The RNA today announced Lend Lease Development as preferred development partner for $3b master-planned redevelopment of RNA Showgrounds
The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) today announced the appointment of Lend Lease Development as its preferred development partner for the $3 billion master-planned redevelopment of the RNA Showgrounds.
The announcement concludes a competitive bid process involving Lend Lease Development and Leighton Properties. Both parties submitted detailed redevelopment plans and commercial arrangements for Brisbane’s iconic RNA Showgrounds.
Announcing Lend Lease’s appointment, RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunny says the RNA Showgrounds redevelopment will inject billions into the Queensland economy and create some 2,000 jobs per annum over the development life of the project.
“The development will complement, not copy, Brisbane’s other great public spaces, drawing on the colour, character and history of the RNA Showgrounds and surrounding Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill, Bowen Hills and the Royal Brisbane Hospital precinct,” he says.
“For the first time in our history, the RNA will open up the site for use everyday by the community and improve connectivity with Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills. Bicycle and pedestrian pathways will provide easy access through the RNA Showgrounds and onto the CBD.
“Lend Lease did an exceptional job in understanding the RNA’s requirements to successfully maintain the EkkA as well as deliver a new business model for event management in the future. As custodians of this historic precinct, the RNA has a strong vested interest in maintaining the heritage qualities for future generations.”
Stage one of the redevelopment will incorporate a major upgrade of the Industrial Pavilion and provision of modern animal pavilions, replacing the current obsolete facilities. It will also include a substantial investment by Lend Lease in infrastructure, public domain and commercial, retail and residential uses.
“This initial phase will create an outstanding high street within the precinct, including Brisbane’s largest inner-city produce market, which aligns with the RNA’s core business and values,” says Tunny.
“The most important thing is the EkkA will remain at the RNA Showgrounds. It’s a Queensland icon and part of our state’s rich social fabric and thanks to the redevelopment will evolve for the benefit of future generations of Queenslanders.
“The RNA Showgrounds redevelopment will be the largest initial redevelopment project within the Urban Land Development Authority’s (ULDA) Bowen Hills Urban Development Area, and represents a close working relationship between ourselves and the recently formed ULDA.
“The RNA has also consulted extensively with key stakeholders, including Government agencies, Brisbane City Council and event organisers who utilise RNA facilities.”
Since the RNA Development Scheme Strategy was officially announced in April 2008, the RNA has undergone extensive community consultation to gather feedback from the Queensland public.
Tunny says the response has been very positive to the redevelopment and today’s announcement should be cause for celebration.
The RNA will work with Lend Lease to finalise plans for submission to the ULDA to enable development to start.