With a vision for the revitalisation of the inner north eastern suburbs using the Brisbane River as the centre piece, in 1991 Lord Mayor Jim Soorley established Brisbane’s Urban Renewal Task Force. Adjacent to the CBD, this area had a number of vacant industrial sites and disused buildings. Moreover it detracted from the City’s key natural attribute, the Brisbane River. Ten years on, and some five years ahead of schedule, the Task Force has seen some 400 projects through to fruition.
Largely private sector developments, they have been valued at around $2 billion. A further $1 billion worth of projects are currently being negotiated.
With State, Local Government and private sector representatives, the Task Force’s work has been recognised through no fewer than five national awards.
“These awards not only acknowledge our administrative capabilities but also our effective interface between the public and private sectors,” said Task Force Chairman, Trevor Reddacliff. “We have been able to maintain the scale and character of the City through controls on density and height, while maximising environmental enhancement.
“But we believe that what has made Brisbane’s Urban Renewal unique is our philosophy that people and lifestyle must be the prime consideration.”
With an emphasis on making the Brisbane River the City’s front door, the renewal projects have resulted in many more people living and working in the inner north eastern suburbs. The projects are showpieces of sustainable development, diverse housing choices, revitalised economic development opportunities, enhanced lifestyles, and improved transport and mobility options, via walking and cycleways, River transport and the like.
Bringing people into the area, both day and night, for festivals, markets, shopping, alfresco dining, and vibrant cultural and recreational activities has greatly enhanced life in the inner City.
A recently approved project is a 17 hectare development in the suburb of Newstead on the former Boral site. Valued at $700 million, this project includes a mix of residential, commercial, retail and open space uses. When completed, it will house 2,000 people.
The $300 million CSR site redevelopment is currently under construction.This will see the six storey factory building overlooking the River redeveloped into apartments. The project will also include town houses and open space areas.
Adjacent to this development is the popular Brisbane Powerhouse arts and entertainment centre. Located on the River, this disused building has been transformed into state of the art facilities for contemporary performances, art, multimedia and cultural development. Opened in March 2000, dance, theatre, music, galleries, cafés and alfresco dining make this centre for live arts a popular attraction for both residents and visitors to Brisbane.
Built originally as a powerhouse in 1928, this redevelopment further enhances the River and its environs. In addition, it has enabled the conservation of this important heritage building now in its second life as a mecca for live arts.
