TODs (Transit Oriented Developments)

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
11/06/2010

Minister approves Milton Transit Oriented Development

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe has today approved a mixed use development integrated with Milton train station.

The conditional approval follows Mr Hinchliffe's April 16 decision to call-in the development adjacent to the station.

Mr Hinchliffe said after careful assessment advised by the Board of Urban Places and Department of Infrastructure and Planning Officers he had approved the development with conditions. These conditions are in addition to those put in place by Brisbane City Council (BCC) when they approved the FKP development on February 3.

"This proposed development is located on one of the most important parcels of land in Milton, adjacent to the railway station and public transport corridors," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Submissions made to me by the local community, including the Member for Mount Coot-tha Andrew Fraser, emphasised the need for public open space and consideration of the project's scale.

"In response to these concerns about the scale of the project, I have considered the application against the advanced draft local plan and reduced the maximum height of the building to 30-storeys in line with that plan.

"In addition I have imposed conditions including an extra $1 million on top of council's original $5 million in developer contributions to improve Milton Station for the area's many commuters.

"The developer will also have to contribute $52,500 in public art contributions - the same rate set for developments in Brisbane's CBD - to see local public art on permanent display.

"I have also requested the developer finalise with council contributions for open space to specifically target the revitalisation of local parks within Milton.''

Mr Hinchliffe said he understood the decision could concern some community members opposed to the development. He said many of the new conditions focused on improving the public amenity for Milton residents and for anyone who accessed the Milton train station.

"As a result of this development there will also be improvements to the footpath design on Railway Terrace and new upgrades to station access from Milton Road and Park Road,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"I am also requesting that the developer engage with council to ensure monetary contributions to council's open space trust are used specifically within the Milton area.''

Mr Hinchliffe said Transit Oriented Development (TOD) described broad planning and design principals that supported mixed-use development to activate communities based around pedestrian access to public transport. He said Milton was already a mixed-use centre that allowed people to work and play closer to home. This development will add to that mix and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

For more than five years the SEQRP has identified the Milton site as a preferred location for a mixed-use development for more than five years. Mr Hinchliffe said the proposed development was located on one of the most important parcels of land in Milton, adjacent to the railway station and public transport corridors.

"Higher density urban developments in prime inner city locations like this one are important to the city's future,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"A cornerstone of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 (SEQRP) is the improved integration between land use and transport and this development will achieve this for Milton.

"The Bligh Government has a plan to meet the challenge of population growth in South East Queensland.

"Part of that plan is to support smarter development of renewed communities to relieve growth pressure on South East Queensland and continue to protect our tin and timber suburbs.''

The Milton Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is comprised of approximately 300 residential units and office/gym, retail, restaurant and railway activities. To ensure a thorough and transparent assessment was undertaken, the entire process was audited by well respected Brisbane based town planner Greg Vann.

Ministerial conditions include:

·Maximum building height of 30 storeys to better reflect the intent of the Draft Milton Station Neighbourhood Plan (MSNP).

·Improved mix of uses including the requirement for additional office or indoor sport and recreation space at level 1. This will result in an improved interface to Railway Terrace and the station entry through the replacement of active uses over car parks.

·A maximum provision of 280 car parks. This will result in the reduction in the total number of car parking spaces by 100 to better align with principles of TOD.

·A redesign of the public access provisions to allow for enhanced pedestrian footpath and retail promenade along Railway Terrace to provide for better pedestrian connectivity and activation of the streetscape. This can be achieved by reducing the length of any retaining wall; a minimum footpath width of 3m with enhanced street planting; and a minimum setback of 9m from the Railway Terrace property boundary to allow for enhanced retail promenade. These are significant increases in the public realm for the direct benefit of the public.

·A design review, undertaken in conjunction with the Board of Urban Places, of the Railway Terrace entry to Milton Station to allow for improved connectivity. This is to include, but not limited to, the provision for bicycle ramps and parking; alternative design measures for the location and configuration of the lifts and escalators; and improved level changes to the railway station entry.

·Submission of a wind study to understand the wind shear into the public realm and provide recommendations for improved amenity through design measures.

·No advertising signage is to be provided on the northern building façade fronting Milton Road to ensure billboard advertising does not impact on the streetscape. Railway related signage is permissible.

·The requirement to upgrade station entries at Milton Road and Park Road to improve public safety and the amenity of the station environment

·The provision of public art on Railway Terrace to the value of 0.25% of the total project cost.

·A request for the developer and BCC to enter into an infrastructure agreement to enable the community purpose infrastructure contribution to be directly benefiting the Milton Station Neighbourhood Plan area.


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

[somebody]

Milton isn't already a TOD?

The Auditor-General was very critical of Translink and the Government for their planning of land use.  Notice how all the commercial centres and UQ are very close to the city?  What's required is for jobs to be located further afield at places more like Darra and Northgate.  Cannon Hill is really the only place slated for development which is likely to reduce travel times for some people.

The "Ecosciences precinct" at Park Rd is another example.

[Jon Bryant]

280 car parks right on top of the railway station looks excessive.  In this inner core of a TOD street parking a
is about all that is needed.  Tough stance but this is what is needed.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Thirty storeys up, 100 car parks down

Thirty storeys up, 100 car parks down
TONY MOORE
June 11, 2010 - 4:50PM

The state government has approved a 30-storey building at Milton, but a reduction in car parks has led to complaints from Brisbane City Council.

Infrastructure Minister Stirling Hinchliffe called in the project in February to circumvent possible objections to the Transit Oriented Development.

Mr Hinchliffe approved the project today, albeit with a reduced number of car parks - 280, down from the planned 380.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said while council had approved of the project, he believed the limited car spaces would be a disincentive to potential .

"The worst case scenario is that we have 303 units, but only 227 parking spots," Cr Newman said.

"We don't want to see the same sort of situation that we have seen down in James Street in Fortitude Valley, where you would have cars choking streets."

Cr Newman said people who move in to the new development would own cars and needed somewhere to put them.

"The simple fact is that people will own vehicles and need to garage them somewhere," he said.

Mr Hinchliffe has also reduced the height of the building from 31 to a maximum of 30 storeys and asked for an additional $1 million in developer contributions.

"I have imposed conditions including an extra $1 million on top of council's original $5 million in developer contributions to improve Milton station for the area's many commuters," he said.

The developers, FKP, would also be required to pay $52,500 for public art and talk to Brisbane City Council about improving local parks in the Milton area.

Access to Milton station would also have to be improved.

"There will also be improvements to the footpath design on Railway Terrace and new upgrades to station access to from Milton Road and Park Road," Mr Hinchliffe said.

The state government has also ruled out any large signs on Milton Road to distract motorists.

FKP this afternoon welcomed the approval.

Residential executive general manager Evian Delfabbro said they would now work through the conditions before deciding when to launch the project.

"This decision sets a good precedent for development that is in line with the objectives of the

South East Queensland Regional Plan," she said.

"FKP will be working through the conditions of the approval with a view to launching 'The Milton'."

Local residents group, Concerned Residents Against Milton's Excessive Development, could not be contacted today.

But in April said any approval would be "a slap in the face for the community".

CRAMED chair Elizabeth Handley said the suburban area around Milton was unfairly treated as an extension of the CBD and said state and local governments were ignoring their views.

"That would imply that they're not interested in anything that a local community has to say ... and they have forgotten who elects them," she said.

[Jon Bryant]

Just shows how out of touch our Lord Mayor is.  He is astounded that there can be less car parks than units.  Surley this will break the fabric of time and a black hole will consume Milton!!!!

[#Metro]

It can't be TOD if most of the residents have cars/will be car pandering.
Even more surprising is how the council wanted more cars there as "they may park on the road".


I agree with Jonno, too many car parks. How much space did that lock up? Probably enough for a few Olympic sized swimming pools.

[Derwan]

I am one of these people who commute via PT during the week, but I enjoy the freedom of having my own car for evening and weekend activities.  There is no way in hell I'd consider giving up my car and moving to somewhere that doesn't have a car space.

While having units without car spaces seems logical, it is NOT going to change people's attitudes.  You can't FORCE people to change.  (You can only "guide" them.)

People's attitudes will change over time.  Perhaps there will be enough of these people to initially fill the units that don't have car spaces.  Perhaps there won't - leaving the developer and/or investors out of pocket until those attitudes change.

[somebody]

While having units without car spaces seems logical, it is NOT going to change people's attitudes.  You can't FORCE people to change.  (You can only "guide" them.)

People's attitudes will change over time.  Perhaps there will be enough of these people to initially fill the units that don't have car spaces.  Perhaps there won't - leaving the developer and/or investors out of pocket until those attitudes change.

I couldn't disagree with you more there Derwan.  Use of PT versus private cars is largely driven by the availability or otherwise of parking.  Some years ago, I bought a unit in the Sydney CBD which had no parking in the building.  I could have leased a spot for $50/week minimum, but it didn't seem very attractive to me.  It was shortly after this that I sold my car and haven't bought another one.

Shouldn't these things be decided by the market?  There's no way in hell that the BCC should be enforcing that parking is offered, especially somewhere with moderately effective public transport like Milton.

[Derwan]

Shouldn't these things be decided by the market? 

And it looks like it will be.  I for one would never buy a place without a car space.  Let's see how they go. 

[Jon Bryant]

We need to also think about the 50% of the population who are too young, too old plus those can't or choose not to drive.  The belief that every house has to have a car is not even true today let alone a goal we need to achieve.   

[somebody]

We need to also think about the 50% of the population who are too young, too old plus those can't or choose not to drive. 

I would not think that number is 50%.  And I don't think those who are too young to move around on their own anyway should be counted.

And it looks like it will be.  I for one would never buy a place without a car space.  Let's see how they go. 

Ok, but it sounded like you were arguing that the development shouldn't have been approved without more parking.

[Derwan]

Ok, but it sounded like you were arguing that the development shouldn't have been approved without more parking.

No - merely indicating that I (for one) wouldn't buy/rent a place without a car space and that having fewer car spaces won't FORCE people's attitudes to change.

I think that for a while, the prices of the car-less units will be considerably lower - just to be able to sell/rent them.  There are many people who will take advantage of this, to the benefit of roads/congestion.

Of course there's the other side - people renting these units for the cheaper price even though they have a car - and they'll try to find a space nearby - perhaps taking up the spaces of visitors to Milton, causing even more congestion.  (I guess that'll force THEM to consider PT.)

[#Metro]

I am one of these people who commute via PT during the week, but I enjoy the freedom of having my own car for evening and weekend activities.  There is no way in hell I'd consider giving up my car and moving to somewhere that doesn't have a car space.

While having units without car spaces seems logical, it is NOT going to change people's attitudes.  You can't FORCE people to change.  (You can only "guide" them.)

People's attitudes will change over time.  Perhaps there will be enough of these people to initially fill the units that don't have car spaces.  Perhaps there won't - leaving the developer and/or investors out of pocket until those attitudes change.

I disagree also. PT is bad precisely because planners & pollies have this stubborn, ridiculous idea that public transport MUST focus on the peak hour, and that off-peak, recreational journeys and weekend trips are just "fluff". Even worse there is the "prove it to us" mentality which dictates that poor services that nobody would dream of using because the service quality and frequency is so shockingly awful must be full before an upgrade is warranted (which will never happen, people will just think "what rubbish PT, I'm going to get a car!") which entrenches a downward spiral of decay.

Of course if there is no PT off peak, no-one will bother.
The view that PT is there mainly for peak hour purposes or even mere congestion relief must go. It should be there for all trips, not just city-suburb line haul, but for local trips, dinner, dining, recreation- everything in general. Zurich seems to have little problem doing this.

Why should developers be FORCED by legislation to have car parks? Car parks are a huge cost- both to construct (dig out many levels of earthworks under a building) and because space is forgone (multi-level car parks above ground could have been put to better, more productive purposes such as more building space, restaurants etc).

Improve off-peak public transport and give people choices so they can switch.
Trains every 15 minutes off peak, buses a minimum every 20 minutes within 30 minutes of the CBD.

[mufreight]

Having driven for over 40 years and now having reached the point where I now have relinquished my licence and longer drive due to having made a responsible decision as to my medical condition and my fitness to drive, it is my belief that government has a responsibility that PT should be ramped up so that many like myself who would pose an unacceptable risk on roads can relinquish their driving priveliges without the loss of their social mobility and independence.
TOD's such as that proposed at Milton are an extension of that in providing accomodation without the necessicity of relying on the car for transport.

[stephenk]

We need to also think about the 50% of the population who are too young, too old plus those can't or choose not to drive.  The belief that every house has to have a car is not even true today let alone a goal we need to achieve.   

People won't relinquish their cars, especially at weekend until their is PT with frequent with good coverage. In Brisbane I need a car if I want to get to/from Bunnings, a decent Supermarket (without everything defrosting on the way home), or Springbrook National Park.

Yet in London/UK and Japan, I could get pretty much everywhere I want to with PT, even some pretty remote places. I had no need whatsoever for a car in London. Living without a car in Brisbane would be very difficult.

[#Metro]

People won't relinquish their cars, especially at weekend until their is PT with frequent with good coverage. In Brisbane I need a car if I want to get to/from Bunnings, a decent Supermarket (without everything defrosting on the way home), or Springbrook National Park.

This is the Chicken-Egg problem.
People won't relinquish their cars until PT is frequent with good coverage. People think: "I can't catch services which don't exist." and "I'm not waiting for the bus that comes every 1 hour or 1/2 hour." People go out, buy a car, and once they have it habits are very difficult to break.

So the planners think: "Oh, there is no demand here, everyone has cars, Oh well, better spend the transport dollars somewhere else."

What the planners want to see is that bus which only turns up once an hour, absolutely packed to the rafters before more services are put on. Something of course which will NEVER happen.

What is worse is that almost all routes (except 599/598) are City-Suburbs. Movement between suburbs (say Paddington to Indooroopilly, Carindale to 8 mile plains, Bulimba to Carindale) is very hard to do. Melbourne has smart bus which is putting an end to this. 599/598 needs to be rebadged, re-numbered (route 1 and route 2), get a paint job like cityglider and have its frequency boosted to every 15 minutes off peak.

Its not necessary to own a car to do trips to Bunnings (don't they have delivery options? I've had things delivered), shopping is the same, and you can rent a car to go to Springbrook. Much cheaper than buying one and have it sit in the garage.

[ozbob]

Some interesting observations ..  L.A. Streetsblog  

--> What Was Missing from Last Week's T.O.D. Conference

[Jon Bryant]

This is exactly my point.  Until we plan for PT to be the primary mode of transport then we will never build a PT sevice that makes living without a car easy.  Unfortunately our planning processes all assume 80% of trips will be by car and we will never need a PT system of that order.  It is this planning assumption that requires so much car parking in our developments.  If we keep providing the car parks and the road space then PT will remain a social service not a transport alternative.

[somebody]

having fewer car spaces won't FORCE people's attitudes to change.

For the record, this is a significant part of what I was strongly disagreeing with.

I think that for a while, the prices of the car-less units will be considerably lower - just to be able to sell/rent them.  There are many people who will take advantage of this, to the benefit of roads/congestion.

The cost of providing the units without car parking is significantly less.  A parking space is more than 10m2 and the access to it uses up at least that again.  Your average 2 bedder unit would be 80-120m2, so you are using up a large portion of your investment in said unit on parking.  Obviously the fitout cost of the car park is less, but I expect it has to have stronger floors.

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
21/06/2010

YEERONGPILLY TOD SHIFTS INTO HIGH GEAR

A consortium led by design consultants Deicke Richards will soon start planning for a joint State Government and Brisbane City Council transit-oriented development (TOD) at Yeerongpilly, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe announced today.

The appointed consortium comprises 15 separate professional companies, with approximately 32 staff allocated to work on the Yeerongpilly TOD project.

"The consortium will undertake a major urban design exercise for this 14ha site near the Yeerongpilly train station,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"This will result in a Plan of Development to determine how the development progresses, from the number of homes to the way the open space and retail areas are furthered.

"The Yeerongpilly site represents an excellent opportunity to deliver a range of housing options including key worker accommodation, retail, office and recreation facilities.''

Dwelling numbers, building heights and other layout details will be formalised during the design and consultation process.

Community consultation is set to begin in July, giving residents an opportunity to learn about the development and get involved in the planning process.

"The rejuvenation of urban sites like this one at Yeerongpilly will be fundamental to creating a better Brisbane for the future," Minister Hinchliffe said.

"We are encouraging the people of Brisbane to have their say and help shape the future of this exciting and innovative development.''

A plan is expected by early 2011.

The Yeerongpilly TOD site is currently home to the Animal Research Institute which will be vacating the site over the next year to move into new state-of-the-art facilities at the Coopers Plains and Boggo Road urban village.

The site is also next door to the Yeerongpilly train station and within walking distance of the Brisbane River, the new tennis centre and the Tennyson Reach development.

[Derwan]

All these planned TOD's and not one has started construction yet.

[Golliwog]

I was at work today and had an idea for another TOD that can be done, but doubt it would be. I work at the Great Western at Keperra, which was constructed in stages. There was another stage that was planned but never got built on the vacant land between the bottleshop+pub and Samford Rd. I think it was supposed to be some form of fast food place or something. Anyway, the point is its currently vacant and as I understand it, Multiplex (who owns it) have no plans to do anything with it, and it will also get a bit bigger as they are planning a big residential estate up to the top of the hill behind it as well as expanding the shopping center towards The Gap. As part of that expansion they are getting rid of the current left in left out entrance on Samford Rd and replacing it with a set of lights roughly 50m further up the road away from the lights on Settlement Rd. I think that this land there could quite easily have an medium sized office block built on it and the current bus stop could be upgraded so theres stops on both sides of the road through the center and a new route could be added to run between The Gap (385 access) and FG station (should be getting done sometime anyway as part of Translinks new Network plan). It would make the center look better from that side too, currently it's just barren rocky dirt.

[Golliwog]

Woops, my bad. Why do something TOD like when you could put in a Hungry Jacks instead.... thats what they're trying to get approval for anyway. The area I'm talking about is whats marked as stage 3 in this document: http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/masterview/modules/documentmaster/viewdocumentftp.aspx?key=p4j9mRT%2fiFbH2e%2bT1tuvlVvG7MIfcy5hfcql1eTg18nDvWLQX966ig%3d%3d

The plans I have seen intend on moving the round about next to stage 3 further up the page to have access to the ploanned residential estate as well, and connecting to the traffic lights further up, where the bend in Samford Rd is if you look at in in google maps.

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
06/07/2010

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE YEERONGPILLY TOD

Interested community members are being invited to help shape the future of the Yeerongpilly Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe announced today.

Mr Hinchliffe said residents could nominate to act as Community Planning Representatives (CPRs) and help guide the joint State Government and Brisbane City Council (BCC) initiative. BCC Mayor Campbell Newman said the TOD would be built on 14ha of Government-owned land near the Yeerongpilly train station and just 6km from the Brisbane CBD.

TODs are mixed-use precincts built walking distance from public transport that allow people to live, work and play closer to central Brisbane with reduced reliance on cars.

"We are seeking nominees from the local community to form a group of Community Planning Representatives (CPR) which will have input into plans for the future redevelopment of the Yeerongpilly TOD," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"We expect to see a membership of around 30 people who will be local residents, business representatives, landowners or community organisation representatives with direct links to, or knowledge of the area.

"We want to see the community's interests well represented. All nominations for Community Planning Representatives will be evaluated on the basis of the need for a representative cross-section of interests and experience from the local community.

"Unfortunately the number of Community Planning Representatives is limited to ensure all who participate are able to provide meaningful input.''

Member for Yeerongpilly Simon Finn said newsletters containing project information and nomination and feedback forms had been sent to Yeerongpilly residents and businesses.

"It's important the people of Yeerongpilly are informed and involved,'' Mr Finn said.

"Those who wish to have their say and nominate as Community Planning Representatives can do so via these newsletters or online before nominations close at 5pm on Monday July 12.''

For more than five years, the South East Queensland Regional Plan has identified that TODs in urban growth areas will help address population growth issues such as traffic congestion, housing affordability and the effects of climate change.

The progression of the Yeerongpilly TOD is a key action from the Queensland Growth Management Summit held in March 2010.

To register a nomination to join the Yeerongpilly CPR, visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/tod-Yeerongpilly and complete the online nomination form. For more information about TODs, visit: http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/local-area-planning/transit-oriented-development.html

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

[Golliwog]

http://www.translink.com.au/mediarelease.php?id=163

First step for new Yeerongpilly footbridge
Thursday 8 July 2010


Transport Minister Rachel Nolan and Member for Yeerongpilly Simon Finn today turned the first sod to start work on a new footbridge over busy Fairfield Road linking Yeerongpilly train station and the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Ms Nolan said the $8 million project would create a safe and accessible pedestrian link from the train station to the Queensland Tennis Centre and the future transit oriented development (TOD) at Yeerongpilly.

"Premier Anna Bligh announced late last year that a footbridge would be built and I'm delighted to stand here today to turn the first sod to officially start building," Ms Nolan said.

"This new footbridge will be convenient for people attending sporting events at the Queensland Tennis Centre with a direct connection from the train station without having to cross busy Fairfield Road.

"More than 80 per cent of people attending events at the Queensland Tennis Centre catch public transport and this new overpass will make that journey even easier for passengers.

"This new footbridge will also provide a crucial pedestrian link to the new TOD at Yeerongpilly on the State Government site, also opposite the train station.

"The State Government and Brisbane City Council are working together to develop this large parcel of land bordered by Fairfield Road, King Arthur Terrace and Tennyson Memorial Avenue that will soon be a mix of commercial and residential buildings and be home to thousands of people."

Ms Nolan said the project team was working towards an iconic entryway with a strong tennis theme given its association with the tennis centre.

"As most people travel by train for special events at the Queensland Tennis Centre, it is fitting that this new infrastructure will have a strong tennis theme," Ms Nolan said.

Mr Finn said the new footbridge would be a welcome addition to local public transport infrastructure.

"The new footbridge will include lifts and stairs on the western side of Fairfield Road to provide easy access and connection to the tennis centre, the future development and surrounding areas," Mr Finn said.

"It will also be ideal for people with mobility issues, particularly given the current station access on the eastern side of Fairfield Road is by stairs only, which are being removed.

"The footbridge will be finished before the 2011 Brisbane International tennis tournament kicks off in early January."

For more details on public transport, visit the TransLink website www.translink.com.au or phone the Call Centre on 13 12 30.

[#Metro]

Isn't this recycled news? Wasn't it supposed to be finished before they tennis centre opened?

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Gabba expands skyward and downward

Gabba expands skyward and downward
MARISSA CALLIGEROS
July 19, 2010 - 1:00PM

Skyscrapers up to 40 storeys high have been given the go-ahead to tower over Woolloongabba's new underground railway station, brisbanetimes.com.au can reveal.

The towers are a feature of the government's master plan for the Gabba precinct between Vulture and Stanley streets, which would see it become a transit-oriented residential and commercial hub.

Premier Anna Bligh said the proposal would allow for high-density living and commercial office space, with easy access to public transport and shopping and dining facilities, directly opposite the Gabba.

"This plan details an inner-city community of residential, retail, commercial, employment, recreation and community facilities, with unparalleled access to public transport and for pedestrians and cyclists," she said today.

"It's a glimpse of the future for this part of inner city Brisbane."

Under the proposal, the precinct would also house one of four new underground rail stations as part of the Cross River Rail project, to add transport options to the existing busway.

The 10-hectare site, one kilometre from the CBD, is currently home to the government's Go-Print and Lands Centre buildings.

The plan allows for a 40-storey tower to be built over the underground rail interchange, and 20- to 30-storey buildings on other parts of the site.

Construction could begin as early as 2012, with the final development scheme set to be approved next April.

Ms Bligh declared the site an "Urban Development Area" in April following the Queensland Growth Management Summit, which identified the need for more transit-oriented developments in Brisbane.

"This new Gabba Precinct is a prime example of that," she said.

The precinct, bordered by Main, Vulture, Stanley and Allen streets, would also include a public park the size of Anzac Square, pedestrian boulevards, a plaza, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said new units would be geared towards middle-level income earners, like teachers, nurses and emergency services workers.

"The range of housing choice provided within the Woolloongabba UDA will respond to housing affordability pressures being faced by key workers employed in the Mater Hospital Precinct and nearby Brisbane CBD," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"This will also be a great place for commercial businesses to be based."

Urban Land Development Association CEO Paul Eagles said the metropolitan precinct would also benefit sports fans.

"With the Australian cricket team, the Queensland Bulls and of course the Brisbane Lions all playing matches at the Gabba, the local area is often awash with patrons looking for dining venues and entertainment before and after the big game," Mr Eagles said.

Although full development of the Gabba precinct was expected to take up to 20 years, the ULDA was expected to release the first parcel of land for development late next year.

The Woolloongabba Draft Structure Plan is now available for public comment through www.ulda.qld.gov.au.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Buranda's great big new flats

[Derwan]

These stories are so "ho hum" because not one (after how many years?) has commenced development.  I'll get excited when they start digging and erect cranes.

[#Metro]

What! It only just got approval?
Its going to take forever to see anything on site.

[Golliwog]

Update on the Fairfield road overbridge going in for the Yeerongpilly TOD:
Access changes at Yeerongpilly station

From Thursday 12 August, the stairs on the eastern side (station side) of Fairfield Road will be permanently removed.

A shuttle bus will be provided to transfer commuters from King Arthur Terrace to Yeerongpilly station:

	Operates	Frequency
Monday to Friday	6am to 10pm	Every 10 minutes between 6.30am and 9.30am and between 3pm and 6pm Every 20 minutes all other times
Saturday	6am to 10pm	Every 20 minutes
Sunday	7am to 5pm	Every 20 minutes

The shuttle bus will operate until construction is complete in December 2010. Customers will then access the station from new stairs and a lift on the western side of Fairfield Road.

[#Metro]

An excellent experiment in shuttle feeder buses. It should be extended in route a bit and be timed if possible.

[ozbob]

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
07/09/2010

Parklands development to deliver annual economic boost of up to $550 million

The redevelopment of the State Government-owned Parklands site as a vibrant office, retail and residential precinct could generate a total of up to 6380 jobs and an estimated $550 million per annum, Member for Southport Peter Lawlor announced today.

Mr Lawlor said it was estimated the development of the 29ha site as a modern, state-of-the-art Transit Oriented Development (TOD) would boost the Southport economy by half a billion dollars a year, generate much needed jobs and provide homes for first home buyers, young families, key workers and those looking to down size.

Transit Oriented Developments, known as TODs, are currently underway in Milton and Yeerongpilly in Brisbane. TODS are mixed residential/retail developments built within walking distance of high quality public transport with a reduced reliance on cars.

Mr Lawlor said the site would support the adjoining Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Centre and generate reasonably priced housing close to the Southport CBD. The decision to relocate the existing facilities from the State owned Parklands site was announced on 22 August 2007.

"For more than 20 years the State Government-owned Parklands site has hosted the Gold Coast Show,'' Mr Lawlor said.

"It's now time for this site to do more for the people of the Gold Coast.

"The State Government has decided the existing Parklands site will be redeveloped to act as a support centre for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, and to generate much-needed housing for key workers, young families, first time home buyers and those looking to downsize.

"Recent estimations have shown the redevelopment could generate up to 6380 jobs and up to $550 million for the Southport economy each and every year.''

Mr Lawlor said if the Commonwealth Games bid was successful, the site could also play host to the athlete's ecoVillage - which would later become part of the TOD. He said a successful Gold Coast Commonwealth Games bid could generate up to 30,000 jobs and be beamed to more than 1.5 billion viewers world-wide.

"In October 2009, Premier Bligh announced that preparations for the Commonwealth Games bid had identified the Parklands site as an ideal location for the athlete's ecoVillage,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"If the bid is successful, the ecoVillage will play host to athletes from around the world before being transformed into part of the vibrant retail/residential development which will assist locals struggling to buy into one of Queensland's most sought after real estate markets.

"This state-of-the-art residential and retail development will be centrally located and just minutes from the Southport CBD, Surfers Paradise and other beautiful Gold Coast beaches.''

The timeline for the project depends on the outcome of the Commonwealth Games bid. The bid will be lodged with the Commonwealth Games Federation in May 2011, and a decision made in November 2011.

It is expected the Parklands site will be linked with a light rail system as part of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge precinct development. The site would also be home to greenspace, playgrounds and other community facilities.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the State Government had publicly committed to finding an alternative site for the Gold Coast Show. He said dedicated officers were working to ensure a suitable site was found well ahead of the June 2013 deadline.

"As far as the State Government is concerned, the show will go on,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"After more than 20 years at the State Government owned Parklands site, the Gold Coast Show will be relocated. We are committed to providing an alternative site and at the moment Carrara is the leading option.

"We will continue to work on this process and consult with the community and other stakeholders.''

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

[O_128]

Im really liking the light rail system, it seems there is now a lot of proposed developments along the corridor, it seems people just like the certainty of tracks over buses

[#Metro]

Transit Oriented Developments, known as TODs, are currently underway in Milton and Yeerongpilly in Brisbane. TODS are mixed residential/retail developments built within walking distance of high quality public transport with a reduced reliance on cars.

This is misleading. A grand total of the much touted ZERO TODs have been built. Not a single brick or block has been laid at any of the Yeerongpilly, Milton, Albion Mill, etc etc.

Its always coming tomorrow, and never today. 

[#Metro]

The redevelopment of the State Government-owned Parklands site as a vibrant office, retail and residential precinct could generate a total of up to 6380 jobs and an estimated $550 million per annum, Member for Southport Peter Lawlor announced today.

Mr Lawlor said it was estimated the development of the 29ha site as a modern, state-of-the-art Transit Oriented Development (TOD) would boost the Southport economy by half a billion dollars a year, generate much needed jobs and provide homes for first home buyers, young families, key workers and those looking to down size.

How much was that LRT costing again? $900 million? By this it sounds that it will have paid itself back in terms of benefits to that area very quickly! I hope they are capturing the value from this one somehow and not just letting developers build on public land without making a reasonable and fair $$$ contribution.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 9th September 2010 page 1

Milton TOD - at last

[Sunbus610]

More info on Milton TOD

>> FKP Property Group - Media Release HERE

>> 'The Milton' website HERE

[Derwan]

Milton TOD - at last

Yeah I'll believe it when I see the construction crane.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Milton tower units hit market

Milton tower units hit market

    * Michelle Hele
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * September 09, 2010 11:35PM

MILTON'S skyline will soon get its tallest tower with the launch yesterday of a controversial 30-storey building next to the railway station.

Known as The Milton, the tower is Brisbane's first Transit Oriented Development under the South East Queensland Regional Plan.

The project was first touted three years ago, when it was to be built over the railway line but developer FKP soon realised that would be logistically too difficult and cost too much to deliver.

New plans for a 31-storey tower on Railway Tce, next to the rail line were then revealed and approved by Brisbane City Council, before community protests erupted.

Concerned these would lead to the development being held up in the court system, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Sterling Hinchliffe called it in.

He approved the project with the condition it be reduced to 30-storeys in line with the draft Milton Neighbourhood Plan.

FKP executive general manager residential Evian Delfabbro said the development would now have 298 one and two-bedroom apartments, starting at $369,000.

The bottom levels of the building will house office space and retail. Part of the deal includes FKP helping fund an upgrade of the Milton railway station.

''We will be improving the access to the railway station - it is in the order of $6 million worth of upgrades,'' Ms Delfabbro said.

Not all unit owners will get a car parking space as there are only 271 allocated and some of those are for commercial use.

Mr Hinchliffe said the project would offer a ''15-minute lifestyle'', with all major facilities within 15 minutes travelling distance whether by car, foot or public transport.

But he does not believe it will be a catalyst for Milton to become a suburb of 30-storey towers.

Construction is expected to start early next year with units released for sale tomorrow.