Premier Statement: Old Meets New in $650 Million South Bank Proposal

[ozbob]

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
13/11/2007

Old Meets New in $650 Million South Bank Proposal

A $650 million Transit Oriented Development proposed for Brisbane's South Bank will deliver a stunning new addition to Brisbane's skyline and a true southern gateway to the Parklands, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

Ms Bligh told State Parliament today she had signed an authority for the South Bank Corporation to seek public input on proposed changes to the Area Development Plan to allow the proposed Southpoint development.

She said Southpoint was being proposed by the Anthony John Group, best known in Brisbane for its highly-regarded Emporium mixed-use development in Fortitude Valley.

The proposed $650 million Southpoint development will be centered on the South Bank Railway Station and will offer modern residential and retail space while preserving the Collins Place Heritage Building as the entry to a 144-room hotel.

"The contrast between past and present is architecturally striking," Ms Bligh said.

"South Bank has become the living heart of the city, as popular with tourists as it is with Brisbane residents. The Southpoint proposal builds on this by including significant public space, adding to the vibrancy that continues to make the precinct a must-see destination."

Southpoint is also proposed to include 55 apartments, plus shopping and office space including a supermarket and an art house cinema. It will be built on the site bounded by Vulture, Grey and Tribune Streets and the South Bank Railway Station.

"The development will open up direct pedestrian access to Vulture Street and its improved links to the train station and busway will make South Bank even easier to reach without a car," Ms Bligh said.

"On top of these benefits, 1000 jobs will be created during the construction phase and there will be employment for 3000 people upon completion."

The Southpoint proposal follows on from the green light this month for the Mill Albion project, which will transform a run-down 1.3ha inner-city site into a $280 million village-inspired development based on the Albion Railway Station.

"My Government has pioneered the establishment of Transport Oriented Developments as a Smart State solution to catering for population growth while easing congestion on our roads and containing urban sprawl," Ms Bligh said.

"They are key components of our strategy to keep ahead of growth and build a better Queensland."

More information: Premier's Office

[SteelPan]

Assuming this is more than just SPIN, a tick for the govt on this occasion - PROVIDED, the new station facilities are truly WORLD CLASS and not another done on the cheap "Queensland Special".  (YES, that does mean more than one set of escalators to cover the entire station!!!).