First exciting glimpse of plans for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane
Queenslanders were today given their first opportunity to view the planned transformation of the Queen’s Wharf precinct in Brisbane from an under-utilised government quarter into a world-class entertainment and leisure destination.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney today revealed the design concepts submitted by two major consortiums competing for the multi-billion dollar Brisbane Queen’s Wharf Integrated Resort
Development. “We have a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise this area to create a destination that not only attracts international visitors to our city, but also opens it up for the people of Brisbane to enjoy,” Mr Seeney said.
“For too long, the previous government’s lack of imagination and drive meant the precinct’s potential was ignored and the people of Brisbane missed out on new jobs and economic opportunities.
“This redevelopment will bring thousands of jobs to the city both in the construction phase of the project but also in tourism, retail and entertainment during the life of the new resort.
“The Newman Government’s decision to proceed with the 1 William Street office tower to house a number of government agencies in a single building has opened the way for the redevelopment of this premier Brisbane site.
“After an extensive consultation period about the government precinct, the community’s views were translated into the vision for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.
“We are now fortunate to have two extremely committed consortia vying to put Brisbane on the world stage.
“Whichever project is ultimately chosen by the government, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will build on the already great places in Brisbane for locals and tourists, and include a link to Southbank via a new pedestrian bridge.
“I want to thank the two consortiums – Greenland Group and Crown Resorts and the Destination Brisbane Consortium (Echo Entertainment Group, Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises) – for their exciting proposals.”
Mr Seeney said there was still a way to go for the government and the proponents to resolve the commercial and financial aspects of their proposals, and for the stringent probity process to be finalised before the government would offer a gaming licence.
“Today we have asked the consortia to share their designs and master plans for the precinct with the people of Brisbane and Queensland,” he said.
“This is their opportunity to describe how their projects meet the vision that was developed by the community, how their design respect the precinct’s heritage and how the range of attractions will add to the vibrancy of Brisbane.
“The Integrated Resorts being proposed by both consortia include world class hotels, restaurants, bars, gaming, outdoor public spaces and improved river access and a range of exciting attractions for locals and tourists.”
Mr Seeney said, under the close eye of Probity Adviser Len Scanlan,the State Government’s assessment team is continuing to work on understanding the detail of the proposals and a decision on the successful proponent is expected in the coming
months. “It’s important to understand that there are a range of criteria requiring assessment,” he said.
“While we expect that the proponents design and master plan may change as a result of the detailed design phase, the proposals are well developed in terms of mass, scale, architectural features and public realm.
“It’s encouraging and exciting to see that both proponents are putting significant effort into addressing ours and the community’s vision.”
A decision on the preferred proponent for the Queen’s Wharf precinct is expected in the first half of 2015.
Source: News Release, Minister Jeff Seeney, 22 December, 2014