AUSTRALIA - After seven years of planning, construction on the AU$2.9bn (US$3bn) RNA (Royal National Agricultural) Showgrounds Regeneration in Brisbane – the largest urban renewal project in Queensland - will start this month (April).
The first stage of the project involves the showground’s iconic Industrial Pavilion being developed into an $59m, 22,000sqm convention and exhibition centre.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh officially launched the project in Brisbane on 28 March, which is projected to deliver more than 2,000 jobs and $300m a year in economic benefits to Queensland.
“This is one of Brisbane’s landmark historic precincts but after more than 70 years it’s desperately in need of a facelift,” Bligh said. “This transformation will revitalise the area reflecting the modern, cosmopolitan Brisbane while at the same time protecting an important part of our history.
RNA's funding contribution to the redevelopment of the Industrial Pavilion was enabled by a loan from Queensland Treasury Corporation.
RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunny said the regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds represented an historic milestone for Brisbane and was a once in a lifetime project. “This is an important project for the state as it safeguards the legacy of the 22hectare site, the home of the beloved Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), while also transforming the grounds into a lifestyle and cultural hub for the community to access all year round,’’ he said.
“The project will ensure the Ekka remains at the RNA Showgrounds making Brisbane one of the only Royal Shows in Australia to maintain its country and city links by holding the show right here at its original inner city location.
“It also means the Ekka’s history, traditions and unique atmosphere will be preserved by upgrading and replacing venues to provide state-of-the-art facilities,” he added.
Tunny said stage one construction works would result in some locational changes for attractions such as showbags at this year’s Ekka. “Showbags will remain a major part of the Ekka, and this year will be housed in a purpose-built $1.3m facility offering the same great range as previously, and will be located in the sideshow alley entertainment precinct.”
Construction on the RNA’s new convention and exhibition centre’s ground floor is due for completion in 2012.
The 15-year regeneration project includes 416,000sqm of new residential, commercial andretail buildings as well as a new hotel. The convention centre would incude a large exhibition hall, meetings rooms, a large commercial kitchen and the RNA’s new office.
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