Regeneration Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project

Regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds by the RNA and Lendlease.

Organisations Involved

The RNA owns and operates the Brisbane Showgrounds and is a not for dividend member based organisation governed by a 21 member council. Its charter is to celebrate and champion the essential role agriculture plays in the everyday lives of Queenslanders.

Lendlease is the RNA's project partner for the Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project. The project is being delivered via Lendlease's integrated business model, with the Group providing funding partners, development management, project management, design management and construction.

Location

Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Australia - 1.5 kilometres from CBD

Size

22 hectares and represents the largest Brownfield development of its kind in Australia. The project includes 340,000m2 of new residential, commercial and retail buildings, together with an additional 76,000m2 of new development on RNA retained land.

Investment

The project value of new residential/commercial/retail development is estimated at $2.9 billion. This is funded primarily by Lendlease and through a $65 million loan from the Queensland Treasury Corporation.

Economic Benefits / Job Creation

The regeneration project is expected to deliver $300 million per annum in economic benefits to Queensland, while supporting Brisbane's future economic and population growth by creating more than 2,000 jobs.

Significance

This world-class regeneration of a famous landmark synonymous with Queensland's social heritage and culture represents an historic milestone for Brisbane. It is not simply an urban renewal but rather a transformation of 22 hectares, 1.5 kilometres from the CBD, into a vibrant year-round destination.

Vision 

In 2003, the RNA Council began a process to achieve two vital goals for the benefit of not just RNA members, but the people of Queensland. The goals involved guaranteeing the annual Ekka - the event Queenslanders voted their most iconic - would remain at the Brisbane Showgrounds where it was first held in 1876, and ensuring the long term financial viability of the RNA. 

Transport

The completion of the efficient Airport Link and Northern Busway, along with the Cross River Rail transport infrastructure project currently under construction, ensures the Brisbane Showgrounds is more accessible to the community.

Support

The regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds has the bipartisan support of the Queensland Government, State Opposition, Brisbane City Council, the Federal Government and Federal Opposition plus many within Brisbane's business, agriculture, industry and community sectors.

To download the latest 2023 Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project fact sheet please click here.

Construction Overview

Stage One

2013 marked historic project milestones with the completion of major stage one works:

• Industrial Pavilion transformed into a $59 million state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre which contains three flexible halls featuring an Australian only custom built operable ceiling grid system, a 1,200m2 commercial kitchen with world-class catering and exhibition space for indoor/outdoor events. The Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) held its first event in March 2013
• $7.7 million 7,000sqm Plaza and Porte-Cochere
• $7 million in enabling infrastructure works to improve stormwater and sewer works

Stage Two 

The RNA and project partner Lendlease unveiled stage two of the project in 2014: 

• Development and completion of Lendlease's residential apartments 'The Green' and commercial precinct 'Kingsgate'
• Development and completion of the four and a half star Rydges Hotel
• Development and completion of King Street and associated public realm 
• Development and completion of The Yards residential apartments

Stage Three 

Stage three of the project got underway in August 2016: 

• Development of Kings Co-op, supported by a five level, 375 bay car park 
• Construction of 25 King - the world's largest engineered timber office building 
• Construction of The Pavilion, to house large animals at Ekka and used as a car park and event space outside of show
• Construction of Marquee No. 2 - a second marquee for the Brisbane Showgrounds
• Creation of Alexandria Park and upgrade to Building 8 

Other major stages will occur in the project including further commercial and retail development.

The annual Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) will continue to operate throughout the life of the project.

Energising the Ekka

The Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration and updated state-of-the-art facilities have secured the Ekka's location at the Brisbane Showgrounds. This means the Ekka is one of the only Royal Shows in the country to maintain its country and city links by holding the show at its original inner-city location. The Ekka has and will continue to operate throughout the life of the Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration project. In 2013, Ekka guests were able to experience the Royal ICC first-hand as it housed some of the show's largest and most popular events and competitions. The regeneration also ensures handlers can continue to stay in close proximity to their prize winning animals, with new state-of-the-art large animal facilities.

Enquiries

For construction related enquires and residential, commercial and retail information please contact Lendlease on 1800 148 019. For enquiries relating to the RNA, Brisbane Showgrounds or the Royal Queensland Show, please contact the RNA on (07) 3253 3900.