Just thought this would be a good place were we could put all our small bits of construction news that we find in our day to day lives.
Anything about Models, where to find info on projects, new cranes, demolitions of buildings and such things.

Things like:

New Crane on Elizabeth Street site.
There is a new tower crane on FKP's site opposite the Wintergarden on Elizabeth street. Anyone know what this is? Is it a tower? There has been little on the forum about it.


Second Crane at Queens Square site - noticed it this morning.


Third Crane at Riparian - construction of lower levels.


Cross city tunnel planners move into George Street office building - corner Elizabeth street.



jt

Jayt, the FKP site on Elizabeth Street has been talked about on here.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59614

Its not a highrise.

Probably should change this thread to just 'brisbane news'.

Anyway another small snippet of information - probably not worth a whole thread but:

3 cruise liners will be based out of Brisbane next year.
Pacific Sky
Aurora and another one (cant remember?)

jr

Who are they run by? P&O?

Not sure? It was in the Sunday Mail I think. The other one had an italian sounding name.

jt

Found out. P&O runs the ships. Was the other ship called the Andonia?

Originally posted by JayT
Not sure? It was in the Sunday Mail I think. The other one had an italian sounding name.

jt

Achille Lauro ??

The Achille Lauro:

http://www.tharrosmarittima.it/naufragi2/images/achillelauro.jpg

Umm...

Whooooo............ umm maybe not !!!!

It was just the only Italian ship I knew......

Anyone see those new Double decker busses around town - they have no top roof and their for tourists.

Saw one last night full of partiers or tourists on the top deck.

jt

Drove along Coronation Drive towards the city on Friday night, and there were 16 cranes visible on the skyline, stretching from Roma Street parklands to Casino. It reminds me so much of the late 80s

Originally posted by JayT
Anyone see those new Double decker busses around town - they have no top roof and their for tourists.

Saw one last night full of partiers or tourists on the top deck.

jt

I have seen it driving on the Pacific MWY. There was a group of tourists waving to everyone. (I beeped at them and then had to exit)

There are now 3 cranes at Queens Plaza!

jt

A new Vercace Outlet has just opened up on Queen Street near CP1. Seems a bit odd to have a fashion outlet on that side of town.

jt

Perhaps they are trying to get a head start on their competition by building a bigger customer base and greater recognition before moving into Queens Central when it is completed. Perhaps this location is on merely a short term lease

Originally posted by Brizbane2
Perhaps they are trying to get a head start on their competition by building a bigger customer base and greater recognition before moving into Queens Central when it is completed. Perhaps this location is on merely a short term lease

Yeah, whatever the case its good to see all these upscale fashion houses moving into Brisbane rather than just Surfers or Noosa.

jt

City highrise battle looms
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8260792%255E3102,00.html
Brian Williams, heritage reporter
27dec03
A MOVE to heritage list about 500m of Brisbane city streets could impact on hundreds of millions of dollars worth of highrise development at the bottom of Queen St.


The Brisbane City Council has nominated as a heritage precinct a strip from the landmark 1889 Customs House at the end of Queen St downstream to Admiralty Towers II, taking in the Colonial Building and old stone retaining wall.

A second heritage precinct also has been nominated for nearby Adelaide and Boundary streets, taking in the old Petrie Bight maritime area, now a restaurant strip featuring Circa, e'cco, Cin Cin and MacArthur's HQ.

If the Queensland Heritage Council agrees to the listings, it would contain, if not end, aggressive highrise apartment block development in the area.



Residents living in the Bight's towering apartment blocks have complained to the BCC that they do not want further highrises.

The Bight already has six apartment and hotel towers to about 40 floors and about six more have been mooted in or around the area.

Residents fear Petrie Bight will become a Hong Kong-style highrise nightmare with major vehicle congestion.

Local councillor David Hinchliffe said more than 1000 Gold Coast-style apartments had already been packed into an area of about 1ha as a result of 1980s zonings.

City Plan amendments would limit towers from about 240m to 80m and this had created a rush of proposals. Two had been lodged and a third was on the way.

There was no suggestion the destruction of old buildings was imminent and residents had plenty of time to object.

"I support the listings but have no doubt they will be hotly resisted by some who see them as thwarting development plans," Cr Hinchliffe said.

Peter Deane, a consultant to Morris International which owns the Colonial Building, said the nominations could only be seen as a move by the BCC to use State heritage provisions to limit highrises.

Cr Hinchliffe said the council did not want another highrise beside the Customs House. The reality was that state laws were more powerful than council bylaws.

Mr Deane said rumours his company proposed to build a 65-storey building beside Customs House were incorrect.

But highrise residents could not reasonably expect to block others, given they were living in a modern, developing city where change was expected.

"It's a bit like saying 'I'm living on a hill and I don't want anyone else coming in'," Mr Deane said.

Robert Riddel, a Heritage Council member and owner and resident in 510 Adelaide St in which e'cco is situated, said apart from cultural heritage issues, the area could not cope with a predicted additional 1000 cars as more towers were built.

The Heritage Council is expected to discuss the precinct nominations next month.

Mr Riddel said he could not take part in discussions on the Adelaide St precinct because as a resident he had a conflict of interest.

He might also be precluded from debate on the Customs House precinct because he had been an expert witness in a court case over a proposal to increase the size of the Colonial Building.

He said the nominations had in effect brought a powerful player into the city development debate in the form of the Heritage Council.

If the precincts were listed, the scale of development would probably be reduced but not stopped as several buildings could be raised by two or three floors with little impact.


Bloody NIMBY's - jt

I was reading in the Courier Mail today that at current demand there are only 3 months supply left for apartments in Brisbane’s inner suburbs and CBD. That’s with all the current project under construction and proposed. It said that the best seller of late was Festival Towers with most of their apartments selling off plan.

This city is just going off!!!!!

Love it - jt

A few newsworthy items –not worth a thread though.
2 new companies have made Brisbane their new headquarters:
XTRATA Copper has a new global HQ here. http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8389713%255E3122,00.html

Australian Agricultural Co has will move its HQ from Sydney. http://www.industrysearch.com.au/news/viewrecord.asp?ID=13602

Noticed yesterday from Gaza Road that Riparian’s cranes are now the highest objects in the city.

Brisbane airport recorded its busiest ever month http://www.brisbaneairport.com.au/content/mediapopup.asp?name=Media_10_11_2003

jt

Another first for Australia

Brain Institute for Qld

22jan04
THE first institute in the world set up specifically to study how the brain works will be built in Queensland.

Premier Peter Beattie today said the $60 million Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland (UQ) will be headed by Professor Perry Bartlett.
It will research diseases such as Alzheimer's and depression.
"This institute will create an international 'brains trust' in Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
If re-elected on February 7, a Labor government would invest $20 million in a joint company with UQ to run the new facility which will house 240 scientists and 60 other staff.


Another $20 million will come from UQ's Institute of Molecular Biosciences and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
The third $20 million will come from donors, Mr Beattie said.
Construction was due to start early next year.
Mr Beattie said brain-related disorders accounted for around 45 per cent of illnesses in older Australians.
One in four Queenslanders over 80 and one in 20 aged between 75 and 79 suffered from dementia
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8459868%255E1702,00.html

JT

City parks to get Aboriginal names
Lachlan Heywood, City Hall reporter
28jan04
KEY Brisbane parks and places will be given Aboriginal names in recognition of the city's indigenous history.
Moves are under way to give New Farm Park, one of the city's oldest and largest parks, an alternative Aboriginal name.
Up to a dozen other parks, including Musgrave Park at West End and the new Rocks Riverside Park at Seventeen Mile Rocks, could also be given Aboriginal names under the city council's "cultural recognition of sites" program.
Early in white settlement the site of New Farm Park was known as Binkenba.
However no decision has been made on whether this will be the new name.
Community policy chairman David Hinchliffe yesterday said the Aboriginal names would supplement, not replace, park names.
"We are not talking about changing Ayers Rock to Uluru," he said.
"We just think it is a fair and reasonable that the more significant parks have a second name.
"It is also the smart thing to do because visitors to Brisbane, especially those from overseas, regularly talk about wanting to know more about the city's indigenous culture."
Cr Hinchliffe said Aboriginal names would also be considered for individual sites of cultural significance such as the Nudgee Water Holes.
"If people know of any examples, we would certainly welcome for them to come forward with names and explanations," he said.
Cr Hinchliffe said Aboriginal groups would be consulted to ensure names were relevant.
"Our understanding of indigenous history and language is lacking, so that is why this process will take a little while for us to get it right," he said.
"We don't want to try and do the right thing and do it in the wrong way by not consulting properly with the traditional owners."
Liberal lord mayoral candidate Campbell Newman said he supported moves to give the community a better feel of Aboriginal history. "Some people might not like it, but I am not against this happening," he said.
"Why not have an Aboriginal place name as well?"
Guidelines for naming parks were introduced about two years ago to stop them being dedicated to obscure people.
At the time, the council expressed concern that not enough parks had names of city-wide significance.
Public parks are usually named after long-term residents, early inhabitants or people who have given outstanding community service.
In other developments designed to increase the community's awareness of Brisbane's Aboriginal history, a new roadway in New Farm has been named Murri Way.
Also, the next-generation CityCat being built at Bulimba will soon take to the water under an Aboriginal name.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8511512%255E3102,00.html

jt

I'm glad Cr Hinchliffe is keeping hismelf so busy with the impotant issues that really matter to us ratepayers.;)

from last weeks GC bulliten-
The Canberra group APG who are building AURORA in Brisbane are now planning a $100mil 25storey apartments for Broadbeach! and also just paid $21mil for SUNCORP METWAY PLAZA which they are planning to "upgrade"and build a 50storey unit block!
there you go! not sure if that means they are adding floors to Suncorp Metway to total 50 floors high? sounds like it.
its currently 30storeys/108m to roof, so adding 20 morex 3m per floor =168m!! what a whopper!!

Brisbane grows as mining hub
Nathan Scholz
05feb04
GLOBAL engineering and construction giant Bechtel is finalising the relocation of its international mining and metals arm to Brisbane, a move that will cement the city's place as a mining hub.
The Brisbane-based international mining and metals business unit will employ an additional 20 staff, mostly from overseas, and it has promised there will be greater opportunities for locally based suppliers and manufacturers to get involved in major projects.
Local managers are already working on a feasibility study for what the group described as "a large, confidential project in the Middle East".




Confusion reigned yesterday on the timing of the announcement – as the company has been moving the mining and metals arm from Colorado for the past six months.
But yesterday Premier Peter Beattie, on the hustings for the state election, announced Bechtel's relocation was "a fantastic coup for the Smart State".
Andrew Greig, the Australian-raised president of the mining and metals unit, would not be drawn on the timing of the announcement, a week out from the state poll.
"We took a decision some months ago to start the process and we're just about to complete it.
"It's been under way for some time."
Bechtel's Oceania headquarters relocated from Melbourne to Brisbane in 1998 after receiving a payroll tax subsidy from the State Government, which has expired.
Mr Greig said the Government had not offered, nor had the company asked for, any incentives to underpin the latest relocation.
The move follows Swiss-based miner Xstrata's decision earlier this month to merge its South American and Australian copper divisions under a new Brisbane headquarters.
Xstrata took over Queensland mining house MIM Holdings last year.
Rio Tinto also plans to merge its Queensland and NSW operations into a new organisation, Rio Tinto Coal, which will be based in Brisbane.
Mr Greig said there were five reasons Bechtel had decided on the relocation, with the first being that Brisbane was a major mining centre.
He said it passed all the requirements of a stable government and legal system, had a pool of talented staff coming out of local universities, was cost effective when compared with other cities across the world, and was positive for "liveability" reasons.
Bechtel is a lead contractor for the reconstruction effort in Iraq and has 44,000 staff worldwide working on 900 projects in about 60 countries. The privately held company has its head office in San Diego, California, and more than 50 offices worldwide.
Commerce Queensland chief executive Joe Barnewall said companies looking at moving to Queensland weighed up the risk and reward of any relocation.
He said incentives were not likely to induce a company to pack up and move.
"(The question is) what's the chance of them getting an appropriate return for their dollar?"
Mr Barnewall said the key factors in companies choosing Australia was the buoyant economy and the value of the Australian dollar, despite its recent lifts.
But he cautioned the level of infrastructure, the availability of a sufficiently large employment pool and taxation issues were still a concern.
"In the longer term we've called for a complete review of state taxation, including a commitment to review payroll tax. We know that can't happen overnight. We've got to totally review the taxation environment, starting with state taxes."


http://www.thecouriermail.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8585904%255E3102,00.html

jt

Some insider news:

There is talk in development circles, that the Heritage Hotel (the short grey building on the southern side of waterfront place) is considering an expansion. The option I heard about was building additional, taller tower on the site, but I guess there is also a potential to extend the building upwards.

Poll rivals clash on high-rise issue

Lachlan Heywood, City Hall reporter
12feb04
LORD Mayor Tim Quinn and Liberal challenger Campbell Newman yesterday clashed in a fiery encounter over the height and density of buildings in Brisbane's major suburban centres.
In the pair's first head-to-head debate, Cr Quinn accused Mr Newman of hypocrisy over the Liberal Opposition's continued objection to increased density in centres such as Carindale, Chermside, Upper Mt Gravatt and Indooroopilly.
"On every occasion where there have been proposals for higher density in the city the Opposition opposes it in council and tries to make a political issue of it locally," he said.
"Why is one of the leading Liberal councillors currently involved in a court appeal against a seven-storey building on a vacant piece of land right next to a shopping centre? Can you tell me the sense in that?"




Mr Newman said Liberal councillors were simply reflecting the wishes of communities who did not want higher density in their areas.
"Let's talk about Carindale . . . there were over 2000 objections by the community," he said.
"Why are we in the courts now? It is the fact that your administration went against the clear wishes of residents."
What began as a four-member discussion panel organised by the Urban Development Institute of Australia effectively turned into a planning debate between Cr Quinn and Mr Newman, who go to the polls at the Brisbane City Council election on March 27.
At one stage, the MC had to interject to stop the exchanges between the pair.
Cr Quinn said density needed to be increased around Brisbane's major centres to accommodate some of the extra one million people expected to arrive in southeast Queensland over the next 20 years.
"(But) yesterday in council we had a plan come through to permit a 10-storey building in the Toombul/Nundah regional centre, where the State Government and the council have recently spent $40 million on infrastructure," he said.
"Ten storeys, right on a transport node, I think that is reasonable. It was voted against by the Opposition because of too much density.
"We had a proposal for a four-storey building opposite Indooroopilly Shopping centre, two objectors only, voted against by the Opposition. That is not fair dinkum."
Mr Newman said he too believed Brisbane had to absorb new arrivals, but the community deserved a proper say in where this occurred.
"We will have high-density areas in this city and we will have medium density and low density, but the community will be behind it," he said.
"It wants choice. The prescriptive way will lead to bad outcomes."
A legal challenge against a seven-storey residential tower opposite Carindale Shopping Centre was launched by Michael Caltabiano, the local Liberal councillor, in the Planning and Environment against the council late last year.
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8657799%255E3102,00.html
jt

Qantas to fly direct to LA from Brisbane
Brendan O'Malley
13feb04
QANTAS will fly direct from Brisbane to Los Angeles from June in the first non-stop scheduled services linking Queensland with the US west coast.
The Boeing 747 flights, to operate three times a week from June 14, will mean the quickest trips ever offered between Queensland and the US mainland, with passengers now able to save time by avoiding transfers in either Sydney or Auckland.
They will also reach the US faster because the direct Brisbane-Los Angeles route is up to an hour's flying time shorter than the Sydney-LA alternative.
The journey will now take only 12 hours and 50 minutes from Brisbane to LA and 14 hours on the return trip, which is slower because of head winds.




The new services were yesterday hailed by tourism leaders and the State Government as a massive boost for the economy.
Qantas has never before offered non-stop flights to the west coast from Brisbane and in recent years has scaled back flights from Brisbane via Auckland.
It scrapped a Brisbane-Hawaii-LA service several years ago due to poor demand and in March last year scaled back the frequency of its Brisbane-Auckland-LA services due to the impact of the Iraq war on global tourism.
However Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said that the airline had boosted services between Australia and America in the past six months as the effects of SARS and September 11 faded.
Queensland tourism and government leaders have been lobbying for a new direct connection for years.
"The government has a route development strategy and included in that is a list of targets. This (direct LA flights) was number one on that list," State Development Minister Tony McGrady said last night.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the news was "fabulous".
•
IN other aviation news, the chairman of the nation's troubled air traffic control agency has resigned from his position.
Transport Minister John Anderson announced Airservices Australia chairman John Forsyth's resignation last night and praised his contribution to Airservices Australia since he began the job in 1996.
Airservices has recently been under fire for safety concerns over the introduction of a new airspace management system.
Airservices Deputy chairman, retired Air Marshal Les Fisher, has been appointed acting chairman.
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8665848%255E3102,00.html

jt

Finally!! I've been waiting to see a direct Brisbane - LA flight for so long.

Waterfront Place and Eagle Street Pier have been sold - from the Courier Mail today.

Office block sold for $307m
Jeff Sommerfeld and Bob Wilson
14feb04
BRISBANE'S best known corporate watering hole, Eagle Street Pier, and its adjoining office tower have been sold for $307 million to Stockland Trust Group and Westpac.

Widely regarded as Brisbane's best premium office building, Waterfront Place will be owned 50/50 by Stockland and Westpac, while Stockland will own the adjoining Eagle Street Pier outright.

Waterfront Place was 20 per cent owned by the Ronin Property Trust (formerly AMP Office Trust) and 80 per cent by an AMP statutory life fund. The $307 million sale price represents $291 million for the office tower and $16 million for Eagle Street Pier.

The deal is a potential windfall for Stockland because of the development potential of Eagle Street Pier, which at present is a restaurant and cafe precinct favoured by Brisbane's business fraternity.

The 60,000sq m office tower at 1 Eagle St, is 99 per cent leased and the headquarters of many Brisbane blue chip companies including financial consultancies PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young and law firms Phillips Fox and Minter Ellison.

The transaction will deliver a yield in the first year of 7.9 per cent for the new owners, with leases in the building reflecting a mixture of face and effective rentals averaging $400 per square metre gross.

Stockland share of the building will put into its listed Stockland Property Trust, while Westpac's 50 per cent share of the office tower will be offered to the unlisted property market in due course via a Stockland managed fund.

The building will become Stockland's only office property in Brisbane and the acquisition will be funded with the proceeds from an institutional placement that will be fully underwritten by UBS.

The 40-level Waterfront Place was never officially taken to the market but a discreet offer last year flushed out a potential buyer in German superannuation fund DIFA. While that sale did not proceed, there were plenty of interested parties including Cromwell Corporation, FKP Ltd and Australian super fund ISPT.

Despite some institutional investors being cautious about the Brisbane office sector, Stockland managing director Matthew Quinn said the market remained strong with a trend of reducing vacancies since the early 90s.

"The number of sites available for commercial development has reduced dramatically over the last few years with the substantial increase of inner-city residential development," he said.

"Although rental growth during 2003 was suppressed by the prospect of new development, we expect there will be solid rental growth in the medium term for high quality properties.

"Leases on 36 per cent of the space in the office tower were renewed in 2003 and generally the leases provide for fixed rental growth of between 4-5 per cent per annum."

The Waterfront Place acquisition was also the first step towards Stockland realising its strategic objective to establish an unlisted property funds management business, Mr Quinn said.

Comment: This would make purchasers in Felix pretty nervous as their view of the river and Story Bridge is over the top of the Eagle Street Pier which will become a prime site for residential or commercial redevelopment when the market is right. $16 million seems a bargain price.

Construction started on 5km city bypass tunnel!!!
well sort of.

Brisbane traffic tunnel planning underway

Work is underway on a feasibility study into a proposed tunnel linking the northside and southside of Brisbane.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Tim Quinn says drilling is underway into the riverbank at Kangaroo Point to ensure conditions are right for the tunnel to go ahead.

"We'll be doing this detailed design work in both engineering and establishing the business case over the next 18 months or so, and then the tunnel will be built and it'll be open in the end of 2009," he said.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party's lord mayoral candidate, Campbell Newman, has revealed that his own five-tunnel project has received the green light from an independent consultant.

Mr Newman says the council's proposal would be incorporated into his own proposal should he win next month's local elections.

"What we need in this city is more than just one election-promoted tunnel, which is what the Lord Mayor is doing," he said.

"We need another four tiunnels to give us three new river crossings, an inner-city ring road system and to link the major arterials.

"I want to link the Western Freeway with the South-East Freeway and the Gateway Arterial.

"And that way we can really get this city moving."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1049203.htm
jt

Newman's plan is more expensive obviously, but would be so much more effective.

woah! That's the most comprehensive traffic plan I've heard of for Brisbane in a while (and it isn't even all that comprehensive.. I guess it was just better then someone standing around going.. "um.. traffic, what's that? Ohh... right.. I guess we could build a tunnel or something?").

This sounds like a plan - something that may actually go part of the way to resolving traffic problems on the long term - they still need to add a lot more though - because the tunnel joins may very well form bottlenecks in the future.

Today in the News:

Don't shoot me I'm just the messenger.

Brisbane House prices are soon to Overtake Melbourne making Brisbane Australia's Second most expensive city to buy property.
It may be easy to pass Melbourne but we'll NEVER catch Sydney.

This sucks as I am yet to buy.

jt

^^^^

Hah. I heard this and wondered who would be brave enought to bring this up....not me

In the City News today is a story about a new 48 story proposed tower to be built on Macrossan St, at 165m it will tower over the Admiralty precint. (City News ~ Page 5)

Isn't this one of the towers local apartment dewellers were trying to ban from getting approval?

Originally posted by nagelixin
In the City News today is a story about a new 48 story proposed tower to be built on Macrossan St, at 165m it will tower over the Admiralty precint. (City News ~ Page 5)
is this the one your talking about>

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid82/p65bc43fa5589e24d7270b419a9e9586d/faeced61.jpg
or is it a totally dif tower?

It's hard to say Culwulla!

I believe the one in your picture is the Urban Properties proposal on the corner of Macrossan Street and Adelaide Street.

The project in today's paper is by a developer called Adnan and is at 30 Macrossan Street. Details are: 48 storeys, 165 metres, 192 units, 253 carparks, a shop and an office. Article states that it has been approved.

Article also mentions two more proposals in the same area.

475 Adelaide Street containing 71 units in a 44 storey tower, including six floors of two-storey "sky terraces", 12 offices and two levels of restaurants and cafes. This sounds as if it could be the Urban proposal. Edit: Earlier thread confirms this is the Urban proposal.

501 Adelaide Street aimed at overseas students containing 201 single-occupancy, self contained units in 25 storeys.

The redevelopment of the 4BC site appears to be additional to these. Edit: Developer is Ariadne/Seymour group.

Edit: The fifth development in this area which has previously been mentioned was by the mysterious Intercap - another 40 storey tower proposed for the corner of Adelaide and Boundary Streets.

The project in today's paper is by a developer called Adnan and is at 30 Macrossan Street. Details are: 48 storeys, 165 metres, 192 units, 253 carparks, a shop and an office. Article states that it has been approved.

Umm, wow.
That will really cut down the dominance of Emerald a little.

If all the towers in that area are going ahead you can't help but wonder how close to each other they will be.

A 165m tower out of the blue? This is crazy shit.

The Courier Mail today reports that a young couple were fined $400 for parachuting off a crane in Eagle Street earlier this week. Report said crane was 136 metres. They were spotted on security video and charged partly on the basis of the video they took from a camera strapped to the guy's helmet!

Must have been Riparian.

Could also possibly be the felix crane with is nearby and about 130 odd metres high.

Listed developer Raptis Group have successfully secured a development site at New Farm in Brisbane for $6.4 million.

Our initial plans are for the 1677 square metre site overlooking the Brisbane River to be developed into a boutique-style residential development.

This project provides the opportunity to bring to Brisbane the Raptis benchmark in innovation, quality and finishes. The award winning Platinum on the Beach project in Surfers Paradise has been the model on which the initial concepts for this project have been based.

The project is in the early stages of planning and more details will be released as the project evolves.

From http://www.propertyweb.com.au/

News from the last few days:

Central Plaza 3 now a possibility

An article in Prime Site in the Courier Mail yesterday suggests that construction of the third tower (a mere 14 storeys!) is now a stronger possibility since the Queensland Investment Corporation has full ownership of the other two towers.

Eagle Street Pier

Indications from articles in the Courier Mail yesterday and today are that Stockland, the new owners of this complex, are likely to demolish it and do a mixed residential/commercial development in around 2 and a half years when current leases expire.

Site on corner of Coronation Drive and Hale Street purchased by FKP

Diversified listed property and investment group FKP Limited has acquired the former Arnotts factory site on Brisbane’s Coronation Drive.
FKP acquired the landmark site from PJS Property Group for $5.97million.
FKP will develop a $52 million 10 storey residential tower consisting of 89 one, two and three bedroom apartments facing the Brisbane River and a four storey residential complex with 16 units.
The site is bounded by Boomerang Street/Hale Street and Upper Roma Street to the west, Quay Street on the northern frontage, and Coronation Drive on the southern site frontage. The street address will be 92 Quay Street.
“The landmark site represented one of the last riverfront development opportunities on Coronation Drive, and most units would enjoy unobstructed river, city and Southbank views,” Chief Executive Officer Peter Brown said.
“This really is a prime city fringe location, close to the chic cafes and bars in Milton and Paddington and walking distance to CBD shopping and restaurant districts, and is just 200m from Suncorp Stadium,
“This acquisition is consistent with our strategy of developing moderate size residential developments in A-grade locations and follows the successful completion and strong demand for apartments at our Inn on the Park residential development on Coronation Drive,”
The development will feature a salt water pool, BBQ area, recreation room and amenities, large open landscaped common areas and secure car parking.
Construction is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2004.

I read this too, all i could think of was how pissed off the residents in Felix will be, as their views to the bridge will become a concrete wall :-/ As for Eagle St Pier, this looks very tired and 80's and a bit too gold coastish for the area now.

I read this too, all i could think of was how pissed off the residents in Felix will be, as their views to the bridge will become a concrete wall :-/ As for Eagle St Pier, this looks very tired and 80's and a bit too gold coastish for the area now.

Any new development will obviously incorporate a similar sort of riverfront development. Certainly bad news for Felix - three years to enjoy the view before it disappears!

News from the last few days:

Central Plaza 3 now a possibility

An article in Prime Site in the Courier Mail yesterday suggests that construction of the third tower (a mere 14 storeys!) is now a stronger possibility since the Queensland Investment Corporation has full ownership of the other two towers.

Eagle Street Pier

Indications from articles in the Courier Mail yesterday and today are that Stockland, the new owners of this complex, are likely to demolish it and do a mixed residential/commercial development in around 2 and a half years when current leases expire.
.
On Thursday night I thought "maybe their might be a nice new tower in Prime site tomorrow....it's been awhile". I got quite excited when I read the title of the article, however actually reading the article has not made me very positive. When you consider that CP2 is 30 storeys....Maybe they might rethink the 14 storey bit.

I don't particularly mind redevelopment of the Eagle Street Pier, as long as there is adequate public space in the final plan. Mabye they should keep the restauraunts and a bit of retail space. But as the article said today, they haven’t fully decided what is happening with the property and it won’t be happening for awhile.

Even if the CP3 site goes ahead at 14 stories, that is still a fair amount of office space for Brisbane, and if it came up around the same time as the Eagle St Pier development, it could cause the Eagle St project to be reduced in size.

If the Eagle St site is not more than 30 stories high, I will be severely pissed off. And I mean, 30 stories is not even that tall, but it would be a lot better than 15 stories, which I wouldn't be surprised if they did.

Report in Courier Mail - 03.04.04

Pier owner faces planning imbroglio

Jeff Sommerfeld, property editor
03apr04


POLITICAL promises made almost 20 years ago may determine whether the people of Brisbane keep a key part of their inner-city access to the riverfront.

The new owner of the landmark Eagle Street Pier has revealed redevelopment plans for the site.

However, a new proposal to redevelop the popular restaurant strip, which meanders along almost 200m of prime Brisbane River frontage in the middle of the CBD, may be contrary to a development approval given in 1987.

On top of this, any decision on the fate of Eagle Street Pier may also depend on threatened court actions by current tenants who believe their leases entitle them to stay for a further 10 years.

The imbroglio over the fate of the landmark site heated up in February when Eagle Street Pier and its adjoining Waterfront Place office tower were sold for $307 million to Stockland Trust Group and Westpac.

The $307 million sale price represented $291 million for the office tower and $16 million for Eagle Street Pier, acquired solely by Stockland which has made no secret of its desire to redevelop the site.

Any proposed redevelopment would have to consider the numerous forms of land title on which Eagle Street Pier was built, which include freehold, leasehold and seabed leases.

On top of this, Stockland would be required to submit any proposed redevelopment to the Brisbane City Council whose original approval in 1987 applauded Eagle Street Pier as "people space" along the river.

Back in 1987, the then BCC Planning chairman Bob Ward said more than half the 1.5ha site for the proposed Waterfront Place would be a landscaped plaza and promenade, designed to maximise public access to the river.

Reported in The Courier-Mail on June 4, 1987, Ald Ward said the council had been deeply involved in the project to ensure it was more than just another monolith in the central business district.

Some of Brisbane's most prominent restaurants have located their businesses at Eagle Street Pier and these have been among some of the most vocal critics of any plans to redevelop the property, with some claiming they have leases which run for another 10 years.

Stockland (Qld) general manager Wayne Rex said the company viewed Eagle Street Pier as a development asset although they had no immediate plans for the site.

Mr Rex said it would be another three weeks before Stockland staff even started to look at issues relating to the property and it would be a further three to four months before options could be determined.

He said any proposed development was unlikely to happen "in the next couple of years".

The property is also a combination of freehold, leasehold and seabed leases and Mr Rex confirmed that there were "no current development approvals for the site".

"We would have to redevelop in accordance with planning schemes," he said. "We are also taking into account the rights of the Brisbane community that want a quality development. At the moment it is the worst designed building in Queensland and cuts off everyone's view of the . . . river."

The former Arnott's Biscuit Factory (the large empty patch of Coro. Drive) looks like finally getting something built on it: FKP is planning a 10 story and a 4 story tower of apartment on their 2669sqm parcel of land.

Another company owns the remaining 2992sqm of the site, so further development of the site is likely

very imformative post orodreth.

Consider the social implications of the final developmont.
With an accelerating CBD population combinied with an increase in the culinary and wine savvy knowledge of the Brissie population (also increasing tourism) there is a real need for dining precint in the CBD. Considering we are the SMART STATE and the RIVER city, wouldn't it be great to keep and improve the community/dining access to the river. Melbourne has Lygon Street, Adelaide has O'Connell Street. Brissie should develop and promote Eagle Street!

If the Eagle St site is not more than 30 stories high, I will be severely pissed off.

me too! moderation is for the meak!

Does anyone know whats going on at the top of Mineral House? There is green mesh and scaffolding atop part of the building.

Doesn't look anything big, just saw it when I was walking at Kangaroo Point. You can really see it on the Riverside Expressway.

We still could have a property crash to get through. Bank sources told me to watch out for June.

The Arnotts site is getting a 10 storey and an 8 storey development on it, all residential.

I worked in Mineral Place several years ago. It was said that the building was built as a band aid for government space and it was to be demolished after 20 years. Yet it is still there. In 1998 they still had yellow and orange rest rooms complete with rust. Hopefully this has been changed.

I worked in Mineral Place several years ago. It was said that the building was built as a band aid for government space and it was to be demolished after 20 years. Yet it is still there. In 1998 they still had yellow and orange rest rooms complete with rust. Hopefully this has been changed.

I take it you mean Mineral House???

Most of the floors have been refurbished as have most of the toilets. Out of the 20 odd floors I'd say 80% have been refurbished. Though you can still tell it is an old building. The building was supposed to be decommisioned about by the late 90's but that never happen.

Story has it that when the building was near completion they did a mock fire evacuation and when they did this the firestair well collapsed. They had to repair this which made the building open later than expected.

One of the main reasons why Metropole next door took so long to get off the ground was because the foundation works for Mineral House was such a disaster. It took them around 10 months to clean it all up so they could start the foundation works on Metropole.

On certain floors in Mineral House you can walk around and the floor actually shakes. True fact......

The Brisbane ‘Portside Wharf’ (at last) got final approval today.
Contains:
- a cruise terminal which will accommodate cruise ships up to 76,000 tonnes.(plus navy vessels and various smaller vessels). The cruise terminal will also cater for functions, conferences and public gatherings;
- a residential development of 6 buildings, consisting of 4 high rise towers of 10 levels and 2 low rise towers of 5 levels, totalling 350 units; and
- retail space to service the cruise ship passengers, tourists and the residential development.

http://www.qmba.asn.au/News/articles/ProjectProfileFebMar03-6.gif

^^^

It was reported today that Campbell Newman took merit for approving this cruise terminal, however many Labor councillors were having a fit because Tim Quinn had already given it the green light months ago.

^^^
From what i heard the project got peliminary approval last december, with final details to be negociated, and verbal approval was given to multiplex a few weeks ago but 'offical approval' could not be given because Quinn was caretaker mode.

Also, State government approval must be given for the 8 buildings and warf in the project before construction can begin, buy Multiplex has stated that construction will start this year to be completed next year.

The other good news is that planning of similar proposals for the Gold Coast and Townsville is still continuing.

The Brisbane ‘Portside Wharf’ (at last) got final approval today.
Contains:
- a cruise terminal which will accommodate cruise ships up to 76,000 tonnes.(plus navy vessels and various smaller vessels). The cruise terminal will also cater for functions, conferences and public gatherings;
- a residential development of 6 buildings, consisting of 4 high rise towers of 10 levels and 2 low rise towers of 5 levels, totalling 350 units; and
- retail space to service the cruise ship passengers, tourists and the residential development.

http://www.qmba.asn.au/News/articles/ProjectProfileFebMar03-6.gif

Is this in the vicinity of the Hamilton Wharfs project that fizzled a while back ?

^^^

Yes its at Hamilton, and I don't think it fizzled, it just was awaiting approval. Its a good thing that is has been approved. The tin sheds that greet cruise passengers now is embarrassing.

Yesterday's City News reports that the Queensland Heritage Council has provisionally listed two blocks at the Fortitude Valley end of Adelaide Street in the Petrie Bight area. The listing covers five former warehouses built in the 1920's and could potentially affect plans by Urban Properties (45 storeys at 475 Adelaide Street), Adford Pty Ltd (33 storeys at 501 Adelaide Street) and Malouf Group (no details of building).

Also in the City News is a report that the old Paddington iceworks on Given Terrace is set to be redeveloped into a multi-million dollar business/residential development similar to the James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley. Could include 35 to 45 units and cost $15 to $25 million.

^^
What do you mean Yesterdays City News??
The issue date is actually today - 22 April 2004 :)

Are you that guy from the show 'Early Edition'? :)

DMG eyes Brisbane FM licence
April 21, 2004 - 7:30PM

The United Kingdom's Daily Mail Group is expected to be the most aggressive bidder at an auction for the new FM radio licence in Brisbane.

The city's 106.9 licence is forecast to go under the hammer for between $80 million and $100 million, approaching the $106 million paid for the most recent licence in Sydney.

DMG, which runs the successful Nova brand, outbid the joint venture between British billionaire Richard Branson and John Singleton's Macquarie Radio Network for the Sydney licence.

It is expected to be equally keen to win the Brisbane licence as there are no Nova stations in the city and the company needs a foothold there to develop a national network.

Other bidders include Gold Coast station Hot Tomato, APN News and Media, RG Capital Radio and Rural Press.

UBS media analyst Nola Hodgson said Brisbane was a smaller market than Sydney and the price would come down to the level of competition in the bidding process.

"I think the Brisbane one will go for more than the $67 million paid for round one and probably not far short from what they paid for the second Sydney licence," she said.

"We have a view that DMG will be very keen to win the Brisbane licence to complete its national network."

Ms Hodgson said DMG would probably be the standout bidder but she would not be surprised if Queensland-based operators such as Hot Tomato also put in a strong showing.

"I'd be surprised if Virgin is as aggressive in Brisbane given that they didn't win the Sydney licence," she said.

Even though a price in the vicinity of $100 million would be well above the city's annual advertising revenue of $62 million in 2002/03, the successful bidder would have a business model, she said.

Ms Hodgson said DMG had proven itself very successful in winning ratings share in Melbourne and Sydney.

The auction will be held at Brisbane's Stanford Plaza at 2.30pm (AEST) Thursday.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/21/1082530227670.html

Does this mean we might get to listen to Merrick and Rosso again?

Well if Merrick and Rosso are on Nova FM down south and if Nova (DMG) win the licence, which they probably will then............. yes!!

Well, depending on where you live in Brisbane we will now have a choice of:
B105, 4MMM, 4JJJ, 4ZZZ, 97.3, River94.9, Hott FM 91.1, 91.9 CFM, 90.9 CFM, Radio Metro 105.7, Hot Tomato 102.9 and now with DMG winning the new Licence "Nova 106.9 FM" all broadcasting virtually for the same market..... More crap to listen too.... :bash:

Bring back Wild FM I say......

News Release - Australian Broadcasting Authority
NR 38/2004
22 April 2004
$80 million bid for new Brisbane commercial radio licence
Daily Mail (UK Radio 2) bid $80 million for a new commercial FM radio licence to serve Brisbane at an Australian Broadcasting Authority auction today.

“The ABA is very pleased with the result of today's auction,” said Professor David Flint, ABA Chairman. “It indicates how commercially valuable the FM band is. The level of bidding demonstrates a real depth of interest in the market and shows that the radio frequency spectrum is a public asset of great worth. When this new service goes to air, it will add to the diversity of radio services for listeners in the Brisbane market.”

The ABA made licences available for two new commercial and three new community radio services in its licence area plan for Brisbane.

Full payment for the licence must be made between 6 and 8 June 2004. The ABA will allocate the licence, on frequency 106.9 MHz as soon as possible after full payment is received.

^^
What do you mean Yesterdays City News??
The issue date is actually today - 22 April 2004 :)

Are you that guy from the show 'Early Edition'? :)

I stand corrected! I didn't check the date on the cover - had it in my mind that City News was published on Wednesday!

Further growth forecast for Inner Brisbane apartments
Nelson Yap

The inner Brisbane apartment market will continue to go strength to strength, according to the latest report by lead research group BIS Shrapnel.
BIS Shrapnel’s Inner Brisbane Apartments 2004 to 2008 report is forecasting growth to continue in the Inner Brisbane apartment market up to 2006.
At this time, BIS Shrapnel expects rising interest rates (exceeding 9 per cent) in an environment of escalating vacancies and low rental growth, will cause investor demand to weaken. Apartment construction, however, is expected to remain strong into 2007/08, as off-the-plan purchases work their way through to completion, just as the economy enters a downturn.

Two-thirds of apartment purchasers that are investors will begin to find it particularly difficult post-2006 as an excess of rental stock begins to emerge in the Brisbane market, and investors will begin to experience problems in attracting tenants and pass on rental increases.
This scenario applies in particular to purchasers buying standard investment-grade apartments that do not offer a point of difference (such as higher grade finishes, larger apartment sizes, or a good view). Owner-occupiers (who are not reliant on rental returns and are less affected by excess rental apartment supply) will not be hit as hard by the apartment downturn, and price growth will remain better than that expected for typical investment apartments.

However, report author Angie Zigomanis believes that in the short term both investors and owner-occupiers can still look forward to a couple more years of price and rental growth, as “existing supply is not sufficient to meet demand”.

Zigomanis said over the seven years since the beginning of the apartment construction boom in 1996/97, the number of apartments three storeys or greater has nearly doubled. This has brought the number of apartments in the Inner Brisbane area up to 20,900 in June 2003, from a base of 10,800 in June 1996.
Zigomanis expects this figure will rise to 31,900 apartments in the five years to June 2008, almost triple the 1996/97 total.

Zigomanis believes areas of Inner Brisbane that attract a large percentage of owner-occupiers will perform best in terms of capital growth this decade, while areas with a higher reliance on the investor market will under-perform the overall Brisbane market.
Rental growth will be affected by the relative level of construction versus tenant demand, within each area. Areas that allow high-rise development and have a significant amount of redevelopment sites, such as the CBD/Spring Hill and the North East, will attract the majority of development and potentially experience the highest level of rental oversupply. The West End precinct has a large amount of industrial land with potential for significant re-development should sufficient sites become available.

http://www.propertyreview.com.au/archives/2004/21042004/headline/22042004002.html


jt

yeah that was also in todays finn review .The big storey on the large amount of apartments being swallowed up in the CBD. It is going better than anywhere in OZ atm. The market will be consistant now til 2006/7 when then it will settle down.
So all the planned projects about to commence go ahead and will sell well! no worries about that!

Well, depending on where you live in Brisbane we will now have a choice of:
B105, 4MMM, 4JJJ, 4ZZZ, 97.3, River94.9, Hott FM 91.1, 91.9 CFM, 90.9 CFM, Radio Metro 105.7, Hot Tomato 102.9 and now with DMG winning the new Licence "Nova 106.9 FM" all broadcasting virtually for the same market..... More crap to listen too.... :bash:


I heard Nova was a cross between JJJ and mainstream songs? Considering that I love JJJ and don't mind some of the mainstream stuff, sounds like a good mix. But then again, since I do only listen to JJJ, why would I want to change.

^^
Yep chris that sounds about right - a cross between JJJ and probably River94.9 or B105. At least it will release the strangle hold Austereo have had on this city for to long.

Today's City News reports that Ross Neilson Properties are considering options for the old Georgian site. Could include one or two towers on the George Street side with ground level retail and offices or units. Expected total value is $150 million and decision will be made in the next 12 months (!)

They have put the back half of the 5000 square metre block on the market and are expecting its river views will attract a residential developer.

Today's City News reports that Ross Neilson Properties are considering options for the old Georgian site. Could include one or two towers on the George Street side with ground level retail and offices or units. Expected total value is $150 million and decision will be made in the next 12 months (!)

They have put the back half of the 5000 square metre block on the market and are expecting its river views will attract a residential developer.


Look on Page 8 of City news!!!

HOTEL PROPOSED FOR ICONIC BUILDING

There is a story about the Old National Australia Bank corner of Queen and Creek. Consolidated Properties has proposed an 18 level hotel with 71 hotel style apartment suites, a nightclub and resturants. This is to be built behind the current building.

I love this city!!! It never stops.

jt

Courier Mail today reports that the Macarthur Office tower has been sold for $119 million.

Just thought Id let everyone know - the Western Pedestrian path on the Story Bridge is open again!!

Walked over it today to get a view of Riparian but ended up gorking at Aurora!!
Aurora has changed bigtime in the last few days and by the looks of it they are pouring the second apartment level. The View from Story Bridge is fantastic as you can now see just how big the tower section will be.

JT

Just thought people might want to know what is happening next door to Comalco House. It has undergone some excavation in the last few months but untill now I had no idea what was going on.

The story below will give some indication.

jt
____________________________________________________________________________________
Release of plans for Brisbane Cathedral Precinct


The Archdiocese of Brisbane has released architect plans for the completion of the St Stephen's Cathedral Precinct project, which will start in mid-January.

The Catholic Leader reports that the project beside the cathedral will comprise four levels - two below the level of the cathedral grounds and two above - and is expected to be completed in mid-December 2004.

Key elements of the design include:
• Covered space for use when liturgical celebrations begin outside the cathedral, such as the Easter Vigil.
• Hospitality areas for gatherings before and after cathedral services.
• Areas for clergy to vest for liturgies.
• Practice rooms for the cathedral's three choirs.
• Offices for cathedral administration and the bishops.
• St Paul's Book Centre.
• Meeting rooms
• Additional car parking spaces for cathedral worshippers.

John Holland Pty Ltd submitted the successful tender for the project, and the contract price is $11.6 million.

Brisbane Archdiocese, in announcing the project last Wednesday, said no welfare or mission work of the archdiocese would be curtailed by the project, which is being funded from diocesan investments and income from Church tenancies.

It hopes the project will enhance not only the liturgical and pastoral life of the cathedral but the life of the city as well.

Archbishop Bathersby said he's delighted with the project coming to fruition "as for many years the cathedral has effectively been breathing with only one lung".

SOURCE
Cathedral precinct plans released (Catholic Leader 7/12/03)

http://www.cathnews.com/news/312/images/46_story.jpg

Hey, that actually looks pretty cool. I'm impressed.

The Courier Mail today reports that Urban Properties have received approval for their tower at 475 Adelaide Street however they still have to overcome provisional heritage listing of the area. I will try to scan article later today.

You beat me to it duke (like lots of other things today! :-P) - yeah I read that too.

And on another note, the MLC Annexe (sp? - is it even called that anymore??) has been getting repainted, if anyone has noticed or cares...
http://img68.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Ausilencer/Img_0269.jpg

And on another note, the MLC Annexe (sp? - is it even called that anymore??) has been getting repainted, if anyone has noticed or cares...


Ha. They figured instead of cleaning it, just paint it the colour of the dirt. :o

^^^
This is a grotty building, thank god they are doing something
Look at it here
http://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2003/10/222104.jpg
its also called 15 Adelaide Street

The Courier Mail today reports that Urban Properties have received approval for their tower at 475 Adelaide Street however they still have to overcome provisional heritage listing of the area. I will try to scan article later today.

Sorry, but I won't be able to scan this as OCR software was not included when they reinstalled scanner at work!

Ok, so to clarify, 475 Adelaide St is which project? The 45 storey one? I'm still a little confused as which proposals are where in this area.

Ok, so to clarify, 475 Adelaide St is which project? The 45 storey one? I'm still a little confused as which proposals are where in this area.

Yes, it is the 45 storey one on the corner of Macrossan Street. It's proposed to have 72 apartments, retail and boutique offices.

I think the previous threads about the Petrie Bight are disappeared in the recent forum cleanout!

The 475 Adelaide Street Tower has 47 levels (3 level podium, 44 apartment levels with 71 apartments, 6 level basement for 120 cars) and a height of 185.55 AHD.

I also saw mentioned that a 47 level tower was approved on the other side of Arch Lane (30 Macrossan?) on 17th February.

@Grollo

This thread http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=72682 sums up the developments in the Petrie Bight area.

The 475 Adelaide Street Tower has 47 levels (3 level podium, 44 apartment levels with 71 apartments, 6 level basement for 120 cars) and a height of 185.55 AHD.

I also saw mentioned that a 47 level tower was approved on the other side of Arch Lane (30 Macrossan?) on 17th February.
wow, 185m above the Brisbane River, thats higher than CP! by 5m which has a RL180m height. I think 475 Adelaide st is 20m up there, thus the 165m above ground level.
but it will appear taller than CP due to its high elevation! cool!

Wow taller on the skyline than CP1....it better be one good looking residential tower!! (like Aurora and Emerald) not some devine look alike rubbish. :bash:

Its a fairly big news day for Brisbane today - see todays prime site.

There is the Hamilton Property thing, Hamilton North Shore which I am sure we all know about now, there is a thread on it.

A 200 million dollar development was announced today called SW1 for a site between Southbank and West End. It coveres an entire block and there are some great architectural companies involved. It consists of two office buildings and residnetial as well as (shoot me if I am wrong) about 14,000 square meters of retail/commercial. Their idea is to replicate a similar environment to James Street in the Valley.


Speaking of the Valley the new mall project has been announced in Yesterdays City news. It consists of closng off that part of Brunswick street in front of the entrance to the new Metro (the sleazy part) and turning it into a mall. Night Markets will feature - How Brisbane!!!

There was something else but I forget:)

jt

Article in the Courier Mail today about the fight between Riparian and Aurora over who will have the highest apartments in Brisbane. Aurora is claiming the title after adding an extra two floors to the building.

There is also an article about the Sky Tower which had been proposed for Mount Cootha in Brisbane in 1996.

Article in the Courier Mail today about the fight between Riparian and Aurora over who will have the highest apartments in Brisbane. Aurora is claiming the title after adding an extra two floors to the building.

There is also an article about the Sky Tower which had been proposed for Mount Cootha in Brisbane in 1996.

Lol, come on Emerald Tower - get started so you can shut them both up! ;)

Article in the Courier Mail today about the fight between Riparian and Aurora over who will have the highest apartments in Brisbane. Aurora is claiming the title after adding an extra two floors to the building.

There is also an article about the Sky Tower which had been proposed for Mount Cootha in Brisbane in 1996.
Riparians actual roof is 200m, while Auroras is 198m.(its fins go to 207m)
the highest apartment in Riparian is 183m or level51. there is the large plant above this which has no apartments? am i correct?
Auroras roof is 198m, so if the lev69 is residential the penthouse would be the floor below roof- 198m-3m(typical floor) =195m, which makes it 12m higher than Riparians!
I noticed in the model of Aurora the top 4 floors havent balconies, does this mean its plantrooms or enclosed apartments?

@Culwulla

You are correct -level 51 is the highest residential level in Riparian.

The top four levels of Aurora - the Australia penthouses - have enclosed balconies. I believe that the next section below that (12 levels) contains the so called Sky Homes which are all two storey and also have enclosed balconies.

Siteworks have started. See Emerald thread.

@Culwulla

The top residential for Aurora appears to be level 67 according to the floorplans (http://www.australispenthouses.com.au/australisPenthouses.html) for the Australis penthouses. Must have two levels of plant rooms etc above.

The Courier Mail today reports that the long delayed Northbank plans may be released next month.

The Courier Mail reported that there are renewed plans to redevelop the Barracks near Caxton Street, with both a residential and a commercial component.

Well about twenty years after they knocked down the Arnotts building on Coronation Drive (and 30 proposals later!) there is finally something happening. Earthworks have started!

Well about twenty years after they knocked down the Arnotts building on Coronation Drive (and 30 proposals later!) there is finally something happening. Earthworks have started!
Will this project be totally residential or a mix of office /residential ? How many floors / height ? It's probably been mentioned before, sorry for not paying attention :crazy:

@Cranerider

The project was originally put together by a company called PJS Property Group. Was all residential and (as far as I can remember) about 10 to 14 storeys max. Has now been purchased by FKP.

This is from FKP's press release at the end of March.

"Diversified listed property and investment group FKP Limited (FKP) yesterday acquired the former Arnotts factory site on Brisbane’s Coronation Drive.

FKP will develop a 10 storey residential tower consisting of 89 one, two and three bedroom apartments facing the Brisbane River and a four storey residential complex with 16 units.

FKP acquired the site from PJS Property Group for $5.97million and values the completed development at around $52 million.

The site is bounded by Boomerang Street/Hale Street and Upper Roma Street to the west, Quay Street on the northern frontage, and Coronation Drive on the southern site frontage. The street address will be 92 Quay Street.

Chief Executive Officer Mr Peter Brown said the landmark site represented one of the last riverfront development opportunities on Coronation Drive, and most units would enjoy unobstructed river, city and Southbank views.

"This really is a prime city fringe location, close to the chic cafes and bars in Milton and Paddington and walking distance to CBD shopping and restaurant districts, and is just 200m from Suncorp Stadium,” Mr Brown said.

"This acquisition is consistent with our strategy of developing moderate size residential developments in A-grade locations and follows the successful completion and strong demand for apartments at our Inn on the Park residential development on Coronation Drive,” he said.

The development will feature a salt water pool, BBQ area, recreation room and amenities, large open landscaped common areas and secure car parking.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2004."

My comment is that only 105 units on such a large block is a waste, although it is possible that FKP have only purchased part of the total site or that this is just stage 1 of a larger development.

I would not want to live on that site. I am suprised it has not been resumed, along with dozens of houses along Hale street in preperation for the Tunnels (Trans Apex)

From there past projects, although reasonable quality, FKP has proved to be a pretty gutless, mediocre development company.

Southbank won some worlds best international design thingy.

Another Best for Brisbane I suppose - keep em comming.

(if this were Melbourne B1, B2 or Frenchy would have started 12 threads on it now) - LOL, sorry couldn't resist.

jt

Peek at the future (From Quest Community Newspapers)


SHOPPERS can now get a sneak peek at Westfield Chermside's $175 million expansion.

An artist's impression of the extension, which includes an overpass and road linking Murphy and Hamilton roads, is on display in the centre until June 5.
Brisbane City Council received the development application in December and has urged residents to have their say on the proposal.

But a council spokesman said the process was a public information period rather than a formal objection period, the difference being residents could object, but had no right of appeal. He said because the area was already zoned for a major centre the development was not impact assessable.

Councillor Faith Hopkins said information sessions had already been conducted with local groups.

Westfield corporate affairs manager Matthew Abbott said construction dates would depend on the application process.

"It is still very early days and right now we are speaking with a number of community groups to get their views on the Chermside redevelopment," he said.

"We are keen to hear what everyone also thinks of the project."

Mr Abbott said the main parts of the plan, which will expand the centre to the north of Banfield St, were an extra 35,000sq m of lettable area, an extra 2166 car parks, a new Town Square and the linking road.

Submissions can be sent to Cr Faith Hopkins, Marchant Ward Office, 960 Gympie Rd, Chermside.

There is something in the news about a Virgin Mary statue bleeding or something in Inala.

Sounds interesting as its drawing people from all over the world to our little hub.

LOL - its probably fake!

jt

Wasn't sure where to post this so... the tower crane came down from Riyala apartments on the weekend and i also noticed the boom on Tom Dooley's Favelle adjacent to Riyala coming down this morning but this afternoon the crane is back up but it looks like it has been moved?????.Cheers :)

A couple of newsy bits on our wonderful bus lanes. The "tidal" Coro drive bus lane will turn into a T3 lane (about time), and two thirds of the stupid bus lanes on Lutwyche/Bowen Bridge Road have been torn up and reverted back to normal. A T3 outbound on Bowen Bridge/Lutwyche road probably would have been a better idea but the bus lane was just absolute traffic chaos!

Law curbs urban sprawl
June 1, 2004

A BLUEPRINT for all future development across southeast Queensland will become law within five months in an attempt to halt urban sprawl.

The State Government yesterday revealed it was developing a southeast Queensland regional plan which would make law exactly which areas could and could not be developed over the next 20 years.

The law would protect sensitive and iconic areas.

The blueprint for development, scheduled to be completed by October, will override the laws of all 18 southeast councils and hand greater planning control to the State Government.

Acting Premier Terry Mackenroth said Cabinet had approved the laws to protect the landscape for future generations.

"Our climate, natural attractions and lifestyle combine to create the ideal environment for work and play," Mr Mackenroth said.

"However, it is our responsibility to ensure these qualities are preserved for our children and our children's children."

Mr Mackenroth said the unprecedented population growth facing the southeast put the onus on the state to protect parks, greenspace and waterways.

The Office of Urban Management, which is in Mr Mackenroth's Treasury portfolio, will work with the 18 councils in the region to identify areas to be protected under the SEQ 2021 regional plan.

A draft plan will take effect from the day it is released to avoid developers lodging speculative applications. Changes will be made for a final plan after community consultation.

Owners of land zoned for development by their council but protected by the State Government will be given a two-year window to submit a development application or face having land with limited potential.

While affected developers will still have the right to sue the council if their application is rejected in that two-year period, there will be no similar legal option against the state outside the two-year period after zoning.

Any changes to the protected areas will require an Act of Parliament.

The decision to legislate a set development plan for the southeast follows The Courier-Mail's Greenspace: Our Future, Your Say series which highlighted widespread concern over a lack of planning for the region.

Local Government Association executive director Greg Hallam said the new measures would provide "absolute security".

"This is a courageous step but it's not without political difficulties or localised pain for some councils," he said.

Mr Hallam said concern would focus on fringe councils under pressure from locals to reap the benefits of development but under pressure from the state to keep viable agricultural land.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia backed the strategy, saying it would clear up the current ad hoc approach to planning.

"That degree of certainty is absolutely necessary so we can plan years in advance where development will take place," UDIA Queensland chief executive Brian Stewart said.

He said while some developers might be concerned about their rights, he did not expect a rush on applications as they were unlikely to be submitted in time anyway.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg, a vocal critic of the lack of co-ordinated planning for the southeast, backed the Government move. But he said he was concerned that there was no compensation for affected landowners.



The Courier-Mail

Some Little Bits from Yesterdays Independent News (Valley and Inner City).

New $200 Million Development
There is a rendering of the $200 Million SW1 project in South Brisbane - it looks like Emporium meets Magistrates Court.

New 16 Level Tower for Creek
There is some info on the old NAB HQ development. A 16 level tower will face Creek Street and will be joined to the old NAB building which will be developed into a new entertainment complex with restaurants and shopping ect. The tower will house a boutique all suite apartment complex consisting of 71 apartments.

New Iconic Fountain
Campbell Newman has left room in the council budget for a new iconic fountain or water feature to be placed in a city reach of the Brisbane river. There isn't much news on it except that there will be a design competition.

New Bridges
Three new bridges will be built at a cost of about $25 million each. The Bridges will be pedestrian and cycle and will be withing 2 kilometers of the city center.

Thats all.
jt

Any ideas on the location of these 3 bridges ?

Any ideas on the location of these 3 bridges ?
The article just said withing two kilometers of the city center but I think one is proposed between Kangaroo pt and New Farm.

jt

Yuck, I hate these crappy pedestrian bridges. I know its more expensive, but a pedestrian tunnel, like that found at Greenwich in London would be way better.

I’m really happy about a new fountain in the river. I was a big fan of the old QCC fountain, especially when they trialled the single, really high jet. You could see it easily from the Mall. I was more then sad when it “disappeared”. OK, it sunk a few times, and the mud apparently kept clogging up the works, but I always felt it was an integral part of the QCC design.

I know it's fashionable to give Melbourne the props these days - and I do like Melbourne - but Brisbane's my favorite Aussie city. Lots of good stuff going on.

I used to like the old river fountain as well.

I'm a bit worried about how these 3 new bridges will look. I wish they would just put a pedestrian crossing on the existing Captain Cook bridge, it's ridiculous not to have it.

Tunnels are OK, I have crossed both of the still existing London ones at Greenwich and Woolwich. They are both around 100 years old, and not in the centre of London so they are not used that much. Some people don't like tunnels, plus you would need a bit of security to make people confident of using them at all hours.

London under the Thames tunnels,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnels_underneath_the_River_Thames

I know it's fashionable to give Melbourne the props these days - and I do like Melbourne - but Brisbane's my favorite Aussie city. Lots of good stuff going on.

What is "the props"??

jt

From there past projects, although reasonable quality, FKP has proved to be a pretty gutless, mediocre development company.
No relationship currently in place with FKP and I am 2000kms away, so I really don't care, but 120 Edward St??? Award winning and super energy efficient design. Does this not rate??

No relationship currently in place with FKP and I am 2000kms away, so I really don't care, but 120 Edward St??? Award winning and super energy efficient design. Does this not rate??

What is "the props"??

jt


Praise, basically.

Did you think it meant propellers ? :)

Im a bit concerned about these bridges!! While I agree that more river crossings are necessary, I dont really see where more pedestrian bridges are needed within 2 km of the city. Possibly one from Toowong to West End, and possibly one from Newstead to Bulimba, but both of those are further than 2km. However, I will reserve judgement and hope they concentrate on gettin the green bridge right first!!

I used to like the old river fountain as well.

I'm a bit worried about how these 3 new bridges will look. I wish they would just put a pedestrian crossing on the existing Captain Cook bridge, it's ridiculous not to have it.


There is actually 2 bridges which incorporate the Captian cook, they are 10cm or 15cm apart from memory.

I cannot see any changes to these at all, but it would be great to have a pedestrian bridge heading in that direction.

http://www.orionshopping.com.au/pages/default.asp

The Springfield masterplan shopping centre site home page.


The total site area is 40 hectares. The masterplan has 70,000m2 of retail, 80,000m2 of large format stores and 22,000m2 of entertainment space, supported by significant road infrastructure, parking for approx 6,500 cars and over of 1.5 hectares of recreational spaces


So much for the biggest in the country....pppffft

This isn't really scraper stuff, but thought I'd post it anyway. In case nobody has noticed, they have been working on one side of the victoria bridge replacing the railings as part of the cultural centre busway development. Here's a couple of shots:

http://img68.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Ausilencer/Img_0711_640x480.jpg
http://img68.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Ausilencer/Img_0712_640x480.jpg

From today's Courier Mail - is this you Favelle? Would have thought the crane height would be more like 170 metres.

On top of world looking down on creation
Catriona Mathewson
14jun04
IT'S a millionaire's view on a workman's salary.

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,352454,00.jpg

And crane operator Peter Wells is lapping it up while it lasts.

At present his office is about 140m above the ground on what will become the 45th floor of Riparian Plaza – a 53-storey office and apartment complex in the heart of Brisbane. When it is completed later this year, the 198m tower will be the city's tallest high rise.

If Mr Wells planned to stay on permanently, a two-bedroom apartment would set him back about $1.6 million.

So for now, he simply enjoys the perks of the job – looking out to Stradbroke Island on a clear day and literally keeping an eye on his Kangaroo Point home as he works. "The view is just sensational and I've driven several high cranes in this city," he said, explaining how the panorama had grown along with Brisbane's burgeoning skyline.

"Once upon a time you used to look across the bay, now it's like you're looking down on it."

Along with the Riparian, the nearby Aurora apartment tower is also pushing the city to new levels, expected to reach 210m when complete in 2006.

And watching it all take shape from on-high are a growing number of workers like Mr Wells.

Using former premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen's economic indicator – that is, counting the number or cranes on the Brisbane skyline – the city is booming.

"I did a rough count the other night and I probably missed a few, but there's at least 20 cranes in the city," Mr Wells said. "That's the most I've seen in this city and I've been here 16 years."

An average day for him involves clocking on about 3.30pm and taking a hoist up to about the 40th floor of the Riparian complex. From there he walks across a gangway linking his crane tower to the building and climbs up 21m to reach his driver's compartment.

Once there, he works as the sun sets over Brisbane and the city lights take over, creating a display he described as "just mind-boggling".

But it isn't always smooth going, with Mr Wells saying Brisbane's late afternoon summer storms had wreaked havoc on his nerves. Earlier this year a series of mini-cyclones tore through the city unroofing buildings and leaving him trapped in his crane, most likely saying a few Hail Marys.

But for most part he loves the job, saying the only hardship is the difficulty involved in taking a quick toilet break.

The Courier Mail is so pathetic when it comes to accuracy. I mean how hard is it to get the heights of 2 building correct. The numbers they quoted aren't even for sea level height.

Doesn't seem to have been any construction activity at all in Brisbane for the last two days.

Didn't know the workers were such fervent royalists :) :) :) :)

This isn't really scraper stuff, but thought I'd post it anyway. In case nobody has noticed, they have been working on one side of the victoria bridge replacing the railings as part of the cultural centre busway development. Here's a couple of shots:

http://img68.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Ausilencer/Img_0711_640x480.jpg
http://img68.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Ausilencer/Img_0712_640x480.jpg

I thought some time ago the plan was to have a cover over the pedestrian section of this bridge?

i heard something like that too so that traffic flow would be more efficient

I thought some time ago the plan was to have a cover over the pedestrian section of this bridge?

I think if you put a cover on it you would probably need to cover the sides as well as a roof, considering how unpleasant the wind is up there during alot of the rain. A roof alone would be next to useless. You could always catch a bus from the Myer centre across the bridge :p - You wouldn't believe how many people I see actually do this. I mean, it's basically a bridge crossing, by the time you wait for the next bus, you could have walked it.

i walked it today! indeed gets windy up there. I saw the 'construction' you photographed. It isnt anything, just the green stuff covering the side.

Blend, the 'green stuff' is the construction fencing around the 'construction site' - which is the footpath - the construction is the replacement of the railings, the top photo is the old railings, the bottom photo is the new railings. I wasn't photographing the construction fencing...

oohh they were just swapping fencing. I got the impression that there way a roof going (form what ppl here said)

I have alot of pictures i took today.. like 70 or so hehe, so ill post a few up tonight, and the rest up tomorow.

Noticed in the paper today an announcement to build another new community.

It is called "Yarabilba" and is located just to the south west of Beenleigh in Beaudesert shire. 52,000 people will live there and it will be self contained. It is being built by Delfin.

__________________________________________________________________________

Developer defends impact of super city
Brian Williams
June 18, 2004

A PROPOSED township southwest of Brisbane that would almost double Beaudesert Shire's 57,000-strong population would be self-contained and wasn't expected to greatly increase commuter traffic in the region, its developer said yesterday.




Delfin Lend Lease's Queensland general manager, Guy Gibson, said most of the people who would live at Yarrabilba township would likely work at nearby employment centres – at State Government-planned industrial concentrations such as Beenleigh, Coomera, Logan City, Springwood and Yatala, a 15-minute drive away.

This was based on the company's experience at two other major developments on Brisbane' southern and northern outskirts – Springfield Lakes and North Lakes – where 10 to 15 per cent of residents commuted to Brisbane's CBD. http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9873890%255E3102,00.html_________________________________________________________________

jt

There is another thread about this in the Sunshine State section.

Look to the skies on Brissy construction sites this week for quite a few cranes will be growing. :)

Today's City News reports that Riparian Plaza is still at least nine months away from completion. Will be 18 months overdue by that time (March 2005).

Surely Multiplex will be getting penalised or something for it being so late???

Why is it 18 months behind schedule?

The Brisbane City Council has dropped legal precedings against the Brisbane Airport corporation regarding their planned retail/commercial development 'Number 1 Airport Drive'

http://www.bne.com.au/graphics/popups/AirportRealEstate_No1AirportDriveJune03.jpg

Westfield had also commenced legal precedings of which I'm not sure the status.

Seen that pic before, but never noticed that they seem to have duplicated the gateway arterial road, and without on ramps.

I like the idea. Give people who arrive a good impression! instead of going down the long road to the roundabout and seeing dead grass and so on.. they see big complex's and shopping.

Seen that pic before, but never noticed that they seem to have duplicated the gateway arterial road, and without on ramps.

It doesn't have an interchange at that point on Airport Drive. However, just to the left of that render, the deviation with swing back towards the terminals and join up with Airport Drive. It will also continue on to join up with the Gateway Motorway again.

http://www.mainroads.qld.gov.au/MRWEB/Prod/Content.nsf/2911b5cc11cfec994a2569e60005f0b3/86af19571de550fe4a256da200023948/Body/1.430C!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg


Map from the MainRoads Website...

I just hope that with any upgrade they scrap the toll booth system and have it E-Toll only. It would not only save on time for the public, but also in terms of land required.

The FKP Development on the corner of Hale Street/Coronation I think will be known as "Vue". I noticed on the train link a Vue Display Centre being done up in an old small office building around the corner from the site.

However vue.com.au is not related to this development in any way....

There are three projects on that site, the one closest to the bridge is not Vue. It is the one that has started now I think. The Vue showroom is under construction.

Courier Mail today (page 11) (also City News today, page5) report that the Brisbane City Council has shelved the amendment proposed to the city plan which would have reduced the current 250 metre height limit in the city to heights between 45 to 200 metres depending on location.

The amendment has been shelved to allow the newly proposed CBD master plan to be developed.

Lord Mayor Newman is still maintaining his opposition to Emerald howerever.

Yes I was reading that in City News.

CBD Height restrictions scrapped

Basically it says:
The height restrictions that were to be enforced by the former mayor Tim Quinn have been scrapped.

From the gist of the article it does not look like there are any definite plans for height limits in the CBD though. There may be a height limit of 250m or they may be no height limit for Brisbane instead going on architectural merrit instead.

They are still againsed Emerald though.

The full article is on page 5 of city news.

jt

From today's Financial Review.

Unit Shortage in Brisbane

The production of new apartments in Brisbane's CBD is failing to keep pace with demand, according to new research by local analyst Michael Matusik. By Kathy Mac Dermott

Anyone with access to full article? If so, feel free to post!

From today's Financial Review.

Unit Shortage in Brisbane

The production of new apartments in Brisbane's CBD is failing to keep pace with demand, according to new research by local analyst Michael Matusik. By Kathy Mac Dermott

Anyone with access to full article? If so, feel free to post!

It doesn't surprize me. I was reading a similar article in February that said Brisbane only had 3 months supply left of inner city units because they were selling so fast. That included ALL the projects underconstruction and planned for the CBD.

Pretty amazing huh! I guess we'll see plenty of new towers for Brisbane in the future. Just wish they would start building big ones in some of the inner suburbs like Milton, Gabba, South Brisbane ect...

jt

Hey guys! What's happened to the Brisbane forum?

News from the last week.


River Park Central has topped out.
Balconies are now visible on Riparian.
Second crane erected on Festival Towers site.
Aurora has risen.
Brisbane Square is powering on.
Casino Towers is rising by a floor a week.


See the threads for pictures. Make a comment. Encourage the people (OK me!) who are out there taking photos.

Come on guys! Get excited! Brisbane is booming!

It has been a little quiet. I encourage all the time, but living in London I have no pictures of my own to add. When I am being slack at work I do make some picture threads using historical sites, or searches on Google.

Believe me, if I was in Brisbane I would be out there taking pictures. Brisbane's rail tunnels would be my first thread.

ive taken 2 sets of pictures since i joined last month. I intend to take more in future

Q Confidential column in the Courier Mail today reports that Gabba Central development appears to have stalled. Hole has been dug but nothing since. Property Direct who are marketing have apparently been instructed not to comment on lack of progress.

@ duke- I too have been a little concerned over the complete lack of progress here. The only positive I have seen is that apparently the first stage is sold out and there are about half of the units sold in the second (and last stage). They advertised in Saturday's Curious Mail. I would have thought there would be more than enough pre sales to get going. I will see if I can find out ant other info.

City News today reports that two 10 storey residential towers at 22-36 Railway Terrace Milton are likely to be approved this week.

The towers share a podium and have been designed by Kris Kawalski Architects. Will contain 56 units - 8 one bedders, 40 two bedders and 8 three bedroom penthouses. Construction is expected to start early next year.

The site is just 40 metres from Milton station and so will be very close to the commercial block proposed to be built above the station.

This thread refers to the site. http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=77419

City News today reports that two 10 storey residential towers at 22-36 Railway Terrace Milton are likely to be approved this week.

The towers share a podium and have been designed by Kris Kawalski Architects. Will contain 56 units - 8 one bedders, 40 two bedders and 8 three bedroom penthouses. Construction is expected to start early next year.

The site is just 40 metres from Milton station and so will be very close to the commercial block proposed to be built above the station.

You just beat me by 2 minutes!!!

jt

I was in the Bus going past GC1 on Wednesday and the bottom looked like a mud flat, yet when has it rained???

Also don't forget to get your Sunday Mail tomorrow (25 July) as Brisbane catches up to the other News Limited Papers and has satellite pictures of SEQ.

^^^
Obviously it hasn't rained recently, but water is often sprayed to keep the dust down. They had to do this on the Queens Central site.

True, but it looked like they had emptied several olympic pools over the site?

And why would they need to water it down if, as it appears, no construction work is underway?

Duke, if it is windy, and there is a large exposed area of dirt, having mud or wet dirt will prevent it from being blown back to Bedourie. Most construction sites, as well as mines, dumps etc that have loose dirt open to the breeze have some form of water application system to act as dust suppression.

Does anyone know of what is going on at the Logan Hyperdome. I was on the M1 and noticed a huge construction area???

They are expanding it on the side of the M1, looks like a fairly large expansion to me. Someone told me that it will be similar in size to the 'cinema precinct' at garden city, however I thought it looked bigger then that.

Does anyone know of what is going on at the Logan Hyperdome. I was on the M1 and noticed a huge construction area???
Last time I drove down I noticed big construction happening at Garden City too.

jt

I was in the Logan Hyperdome a couple of weeks ago and got a look at the plans (there are big aerials and nice renderings all over the shopping centre). From what I remember, it said they are adding about 10,000 sq/m of space, and expanding the cinemas from 8 to 12. It also said, the expansion would bring the total size of the centre to over 100,000 sq/m.

I was in the Logan Hyperdome a couple of weeks ago and got a look at the plans (there are big aerials and nice renderings all over the shopping centre). From what I remember, it said they are adding about 10,000 sq/m of space, and expanding the cinemas from 8 to 12. It also said, the expansion would bring the total size of the centre to over 100,000 sq/m.

Aparently it is already the largest one level shopping center in Australia.
jt

Kuwait City reports the highest occupancy globally

Kuwait City’s performance in 2003 certainly deserves praise. Each year the city has moved up the ranks but in 2003 it rocketed past the competition. Whilst Kuwait City typically commands one of the highest average room rates of the 320 markets tracked, its occupancy levels are normally amongst the lowest. Over the past four years Kuwait City has seen hotel occupancy move from 45 percent in 2000 to 85 percent in 2003 – taking it from 143rd position to the number one slot.

Australian cities, Brisbane and Perth achieved the second and third highest occupancy levels globally in 2003. Impressive performance given that in 2000 both these cities were outside the top 30.

The UK had three cities that ranked amongst those reporting the highest occupancies in 2003 – Gatwick, Edinburgh and York. This is the most markets the UK has had represented since 200, Gatwick however is the only market that has put in an appearance every year since 2000.

http://www.hotelbenchmark.com/frames.htm?http%3A//www.hotelbenchmark.com/itk/MarketSnapshots/040220Top10Markets.htm

jt

Correct the cinemas are going from 8 to 12. A "Street" style area will also be included with an additional 25 stores.

Garden City is having a Harvey Norman included in its latest expansion as well as I believe a small handful of shops on the southern end. Additional car parking has just been completed near the Tax office... Yet it is a long walk to the mall it self!

The official line from Hyperplex:

EXPANDING YOUR EXPERIENCE
Hyperplex Cinemas will be enlarged from its current 8 screens to 12. The new leisure and dining precinct will be the first of its kind in Logan City.

One of the screens in the expansion will boast Queenslands largest being 70m x 12m approx. State of the art seating will be included in the expansion and the cinemas will include a function entertainment area which customers can hire and entertain prior to the film screening. All 12 cinemas will include the absolute up to date sound facilities. A new Foyer entrance will also be part of the expansion.

Aparently it is already the largest one level shopping center in Australia.
jt

Too true. It's a major hike from one end to the other.

Apparently it's getting the town square treatment aka Garden City, but also apparently a bowling alley.

I can spit on this from where I live, so if anyone's really interested I can go and take some pictures.

Q Confidential column in the Courier Mail today reports that Gabba Central development appears to have stalled. Hole has been dug but nothing since. Property Direct who are marketing have apparently been instructed not to comment on lack of progress.

It turns out that some bright spark worked out that the cost of construction was devouring the planned profit from the project, so the developers are negotiating witht the builders to place caps on this. It is still going ahead, with real constuction starting in September to be completed sometime in 2006.

What is happening with Northbank?? The website Northbankbrisbane.com.au has not been updated for ages..... ???

The site says:

Key dates to watch:
29 October to 30 November 2002 - four master plan options presented for public comment
early 2003 - preferred master plan to be developed for Government approval
2003 onwards - pending approval, implementation commences.


ppffftt!

What is happening with Northbank?? The website Northbankbrisbane.com.au has not been updated for ages..... ???

I don't expect any action on it for many years.....

What is happening with Northbank?? The website Northbankbrisbane.com.au has not been updated for ages..... ???

The site says:

Key dates to watch:
29 October to 30 November 2002 - four master plan options presented for public comment
early 2003 - preferred master plan to be developed for Government approval
2003 onwards - pending approval, implementation commences.


ppffftt!

Ive heard its going for a review...

...First time ive really looked at the proposals and i now appreciate why it'll probably happen when they decommission the freeway. Tunnels r cool. Consider riverside plaza - the hole below plaza level is where a freeway was apparently meant to go....

Call it cultural cringe but the freeway needs to go before the river edge can be returned to the city. its a sexy little freeway but it needs to retire... keep captain cook though....

me lil avatar is part x a prop i did fur n bank - know tha place well...

I remember at Qut for landscape Architecture we did an assignment designing northbanks. The best few designs were picked by the council to give them ideas. I think that was back in 2000. Even back then they said that a design would be implemented by about 2002 and construction would begin around 2004. Well they have selected the four final design options but we havent heard anything about that since about 2002. So yeah what the hell is goin on?

I emailed them.. Heres the reply:


____________________________________________________________
Matt,
Thanks you for your interest in the progress of the North Bank Development.


Since the public release of the options, the results obtained from the
public consultation on the released 4 options have been used as the basis
for the production of a draft Strategic Plan for the North Bank Development.
This draft Strategic Plan incorporates many of the elements most favoured by
the public of the options presented. The Strategic Plan, incorporating
these elements, has been developed without detriment to the overall vision
for North Bank as presented during the public consultation period.

Prior to Christmas 2003 the Government released the draft Strategic Plan, in
the form of a pre-exposure report, to the Brisbane City Council for its
comments and feedback. The Council under then Lord Mayor Tim Quinn
subsequently responded with general support for the Strategic Plan although
some concerns in relation to the height of one building, the width of
decking over the river and the width of reclamation near QUT were expressed.
Appropriate changes have been made to the draft Strategic Plan in response
to Councils comments and agreement to the changes and re-endorsement of the
Plan with the Council under the stewardship of new Lord Mayor Campbell
Newman has recently been obtained.

Some delay to process has resulted from the changes in local Government with
these delays compounded by the Government going into "caretaker mode" prior
to the recent State election.

The current status of the project is that a submission to Cabinet is
scheduled for this month wherein the Cabinet will be asked to endorse
release of the updated Strategic Plan for a further period of public
consultation. This public release is anticipated in the next 2 months and
the proposed release will coincide with upgrades to the web site.

There will be an opportunity for members of the public to provide comment on
the Draft Plan during the public release and you are encouraged to take the
time to provide your opinions at that time.

Regards
Hedley Kidd
Manager
Development Management
Infrastructure and Major Projects
Department of Public Works
Phone 34055013
Mobile 0408779471
Fax 32258105
____________________________________________________________

i think that was quite a promising reply.. so we should see construction next year???

i think that was quite a promising reply.. so we should see construction next year???

Construction next year? I think unlikely. I remember hearing that a lot of the money needed to begin this project would be from private stakeholders as a lot of it is going to be shops/restaurants/cafes etc. My guess is it will be quite a few years yet.

Lots of news this week...

1. The $80 million tower at Petrie Bight on the corner of Adelaide street and Macrossan stree has be given approval from the Heritage Council. You might remember a few months back BCC gave approval to the 45-story residental/business tower only for HC to intervene. The agreement comes as long as the facade on Adelaide St and Macrossan St is retained.

2. The final stage in the South Bank redevelopment is now looking for community suggestions. Slightly more info is available at South Bank (http://www.sbdevelopment.com.au)

3.Red Cross is selling it's city premises later this month. The two buildings are situated at Adelaide and Queen Streets, and have a potential gross floor area of 32,000sq m subject to coucil approval. In fact Thompson Adsett Architects has designed a building concept for the site. Red cross do not plan to stay for the next year or two.

any idea what size the buildings for the red cross site is?

Lots of news this week...

1. The $80 million tower at Petrie Bight on the corner of Adelaide street and Macrossan stree has be given approval from the Heritage Council. You might remember a few months back BCC gave approval to the 45-story residental/business tower only for HC to intervene. The agreement comes as long as the facade on Adelaide St and Macrossan St is retained.


Is this Skyline Apartments? Or a completely different project?

Blend -
I'm not really sure. I've tried to find the design online but the architects only show off their designs after the buildings have been completed. The current buildings comprise of 2,659 sq m and are 2 or 3 stories (from memory), so I would say atleast 20 stories, probably quite a few more, but it wont be a 'real' tall building.

BrizzyChris -
No, this is a different building but there is information on it in the Skyline thread. It is listed in Emporis under '475 Adelaide Street' and is supposedly 145m.

They've already started test Transmissions, its not too bad. Here's and article posted the other day about it.


Too early to tell if it'll be a super Nova
Emma Chalmers

http://thecouriermail.com.au/sectionindex1/0,5934,chalmers^^TEXT^thecouriermail,00.html>, entertainment reporter

06aug04

FROM Monday, Brisbane radio listeners will be able to hear music on the frequency earmarked for the city's first Nova station.

But the transmission on 106.9 FM will simply be the first in a week of mandatory technical tests to ensure the frequency, bought by the Daily Mail Group for $80 million in April, does not disrupt any other signals.
Yesterday, DMG managing director of metropolitan radio Cathy O'Connor said the aim of test transmission was purely technical and would not be indicative of what listeners would hear when Nova came on to the air in the middle of next year.
"Most stations have to run a test to ensure there are no interference problems," she said. "We'll probably just play a variety of music. It would not be an indication of anything we're going to do."
When Nova performed similar tests for its Sydney station, it broadcast bird noises for a week, but it is anticipated music will make up the bulk of the broadcast in Brisbane.
During the week-long broadcast, the station will be monitoring feedback to ensure it causes no disruptions to other frequencies.
Ms O'Connor yesterday revealed to The Courier-Mail the second management appointment for Brisbane's Nova station.
From September, Sean Ryan will step in to the general manager's position from his current job as DMG's Queensland regional general manager of the northern group, and will shape the station along with Adam Williscroft, Nova Brisbane's program director.
Also yesterday, one of the stations with which Nova will be going head-to-head, Triple M, announced it would begin live web streaming of its broadcasts today, four years after it stopped the initiative.
From 5pm today, Triple M will become Brisbane's first FM station to go live on the Internet.
The live web streaming will be available from www.triplem.com.au <http://www.triplem.com.au>.

They've already started test Transmissions, its not too bad. Here's and article posted the other day about it.


Too early to tell if it'll be a super Nova
Emma Chalmers

http://thecouriermail.com.au/sectionindex1/0,5934,chalmers^^TEXT^thecouriermail,00.html>, entertainment reporter

06aug04

FROM Monday, Brisbane radio listeners will be able to hear music on the frequency earmarked for the city's first Nova station.

But the transmission on 106.9 FM will simply be the first in a week of mandatory technical tests to ensure the frequency, bought by the Daily Mail Group for $80 million in April, does not disrupt any other signals.
Yesterday, DMG managing director of metropolitan radio Cathy O'Connor said the aim of test transmission was purely technical and would not be indicative of what listeners would hear when Nova came on to the air in the middle of next year.
"Most stations have to run a test to ensure there are no interference problems," she said. "We'll probably just play a variety of music. It would not be an indication of anything we're going to do."
When Nova performed similar tests for its Sydney station, it broadcast bird noises for a week, but it is anticipated music will make up the bulk of the broadcast in Brisbane.
During the week-long broadcast, the station will be monitoring feedback to ensure it causes no disruptions to other frequencies.
Ms O'Connor yesterday revealed to The Courier-Mail the second management appointment for Brisbane's Nova station.
From September, Sean Ryan will step in to the general manager's position from his current job as DMG's Queensland regional general manager of the northern group, and will shape the station along with Adam Williscroft, Nova Brisbane's program director.
Also yesterday, one of the stations with which Nova will be going head-to-head, Triple M, announced it would begin live web streaming of its broadcasts today, four years after it stopped the initiative.
From 5pm today, Triple M will become Brisbane's first FM station to go live on the Internet.
The live web streaming will be available from www.triplem.com.au <http://www.triplem.com.au>.

You can already notice the existing players tweaking before Nova starts. 97.3 have revamped its logo and image, where B105 is stating that they are playing less commercials.

You can already notice the existing players tweaking before Nova starts. 97.3 have revamped its logo and image, where B105 is stating that they are playing less commercials.

Bout time! This is the only major city in Australia where suburbs like Ipswich and Gold Coast have better radio stations than the city - and Gold Coast stations don't come in that well on the north side.
jt

Need for icon to look up to, says Beattie
Steven Wardill
31jul04

PREMIER Peter Beattie believes Brisbane needs an iconic building to rival the Sydney Opera House.

At the launch yesterday of the proposed final stages of South Bank, Mr Beattie said the most prominent development site was ripe for a standout building that could be recognised across the world.
"One of the things I would like to see is some sort of really creative architectural building incorporated as part of that," he said.

"What we have got to try and do in Brisbane is to get a building which in itself is a centre, an attraction, which people actually identify with.

"One of the things you have in Sydney is the Sydney Opera House – I am not looking at anything on that sort of scale, but to have some sort of building which is an attraction, which becomes identified with Brisbane, I think is long overdue."

The site mooted as a potential home for the icon building is at the south end of South Bank between the boardwalk and the Maritime Museum.

A plan for the site was released yesterday for a three-week informal public consultation period.

The vision outlined by South Bank planners includes a low-rise development such as a boutique hotel as well as a new dining and cafe precinct to rival Fortitude Valley's James St.

An extended boardwalk linking South Bank and Kangaroo Point beneath the Goodwill Bridge and the museum along the river's edge is also up for discussion.

The site currently is home to several restaurants.

"It is the best hotel site in Brisbane," South Bank chief executive officer Bill Grant said. "It would be a small, we think 100-room hotel (because) we need to restrict the height to preserve the amenity of the apartments behind and to open up the public realm."

Mr Grant said the development of the five sites up for discussion would complete the former World Expo 88 site to being a place where people could work, live, learn and play.

Other potential developments South Bank Corporation is hoping to push ahead with over the next five years include a transit interchange to link the bus and rail stations, with possible provision for a public piazza and residential and commercial buildings.

The redevelopment of the Butterfly House, which is next to the Allgas Building and the vacant corner of Melbourne and Grey streets, is also open for discussion.

The SW1 consortium, which includes Austcorp, Property Solutions and Urban Plus, is already developing a mixed-use, medium-density precinct on the so-called Mazda site, which is a whole city block bounded by Melbourne, Merivale, Cordelia and Russell streets.

Mr Beattie said in the past few years the State Government had spent a lot of money building and planning a "new heart" for Brisbane, including construction of the Goodwill Bridge, the new Gallery of Modern Art, North Bank and the Suncorp Stadium.

"We have got to continue to do this because it is not only about ensuring that the people of Brisbane and the people of Queensland have a wonderful place in which to live, it is also a tourism magnet," he said.

http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,10293891,00.html
_______________________________________________________________________
jt

Isn't the Story Bridge, or the City Hall clock tower our "landmark"?

another cannot hurt :) and i would never be against positive development. especially to liven the area going towards the maratime museum up. and im glad northbank is mentioned there too

North South bypass tunnel portal options have been released!



Click here to view the North~South Tunnel Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=2062862#post2062862)

Gateway Bridge, airport plans and widening plans are on display this week at Toombull Shopping Center. Eventually they will go to Carindale, Garden City and I think Cannon Hill for people to look at.


Also a question - what are they doing to the T&G building?? I noticed on the southern facade there is now, not sure what you call them, but they are like big trusses extending the entire height of the building. Is this because they are going to give T&G a make over or is it because of the new proposal next door???

Just wondering.

jt

You know any "landmark" icon is going to end up as some cheaped out piece of shit, that will have spent 2 yrs being argued about in parliament.

Another new tower!!!!

37 story residential tower will be built in North Quay - near the failed Georgian site.

They are demolishing a 6 story office building for it.

There is more info on it in the 'CITY NEWS' - Today's edition. I think it was the 3rd page.

jt

wow 37storeys,, who are developers or architects? just so i can get official height worked out. it sounds like it might total 40storeys which is about 120m. the georgian site is approx RL20m so its a nice elevated site.

wow 37storeys,, who are developers or architects? just so i can get official height worked out. it sounds like it might total 40storeys which is about 120m. the georgian site is approx RL20m so its a nice elevated site.

Developer is Citimark who have just completed Felix. Site is located at 171 North Quay and was purchased last year for $8.25 million. Proposal is for 175 units and 135 car park spaces.

Added info.

According to the UBD the site is on the corner of Tank Street, opposite the Commonwealth Law Courts and three blocks away from Brisbane Square.

Cooel - when will it see it's own thread hehe?

cool thanx duke, ill contact citimark and enquire about height/render ect.

well, i managed to view plans online for $10 and the tower rises 111m above street. (Its RL is 122m/400ft)
As duke says, Its located at cnr of Tank st & North Quay and its rear face is blank and buts up against the 15st Brisbane central courts.
. Since its PDF format i couldnt save any of the renders but it looked quite good. The tower rises abve a 4 storey podium and is a sort of rectangular shape with serated cnrs. Its basically a grey tower with charcoal sides and top, metal panels with terracotta trimmings and light blue balcs.The tower steps up in three levels like a little version of Eureka. its 37 levels hav 3.8m high floor to floor heights.
ill try and draw up my version of it tonight to show indication.

well, i managed to view plans online for $10 and the tower rises 111m above street. (Its RL is 122m/400ft)
As duke says, Its located at cnr of Tank st & North Quay and its rear face is blank and buts up against the 15st Brisbane central courts.
. Since its PDF format i couldnt save any of the renders but it looked quite good. The tower rises abve a 4 storey podium and is a sort of rectangular shape with serated cnrs. Its basically a grey tower with charcoal sides and top, metal panels with terracotta trimmings and light blue balcs.The tower steps up in three levels like a little version of Eureka. its 37 levels hav 3.8m high floor to floor heights.
ill try and draw up my version of it tonight to show indication.
Wow - I think we should all pitch in and send you the money.

A picture from the paper.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p303e73fe31a43c19023e9087078c5753/f7441d12.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p303e73fe31a43c19023e9087078c5753/f7441d12.jpg.orig.jpg

jt

Noticed today that signage for Emirates is going up on 167 Eagle St (old telstra House). The signs are in the same position and shape as the old faded T so they are just replacing the filters. The awning on the outside now also displays Emirates House.

How long did that take??? they could of at least put new signage up so it made a big impact! sounds like everyone is too cheap in Brisbane to pay for new signs, VirginBlue did the same and that was TELSTRA aswell!

They are new signs..just in the same spot as the old ones. The Emirates sign is in blood red and will look good lit up at night i reckon.

They were doing the Eagle Street facing sign this morning, got some pics. Hopefully it will be lit up tonight for Riverfire so we can get a look at it. Much better than the old faded T!

http://www.highfrequency.com.au/Images/buildings/emirates-1.jpg
http://www.highfrequency.com.au/Images/buildings/emirates-2.jpg

Brisbane finale for Cher
Nui Te Koha
August 30, 2004
http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10610474%255E3102,00.html

CHER will finish her farewell tour, the biggest-ever by a female artist, in Brisbane.

Two years ago, Cher, 58, a star for four decades, embarked on a farewell tour that was meant to end after a 59-date trek across the US. Now, 247 shows later, Cher has played to 2.5 million people around the world.
"My Australian shows will be very emotional because that's where it will end," Cher said.
"I think the reason I've kept going, and agreed to more dates, is because it will be really sad to finally say goodbye."
Cher says her show follows her 40-year career, includes 11 costume changes and her lighthearted advice to the new breed of female singers: "Follow this, you bitches."
Her last show will be at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 11.
Tickets will go on sale on September 21. Prices to be announced.


The Courier-Mail


BRISBANE goodbye . . . superstar Cher will finish her world farewell tour in Brisbane in March next year. Picture: AP
http://news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,375032,00.jpg
_________________________________________________________________________
jt

The Red Cross was sold to Kevin Seymour's company. A residential tower is likely in a few years (the Red Cross will be renting the space for atleast the next year).

Having a mind blank, where is the red cross building?

Down on Queen St, near the Medibank Private Building. Opposite the Mariott hotel.

The Red Cross was sold to Kevin Seymour's company. A residential tower is likely in a few years (the Red Cross will be renting the space for atleast the next year).
Fingers crossed its more than 50 stories. But knowing Kevin Seymour's previous projects it will probably be no more than 30.

200 Kilometer City

Just wanted to let you guys know there is a great exhibition at the MOB entitled 200 kilometer city from Noosa to Tweed.

Its on till the 30th of January.

http://sites.ourbrisbane.com/MoB/whats_on_at_mob/current_exhibitions

Its free and is pretty interesting.

South-east Queensland is made up of 18 cities, towns and shires. It is home to more than three million people, with another one million on the way. This exhibition traces the evolution of this region over the last 100 years and encourages debate about its future.

The show includes nostalgic images of the past, including the building of the Bribie Island bridge, traffic jams in the 1920s and trips to the beach. Importantly, The 200km City will provide visitors with up-to-date information about population, housing, green space and transport trends. It also explores possibilities for this dynamic region in the next 50 years.

The 200km City: From Noosa to the Tweed is is curated by Professor Peter Spearritt. This exhibition is presented by Museum of Brisbane in partnership with the Brisbane Institute and the State Library of Queensland .


There is also some great maps, audio visual displays, live traffic cams ect..
jt

http://www.library.uq.edu.au/fryer/alcock/

http://www.library.uq.edu.au/fryer/hume/index.html

Just saving the above links for future reference - heaps of great old pics there!!

jt

CBD projects fast-tracked
Jeff Sommerfeld and Ryan Heffernan
08sep04

TEMPORARY development restrictions proposed for Brisbane's CBD will affect as many as 12 potential sites in the city that have been acquired by developers for future projects.

Many of the sites have been acquired over the past year, and redevelopment projects for most of these sites are at various stages of planning.

Several of these have been fast-tracked during the past few days in an attempt to get ahead of Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument announced last Friday.

The TLPI would mean new projects are assessed on impact rather than on compliance with Brisbane City Council planning ordinances.


In further controversy over the proposed changes, Cr Newman yesterday accused the State Government of backing out of the TLPI at the last minute.

Cr Newman claims to have received support for the proposed change from Local Government Minister Desley Boyle at the Local Government Conference in Mackay last Wednesday.

"At the end of the day the State Government needs to support the council with this or it won't get up," he said. "I would not have gone ahead with this in its current form if Desley Boyle had not supported it.

"Desley Boyle said she supported what I was doing when I spoke to her in Mackay last Wednesday and now they have changed their minds. That's a backflip by the State Government."

However a spokeswoman for Ms Boyle denied Cr Newman's assertion.

"Yes, she met with the Lord Mayor, yes, she discussed the TLPI and yes, she indicated her strong support for the direction he was heading," the spokeswoman said.

"There's clearly a gap in the Brisbane planning scheme and Mr Newman needs to plug it. But Desley has not seen the TLPI and it's a bit cheeky to expect her to sign off on a document she hasn't seen."

Research by The Courier-Mail has found that Brisbane's most prolific developer, Kevin Seymour, has at least two sites potentially affected by the TLPI – his newly acquired Red Cross headquarters, which was only purchased last week, and IAG House at 545 Queen St.

One of the biggest potential losers under the TLPI would be Stockland Corporation, which owns the prime Brisbane riverfront Eagle Street Pier site. One of the key principles of the TLPI is that "new developments should not impact on the recreational and environmental value of the Brisbane River". This could see any multi-level proposal by Stockland for the site having to run the gauntlet of objectors and lengthy appeals processes.

PRDnationwide researcher Paul Barratt said there were 11 current or near-future site opportunities in the CBD that could be hit by the TLPI.

Mr Barratt said these 11 sites were, for all practical purposes, available for development now or in the near future.

A deputation of angry developers met Cr Newman last night and are scheduled to meet Deputy Mayor David Hinchliffe this morning.
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10701176%255E3102,00.html
________________________________________________________________________________


jt

newman is a asshole. I dislike him now. Once we get his tunnel, we shall vote him out.

I find this really bizarre: Newman promotes more open attitudes to development then trys to implement a system that with limit development which, from my point of view, has no merit.

I've never really liked Newman, but then I didn't like his competitor either. Even though Quinn was iffy, I don't think he would have complained to the state government about emerald (he wasn't like Soreley in that way).

I don't think you will get the tunnel before the next election. He can be optimistic about when it will come online, but there will be building delays....there always are.

if its started though, the next mayor would HAVE to continue it! they cant leave all that money spent to waste, and the half excavated tunnel etc.

^^
Of course, but that wasn't what I meant. The North-South tunnel is Newmans legacy and he wants it completed in his term so that he gets all of the praise that will come with it when it opens.

If the tunnel was completed on time and on budget, in less time than what the previous Labor administration had said was feasable, it would be a coup for Newman and the Liberals. Majority council here we come. As I said though, I can't see it happening this way.

forgive me for not knowing. But how long is a term?

^^
Of course, but that wasn't what I meant. The North-South tunnel is Newmans legacy and he wants it completed in his term so that he gets all of the praise that will come with it when it opens.

The North-South tunnel was going ahead under Quinn anyway, the other tunnels that won't ever be built, those are Newmans.

Ok, let's not all jump to conclusions just yet. (warning: this is an optimistic view) The Temporary Local Planning Instrument doesn't necessarily mean that all these projects will be cancelled. It may actually ensure QUALITY projects in APPROPRIATE locations - as it states "projects are assessed on impact rather than on compliance". It could even mean TALLER buildings in the Central CBD area.

As I said this is an optimistic view - and the way processes in council seem to go, it might not be a positive outcome at all. But it's better then a flat height restriction with no logic behind it. The TLPI may actually use some logic and level-headed thinking to decide the fate of some projects - which as I said just before, will hopefully lead to quality projects in appropriate locations that will actually add to the city opposed to become eyesores.

Ok, let's not all jump to conclusions just yet. (warning: this is an optimistic view) The Temporary Local Planning Instrument doesn't necessarily mean that all these projects will be cancelled. It may actually ensure QUALITY projects in APPROPRIATE locations - as it states "projects are assessed on impact rather than on compliance". It could even mean TALLER buildings in the Central CBD area.

As I said this is an optimistic view - and the way processes in council seem to go, it might not be a positive outcome at all. But it's better then a flat height restriction with no logic behind it. The TLPI may actually use some logic and level-headed thinking to decide the fate of some projects - which as I said just before, will hopefully lead to quality projects in appropriate locations that will actually add to the city opposed to become eyesores.

Agreed. If the TLPI was around back in the 90's, we may not have all of those Devine piece of shit buildings on the river. Think about that one.

The only thing that worries me about the TLPI is that surely if a project is going to be assessed on impact, doesn't that open up the floodgates for all the NIMBYs out there? What do they mean by impact, because I would have thought that the planning code would already have taken all the possible impacts into consideration? I would be very interested if someone could explain how BCC planning codes are different to Sydney or Melbourne or Perth planning codes and why? Are the same problems being faced in other cities or do we just have more NIMBY's in Brisbane?

i dont know but adelaide has the most.

THE EMIRATES LOGO HAS NOW BEEN ADDED TO THE FRONT OF EMIRATES TOWER IN BIG RED NEON LETTERING.

JT

^^^
Which was mentioned on the previous page....there are pictures.

^^^
Which was mentioned on the previous page....there are pictures.

The red square signs were mentioned but no the gigantic neon writing that now adorns the riverside of the building.

Should look like Hong kong when all lit up.

jt

id like to see that. How big is it across the front?

Sorry JayT, I didn't read your message correctly.

Channel 10 news just reported that the proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument will be softened in response to concerns expressed by developers.

good. i watched to try to catch it but i was stupid and thought that it started at 5:30..... so i guess i missed it.

Did they mention how softened?

good. i watched to try to catch it but i was stupid and thought that it started at 5:30..... so i guess i missed it.

Did they mention how softened?

I think they said the TLPI will only apply if the development would involve overshadowing of parks or squares, is in a heritage area or could have an impact on the river.

so.... Vision, Eagle St Pier.... what else? lol!

The Emirates neon is quite big, and has a small neon logo on the right hand side. I had a look tonight heading home from work, looks great from the bridge. Currently the "a" is broken so it says "Emir tes" at night :)

lol the new sign is already broken

Courier Mail again today mentioned Vision and two other major CBD development applications being submitted this week to beat the TLPI. Any inside info on the other two?

no clue. Be good to see them/hear of them.

Heh guys. I noticed that ss.com claims that the Riverside Centre is heritage listed but I couln't find it on Qld Heritage Register or Reg of the National Estate. Anyone know who it's listed by or have any other info about it.

I am not sure who listed it but I believe it was listed for is timeless design ??

I also thought it was heritage listed - but I can't remember where I got that info - may have actually been ss.com - oops!!

I'm sure I heard in news a few years back that they were considering heritage listing for the building, for its timeless design. Have no idea if it went ahead or not though.

...From an article from news.com.au

...However, the company also revealed yesterday it would undertake a dramatic refurbishment of its Myer Brisbane store in Queen St.

The redevelopment will be based on the Myer Bondi store, a refitted facility which the company believes will boost sales.

Work on the Brisbane store will begin in November and is due to be finished by July next year.

Coles Myer refused to reveal how much it would spend and the upgrade is likely to have been commissioned to compete with David Jones which will open a new store in 2006.
...

All I can say is about time!

Work has commenced on the Gabba upgrade. Eastbound buses now detour around the site as work has started on the demolition of the existing members club.

From the official website (http://www.thegabba.org.au/)

Latest Information

The final stage of the Gabba redevelopment will commence at the end of September 2004.

Watpac has been appointed managing contractor for the project after a competitive tender process in July/August this year. The contractor will work closely with Gabba tenants - Cricket and AFL - to ensure the impact on games and activities at the ground is minimised during construction.

Work will be staged and the lower tier of the new section of the grandstand is expected to be completed and available for the first AFL match next year - favourable weather and site conditions permitting. This will add an additional few hundred seats for the first Lions game at the start of the 2005 footy season.

Additional capital works improvements to be undertaken

The Queensland Government has provided the MSFA with an additional $10 million for upgrades around the ground that will enhance the overall Gabba experience for everyone. This money will come from the proceeds of the first sale of gaming machine authorities.

These ground enhancements include an automated patron entry system and turnstiles, improvements to entrances, and upgrade of the public address system. These will be carried out at the same time the contractors are on site for the redevelopment.

The upgrades are being done in the interest of developing the Gabba as a better place to watch football and cricket.

The heritage National Australia Bank building at 308 Queen street is to be coverted to an entertainment venue, similar to that of the Establishment is Sydney. Part of the plan is to demolish the secondary bank building behind it to build a 16-level boutique hotel.

http://www.geocities.com/grahamjh2000/NationalBank1.jpg

cool :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid141/pbd222a8894a8a7eb7480a62502c6a16c/f6d04e0a.jpg

Here is a crappy little picture of this new 16 story hotel.

jt

Courier Mail today reports that a 16 storey apartment building with an additional four basement levels is proposed for central Ipswich. Application was lodged this week.

^^ thats good news

48m for ipswich

Courier Mail today reports that a 16 storey apartment building with an additional four basement levels is proposed for central Ipswich. Application was lodged this week.

There is a photo of it in todays Prime Site (CM).

jt

Courier Mail also says on the front page that along with Emerald, the TLPI has been completely rejected by State Govt because it may hinder development in the city and send the wrong message to developers. Seems the Govt had a big red stamp day yesterday! Newman was unimpressed by the rejection of the TLPI but was thankful for the rejection of Emerald.

hhmm. newman is a asshole. he should be voted out... or die.


Good that his stupid TLPI not only got ripped to shreds by developers, but then even after they did that, rejected by the govt. He got mega owned :)

North Bank update


__________________________________________________
Thanks for your enquiry on North Bank,
Minor amendments have been completed in response to comments received from the BCC. A submission to Government is currently being finalised which seeks Cabinet's approval of the changes and permission to release the amended plan to the public. The release of the plan is presently anticipated in 6 to 8 weeks time.
Regards
_________________________________________


Looks like we can expect the release at the end of november

"newman is a asshole" > How quickly we forget the previous mayors... ok let's not get too political or I will get very argumentative, this is a BUILDING forum. If you want to critisise something in relation to development, please do it in a constructive way...