyone know if there is a existing thread about the carrington tower or does anybody have information on it.http://images.businessday.com.au/2011/02/08/2173749/skirt420-420x0.jpg

There is a thread for it, but it's not under the name Carrington tower. I don't have any new information on it. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1165919

At the moment, it's my second favourite current proposal (after 111+222 of course) so I really hope it does get up.

http://http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/property/the-changing-face-of-brisbane-20120530-1zj8s.html

^
The changing face of Brisbane

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/property/the-changing-face-of-brisbane-20120530-1zj8s.html

A new generation of buildings green-lighted by the council is set to transform Brisbane's CBD, delivering the city's first "park in the sky" and high-rise bicycle facilities, among other cutting edge innovations.

The park is a feature of Grocon's development at 480 Queen Street, which insiders are speculating might tempt back the Suncorp tenancy lost to the now troubled Anthony John Group development, Southpoint at South Bank.

Talk at Brisbane City Council's planning and development assessment committee this week fanned the rumours flying among the Brisbane business community, but a spokesman for Suncorp declined to comment when probed by brisbanetimes.com.au yesterday.

The wind down of the ULDA and subsequent return of planning for the areas to the Councils is beginning. The question is, is this a good thing, returning the control of the areas back to the councils, or is winding down the ULDA a bad idea?

Council development hand-back begins

May 31, 2012 - 10:11AM
Read laterComments 1

Queensland councils will soon take back control for planning urban development areas, with Premier Campbell Newman announcing the first step in removing a key state planning body’s authority.

In the lead-up to the March 24 election, which his party comprehensively won, Mr Newman vowed to wind down the Urban Land Development Authority as part of his push to “re-empower” councils.

The ULDA was set up by the former Labor government to take charge of planning and assessing proposals in numerous urban development areas, including four in Brisbane – Bowen Hills, Woolloongabba, Northshore Hamilton and Fitzgibbon.

Mr Newman told Parliament this morning the government would use a section of existing legislation to start handing back power to councils.

Under section 136 of the Urban Land Development Authority Act, the ULDA may delegate its functions to the chief executive officer of a local government.

Mr Newman blasted the Labor-passed law, saying even the ability to delegate was linked to a public servant rather than the democratically-elected council.

But he said the LNP government would use the existing law as a first step toward re-empowering councils to plan the 17 urban development areas across Queensland.

This would begin with the four urban development areas within Brisbane City Council boundaries, but would also see power progressively handed back to other councils.

However, Mr Newman said councils would need to meet the same ULDA timeframes to hold onto the powers and the delegation step was subject to each council’s willingness to take on the responsibility.

Mr Newman said he would like to assure all property owners in the key areas they would not be adversely affected by the decision.

“It’s business as usual,” he said, adding the delegations would apply to new development applications.

Mr Newman said his deputy, Jeff Seeney, was working on the issue and flagged potential legislative changes in the future.

“This is a good and quick first step,” he said.

The former government set up the ULDA as part of its housing affordability strategy, saying the body would be able to help bring new property to market.

However, Mr Newman today argued the ULDA’s creation was reflective of a “centralised, ‘we know best here in George Street’ approach”.

“If Queensland’s planning system worked well there wouldn’t need to be an Urban Land Development Authority,” he said.

Mr Seeney said the ULDA also had a planning role in some regional Queensland mining communities, but this would be taken back into the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

He raised concern about the accommodation crisis in Moranbah, Blackwater and Emerald, saying country towns had been “smothered” and “taken over as a mining camp”.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/council-development-handback-begins-20120531-1zk0c.html#ixzz1wPF2pkE0

BAD thing. ULDA was actually making some good inroads...a little more time and I think it would have been a really great urban development body. Councils will fuck this all up...especially the regional ones.

I personally think it is a good thing for SEQ councils and Townsville. If the Townsville and the SEQ councils had the same legislative ability as the State gave the ULDA, then they could have achieved the same results.

The Regional Councils needed help and for them it is probably a better option.

I personally think it is a good thing for SEQ councils and Townsville. If the Townsville and the SEQ councils had the same legislative ability as the State gave the ULDA, then they could have achieved the same results.

The Regional Councils needed help and for them it is probably a better option.

As a planner who works for a Council, this is good news. The ULDA completely over-rode planning schemes and they paid no infrastructure charges to the Council. Sure they fastened the process up, but at what cost!

On another note, I cant stop looking at that new Brisbane Airport masterplan. It is a thing of incredible beauty!!!!

I don't know about SEQ ULDA's or if each ULDA area has different 'rules' but i know Contributions are paid for Moranbah ULDA approvals.

My bus was all screwed up yesterday so had some time at QCC station to think about the Supreme courts site and thought if the block next door (between Ann and Turbot) could also be included so the void between Brisbane square and Santos could be filled, it would look spectacular as a Crown casino style development, with almost direct access if the Adelaide St bridge gets built.

^^ It would be an interesting concept, and a huge redevelopment proposal, but to do it you would be removing I think three hotel/residential buildings, several more commercial buildings (on the corner of George and Turbot Streets), plus you have three council-listed heritage buildings (The Grosvenor and it's two neighbouring buildings) and the Tribal Theatre which, although it isn't, I think it should also be council-heritage listed.

Tribal will probably end up like Regent and Forum. I am hoping the courts and Infinity make a difference to foot traffic hence more quality shops and cafes, though there is no doubt that bit of George Street is finally more or less complete. Just needs tidying up a bit.

sorry to go off topic guys and gals but does anyone know if there is a existing thread about the carrington tower or does anybody have information on it.http://images.businessday.com.au/2011/02/08/2173749/skirt420-420x0.jpg

I will read this thread didn't know about this OMG at last an interesting tower design that isn't bland. I hope it goes ahead.

Bit of tree destruction happening between QPAC and the new ABC building today. No idea why.

Certainly makes the new trees planted adjacent to the ABC look like a joke!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_3147.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_3152.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_3154.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_3157.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l228/johnthay/IMG_3159.jpg

WTF?? were they diseased or something? What other conceivable reason could they chop down mature trees like that?

That's just obscene!
What could the reason be?
We seem to be one of the few cities in the world that doesn't value street trees.
Bet it wouldn't have happened if BCC had already taken over from Southbank Corp.

Last bit of land to develop... It's about 500m to another coffee club isn't it?

That's sad.

Last bit of land to develop... It's about 500m to another coffee club isn't it?

If those trees got chopped down for another bloody coffee club outlet I am gonna scream :bash:

I'm wondering whether the trees actually were diseased or something, because that road access, and there are stairs up into QPAC. I don't think they would be able to develop that area all that much...

To say SBC doesn't value street trees is really absurd. I worked in the precinct (for a construction company) for a few years and of all their retail tenancies I can count on one hand how many chain stores they have. They have always gone out of their way to support independent retailers so suggesting that they've removed the trees for a coffee club is not really fair. And suggesting that BCC would have done a better job is even more laughable.

Its pretty obvious from the new kerb line on the ABC side of the road that they're narrowing the road (plus adding a cul-de-sac?) The trees are massive and could be at risk of causing structural issues with the Play House. From a landscape design point of view (imo) they don't fit within the now urban street scape. I hope the State ends up doing a Museum/ Lyric Theatre style refurb to the front of the Play House (using the now available space) to give it a better street address.

Apple have taken 3 car park spaces in 40 Creek St, same block, diagonally opposite MacArthur.

No idea if they are planning an office in there or not.

To say SBC doesn't value street trees is really absurd. I worked in the precinct (for a construction company) for a few years and of all their retail tenancies I can count on one hand how many chain stores they have. They have always gone out of their way to support independent retailers so suggesting that they've removed the trees for a coffee club is not really fair. And suggesting that BCC would have done a better job is even more laughable.

Its pretty obvious from the new kerb line on the ABC side of the road that they're narrowing the road (plus adding a cul-de-sac?) The trees are massive and could be at risk of causing structural issues with the Play House. From a landscape design point of view (imo) they don't fit within the now urban street scape. I hope the State ends up doing a Museum/ Lyric Theatre style refurb to the front of the Play House (using the now available space) to give it a better street address.
And yet the trees are gone.
If they were causing damage to the buildings then why not put down a root barrier instead of ripping out quite lovely mature trees?
So typical of Brisbane.
My thought is that some landscape designer wants to put his stamp on the design of this street, therefore just remove whats there for fashion, so we will probably get some scraggy gums similar to the ones planted over the road.

What if they were diseased?

bribri - you are TOTALLY making it up. You have no idea why they were cut down, so stop making uninformed guesses and getting all knotted up over it.

Any chance they were at the end of there life, and they cut them down before they came down themselves?

bribri - you are TOTALLY making it up. You have no idea why they were cut down, so stop making uninformed guesses and getting all knotted up over it.

Well I did say that it was my thought!
I look forward to you or someone else providing a valid reason then if your so sure that I'm wrong.

Guys come on, we're talking about some trees in an area of Southbank that basically looks to be a bit of an afterthought. Yes, they were nice, mature trees, but whatever the reason for removing them, let's not crucify SBC until we see what they are planning to do in their place. I like neobris' idea of revamping that end of QPAC a bit and making a dedicated Playhouse entrance. It would help with that feeling the QPAC is "turning it's back on" the ABC, the Conservatorium and the rest of Southbank.

Apple have taken 3 car park spaces in 40 Creek St, same block, diagonally opposite MacArthur.

No idea if they are planning an office in there or not.

Now that's any interesting little tidbit. Do Apple usually have individual state offices? Or would it be that they wanted to secure a couple of nearby car parks for the store managers?

dont know if this has been posted somewhere else already but if so sorry


Springfield plans own South Bank

Geoff Egan | 6th June 2012 5:30 AM


http://media.apnonline.com.au/71.1/apncore/images/emailicon.png (http://www.qt.com.au/story/2012/06/06/springfield-plans-for-its-own-south-bank/#)

Comments (2) » (http://www.qt.com.au/story/2012/06/06/springfield-plans-for-its-own-south-bank/#comments)


Tags: david morrison (http://www.qt.com.au/search/?tag=david%20morrison&all-sites=on), robelle parklands (http://www.qt.com.au/search/?tag=robelle%20parklands&all-sites=on), springfield central (http://www.qt.com.au/search/?tag=springfield%20central&all-sites=on)
http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2012/06/06/IQT_06-06-2012_NEWS_10_FUND05B_t325.jpg MP Shayne Neumann, Mayor Paul Pisasale, Springfield Land Corporation deputy managing director Raynuha Sinnathamby and Cr David Morrison at the site of the Robelle Domain extension.






SPRINGFIELD Central may soon be home to its own version of South Bank.
The second stage of the Robelle Parklands will bring an emphasis on further water features with the Ipswich council hoping to include a South Bank-styled beach.
What is now a dry gully stretching west behind the parklands' existing waterfall to Sinnathamby Blvd, will be converted into a small river. The banks will be landscaped in a similar fashion to the existing park.
The project has received $5 million from the Federal Government, announced yesterday by Minister for Regional Australian Simon Crean.
Ipswich City Council will provide a further $5 million and is seeking for an equal commitment from the State Government before the project can go ahead.
Springfield's Cr David Morrison said while the council was planning to build a South Bank-style beach, it would ultimately depend on the funding.
"A South Bank beach will be investigated. It's what we're hoping for, but it will depend on the costings of what we can achieve for $15m," he said.
Mr Crean said the development was a major piece of social infrastructure for Springfield.
"This is what governments have to invest in," he said.
"To develop a partnership, but in response to the community needs."
Mr Crean said the parklands were a vital part of creating a modern city in Springfield.
"It's incredible if you look at the growth (in Springfield) in the last 20 years. This is vital in terms of liveability."
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the Robelle Parklands was expected to increase tourism into Springfield with the finished area to be four times the size of South Bank.
Mr Neumann said the parklands would also include areas for performances and community gatherings when completed.
Mayor Paul Pisasale said: "This is about more than just Ipswich. People from all over south-east Queensland use these facilities."

Nine news has an exclusive tomorrow night about trams possibly returning to Brisbane. Never in my life would I have thought an LNP government/council could bring them back...

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2012/06/06/3354598/hilton_729b-420x0.jpg

This picture really freaked me out this morning - until i realised it was taken during Queensplaza construction

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/hotels/ageing-luxury-brisbanes-hilton-reaches-milestone-20120606-1zwei.html

Good picture to remember just how bad the Wintergarden facade was.

Nine news has an exclusive tomorrow night about trams possibly returning to Brisbane. Never in my life would I have thought an LNP government/council could bring them back...

Without wanting to get into a political brawl, the last government seemed to announce projects just to control the news cycle that never seemed to materialise. Liberal governments tend to not say anything unless they are serious about a project which makes you hopeful that this might actually get somewhere.
Having a Liberal Lord Mayor and a Premier who was a Lord Mayor also boosts any prospect of success as I reckon they would be both dead keen for light rail in Brisbane streets.
Of course it all depends on where the money will come from.
I remember that a scheme back in the 90's under Beattie was going to cost around 500 million, probably be at least 4 times that now.

^^ I'm rather skeptical about this to be honest. While I agree that the LNP generally is not as prone to announcing pie in the sky projects as the ALP can be, the money issue is a big question mark, especially after yesterday's announcement of $1.25billion between now and 2017 to fix Qld Health...

Going by an article in the Courier Mail, the panel that's reviewing CRR is ALSO looking into the viability of the Cleveland Solution. That's your light rail Soul I'm afraid...

New updated Urbis proposal for Abbotsford Road in Bowen Hills showing a 21 story office tower opposite Perry Park. Not sure if this is different to the previous proposal.

DEV2012/299 - ULDA Website

Tower looks better IMO.

any renders or floorplans yet?

I've just seen some new plans for the site at 550 Queen Street. It was recently purchased by Consolidated Property and they've been quick to get plans up. No DA has been lodged yet, but the plans look interesting. Looks like they may be trying to do a bar similar to Ivy in Sydney with offices above.

Anyone know whats the go at Ikea Logan, looks like they're building another one further up the road a bit? Has Ikea Logan on the site signs.

^^ Can't say I've noticed it... when you say up the road, which direction are your talking about? I wouldn't think that they'd be in need of more space already...

* EDIT: You're completely right though, IKEA lodged a DA with the council back in April for a new warehouse building. Can't see any plans for it or anything annoyingly, but it seems to be just a warehouse.

I don't think we have to worry about an oversupply, if anything we need more of a balance in vacancy rates.
__________________http://www.afyo.info/ht3.jpghttp://www.afyo.info/jh88.jpghttp://www.afyo.info/huang.10

^^ Can't say I've noticed it... when you say up the road, which direction are your talking about? I wouldn't think that they'd be in need of more space already...

* EDIT: You're completely right though, IKEA lodged a DA with the council back in April for a new warehouse building. Can't see any plans for it or anything annoyingly, but it seems to be just a warehouse.

Any DA's for new Ikea at Northlakes? Seems work on Costco has actually begun according to others in other forums/threads, at least site preperation. Some are even saying December 12 to February for Costco's opening, so it is 100% happening regardless but not heard anything on Ikea 2.

Any DA's for new Ikea at Northlakes? Seems work on Costco has actually begun according to others in other forums/threads, at least site preperation. Some are even saying December 12 to February for Costco's opening, so it is 100% happening regardless but not heard anything on Ikea 2.

I've been tracking the Costco DA on a daily basis because I love costco. It is about to pass out of the notification stage .. I'm not sure what the next stage is .. but yeah, I haven't seen anything on the IKEA thats supposed to be going up in the same area.

I've been tracking the Costco DA on a daily basis because I love costco. It is about to pass out of the notification stage .. I'm not sure what the next stage is .. but yeah, I haven't seen anything on the IKEA thats supposed to be going up in the same area.

Thanks bne.

I guess next stage is the structure begins I assume they have called for tenders etc, but yes it is 100% on that's the main thing even if one dislikes Costco, don't shop there.

any renders or floorplans yet?

It's all there.

* EDIT: You're completely right though, IKEA lodged a DA with the council back in April for a new warehouse building. Can't see any plans for it or anything annoyingly, but it seems to be just a warehouse.

April, wow, they haven't mucked around, it's fairly well advanced. I'd say most of the structure etc would have been well advanded at a factory prior to DA.

Oh, up the road means just up the service road a bit. Used to be a dodgy car dealership (mostly disused).

April, wow, they haven't mucked around, it's fairly well advanced. I'd say most of the structure etc would have been well advanded at a factory prior to DA.

Oh, up the road means just up the service road a bit. Used to be a dodgy car dealership (mostly disused).

Ahh ok thanks Fyver and nath, I must be be looking in the wrong places for info, I thought Ikea was delayed. Oh well, this time next year....

^^ We're talking about an extension to IKEA Logan, not Northlakes.

Mt Gravatt Corridor Neighbourhood Plan Approved:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/suburban-highrise-plan-gets-green-light-20120613-209h0.html

The plan sounds really great. I live in the area and itll be great to see higher levels of density, especially around Garden City. Being overseas I haven't really heard much about what the community thinks though, but I imagine a lot of the oldies would be up in arms about it. My grandfather is always going in about how it was just farmland etc when he first came out this way. Times change I guess.

In relation to Hillsong, I live right around the corner from them and it can be such a freakin burden on weekends. Traffic gets backed up over 100 metres up the road. But they do have the police out there controlling the situation pretty well so I can't really complain.

This might be in the wrong thread but it qualifies as gossip, but you make up your mind. I was getting a new battery for my watch and the guy at Watchworks claims that Apple have scrapped the move into MC due to the mucking around (whatever that is). Has anyone heard if that is true?

That is highly unlikely.

I know someone who works for apple .. not only is mcarthur central mac store going ahead but there will also be a mac store in south brisbane somewhere.

^^ South Brisbane? How likely is that?