Article: Ekka site development a step closer

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Ekka site development a step closer

Ekka site development a step closer
Daniel Hurst
November 30, 2010 - 11:44AM

The $2.9 billion redevelopment of the RNA showgrounds at Bowen Hills has won conditional development approval.

The plans include a new fresh food market, a refurbished industrial pavilion, new large animal pavilions and a hotel to accommodate business and tourist visitors.

About 340,000 square metres of new residential, commercial and retail development is proposed. The RNA will sell up to 5.5 hectares of land around the edges of the site for the development.

The RNA has pledged to retain important heritage elements.

Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe today announced the powerful Urban Land Development Authority had given the masterplan conditional approval.

The RNA showgrounds is within 108 hectares of land in Bowen Hills now classified as an urban development area, placing it under the control of the state government-created planning body.

The ULDA takes over the council role of approving projects in urban development areas.

The Bowen Hills urban development area, located east of the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, takes in the RNA Showgrounds, the Old Museum, Perry Park and the Bowen Hills Railway Station.

The ULDA says the 15-year goal for the RNA Showgrounds is to make it a "true extension of the city and home to world class entertainment and events" with walking paths and bicycle tracks linking commercial, mixed use and open spaces.

It says the showgrounds site should be able to be used throughout the year.

The land available for the annual Ekka will reduce "slightly" each year as the development progresses, but show-goers have been promised minimal disruptions.

With the industrial pavilion closed for next year's Ekka, show bags will be on sale under two big marquees elsewhere on the site.

A project development agreement was signed in June with developer Lend Lease.

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Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
30/11/2010

NEW VISION FOR EKKA SHOWGROUNDS

The RNA's new vision for the Ekka showgrounds will see much of the site open to the public all year round, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe announced today.

Mr Hinchliffe said the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) today approved the RNA's Master Plan to allow the redevelopment of existing buildings and new development on site. He said the $2.9 billion redevelopment would ensure the financial future of the Ekka and create a year round vibrant commercial, residential and retail precinct.

"Sadly some of the cattle sheds and other buildings on site are unfit for use even during the 10-day show,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The RNA would like to see some of the site redeveloped to fund a general upgrade of the Ekka showgrounds and to ensure the show goes well into the future.

"The Ekka is a Queensland tradition and the RNA has advised the government this development will allow for much needed improvements and the continued presence of Ekka favourites such as the Wood Chop arena, Side Show Alley and both the larger and smaller Show Rings.

"It's important to remember maintaining these facilities for the annual show costs money. We do not want to go down the same path as other cities that have moved their shows from the centre of the city to outer areas.

"I'm pleased the RNA, working with Lend Lease and the ULDA, have found a way to keep the Ekka at Bowen Hills and make use of this valuable site for more than just the ten days of the Ekka show.''

He said the RNA applied to redevelop just under a quarter of the site, generally along the boundary, to fund much needed improvements to ageing facilities. The RNA's development application included 20,000m2 of retail space and 340,000m2 of commercial and residential space. The approved application will include a large fresh food market and homes for an estimated 3000 residents.

"The redevelopment includes a proposed fresh food market similar to the extremely popular Melbourne and Adelaide markets which will be open throughout the year," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"There will a fantastic new public realm focussed on the proposed Ekka Plaza which will provide access to the site and a great outdoor area for people to enjoy. I'm also pleased to see the master plan has been undertaken in such a way as to acknowledge and retain where possible the historical nature of the site through the retention of buildings such as the John Reid Pavilion and the gate house.

"The RNA Showgrounds will be further enhanced by the proposed new Cross River Rail Ekka station to be located within the showgrounds, which will provide transport for people not only attending the Ekka, but for who live and work nearby. These will include future residents in the new residential development proposed for the showground site and the nearby Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital."

RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunny said the regeneration of show buildings would ensure their longevity.

"All Queenslanders treasure the historical significance of the Ekka and the RNA Showgrounds which has been home to the iconic Royal Queensland Show since it was first held in since 1876,'' Mr Tunny said.

"The RNA is committed to keeping the historic feel and relevance of the show and believes this regeneration will not just enhance and energise the Ekka but guarantee it remains at its rightful birthplace - the RNA Showgrounds - for future generations to enjoy.

"Importantly, this essential regeneration means long overdue upgrades will be made to our main animal facilities such as the horse and cattle pavilions. These exciting upgrades will provide state of the art facilities specifically designed to cater for animal safety and hygiene.

"Key historical buildings such as the Industrial Pavilion and John Reid Pavilion will be retained and upgraded so they can be used not just during the Ekka but for other events held at the RNA Showgrounds throughout the year.

"This is vital for the Ekka to remain relevant and ensure its long term financial survival. This is also why it is so important that the existing buildings are upgraded so they are of a standard which will service successive shows for years to come. The RNA is honoured to run the Ekka on behalf of the community and we are committed to building a wonderful legacy for future generations to enjoy - this regeneration is essential to ensuring the RNA achieves this."

ULDA CEO Paul Eagles said the redevelopment was a 15 to 25 year project with the first step the $40 - $60 million redevelopment of the Industrial Pavilion.

"The ULDA is working with the RNA on more detailed aspects of the site, with the Industrial Pavilion the first site to be redeveloped. The street facades will be retained to keep the historical nature of the site, while the main part of the building will be redeveloped into a convention centre to be utilised throughout the year,'' Mr Eagles said.

"The ULDA will also work with Lend Lease on the new private residential, commercial and retail development which will need to be in line with the approved Bowen Hills Urban Development Area (UDA) Development Scheme. The development scheme details a range of development requirements including the permissible heights of buildings within the precinct, ranging from five up to 30 storeys, as well affordable housing provisions.

"One of the key roles of the ULDA is the delivery of affordable housing and Lend Lease will be required to deliver at least five percent of all residential dwellings at a price affordable to residents on the median household income from Brisbane City local government area.''

The Government has assisted to resolve financing arrangements for the project through the Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC). The $65 million loan from QTC will facilitate the redevelopment of the industrial pavilion. For more information visit http://www.ulda.qld.gov.au/dad/devappdetails.aspx?ACTION=&x=bBe2muUtGsc%3d

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Courier Mail --> Ekka redevelopment set to start