Ministerial Statement: Have your say on the Woolloongabba UDA

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
24/08/2010

Have your say on the Woolloongabba UDA

The proposed development scheme for the Woolloongabba Urban Development Area (UDA) has been released for public comment, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe announced today.

Mr Hinchliffe said residents were encouraged to have their say on the draft development scheme which provides greater detail on proposed plans for the 10ha site.

"I encourage residents and stakeholders to again have their say on what is a once in a generation opportunity to turn an under-utilised inner urban site into a mixed-use hub, coupling commercial, residential and retail development with world class public transport,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The co-location of a Busway station and a new cross river rail station means that this site will be extremely well serviced by public transport, further reducing the need for cars and improving sustainability in Brisbane.

"People will be able to live work and play in this area with the intention to provide a new park, the size of ANZAC Square as well as pedestrian boulevards and plazas.

"In fact, significant pedestrian and cycling facilities are intended throughout the UDA including a two-way, off road cycle path along the Stanley Street frontage linking along Allen Street to the South East Freeway Bikeway and extending to the west along Stanley Street to link with the existing cycle facilities in Annerley Road and Stanley Street.

"There will also be enhanced pedestrian connections along all major road frontages including along the northern side of Stanley Street where pedestrian movements are currently prohibited.

"This will provide an attractive link between the Gabba stadium and Mater Hospital precincts, and provide direct pedestrian access to the main plaza and proposed public transport interchange.''

The release of the draft development scheme followed the July 19 circulation of the Woolloongabba UDA draft structure plan for public consultation.

Community and stakeholder feedback has been considered in the proposed development scheme which will be available for public comment until October 4.

Major redevelopment is intended for the area, including retail, residential and commercial development which could provide homes for between 4,000 and 5,000 people - and accommodate around 8,000 jobs.

Mr Hinchliffe said increased density was appropriate in the area given the site's location and proximity to the CBD. He said building heights would vary in relation to specific circumstances.

"While there is the potential for buildings of up to 40 storeys above the public transport interchange, the predominant maximum building height proposed for the UDA is 20 storeys,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Some of the maximum building heights along the Vulture Street frontage will be reduced to 15 storeys to provide solar access to the central open space.

"The highest intensity areas will be close to and above the proposed public transport interchange as it has the highest public transport accessibility and also provides opportunities for upper level views of the CBD, Brisbane River and beyond to Mt Coot-tha and Brisbane Forest Park.''

The project will be overseen by the State Government's Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) - established in 2007 to address housing affordability throughout the state.

ULDA CEO Paul Eagles said the proposed development scheme would be available for public feedback until 4 October. He said the ULDA would hold three community information sessions to give people a chance to talk to ULDA planners and better understand the draft development scheme.

These sessions will be held at the German Club, 416 Vulture Street:

Wednesday 1 September 10am - 2 pm

Saturday 11 September - 10am - 2pm

Wed 15 September 4pm - 8 pm

The proposed development scheme is available to be viewed on the ULDA website at www.ulda.qld.gov.au

==============================================================

[Golliwog]

Looks good for cyclists. Didn't read too closely as its only a scheme and nothing is definate, but cyclists seem to be getting a 4.5m wide bike lane which to me sounds a bit like a Copenhagen style bikeway.