This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE $1.7 billion redevelopment of North Bank – Brisbane's answer to Sydney's Darling Harbour, has been anything but smooth sailing for Brookfield Multiplex.
After more than 16 months of fierce community opposition which saw Brookfield Multiplex redesign its original proposal, the Queensland Government yesterday announced a “fresh start” for the North Bank redevelopment.
Acting Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said around 50 people from 30 organisations would take part in a three-day cooperative ‘enquiry-by-design’ to progress new North Bank proposals.
Those attending include the Brookfield Multiplex; Brisbane City Council; Brisbane Development Association; Department of Infrastructure and Planning; Department of Premier and Cabinet; Planning Institute of Australia (Qld); Property Council of Australia (Qld) just to name a few.
Lucas said although around 80% of the community supported some form of redevelopment, there were clearly concerns over previous designs.
Brookfield Multiplex was awarded the development rights in February last year and was given the greenlight in December last year after being forced to adapt its original proposal earlier in the year following concerns raised during the public consultation process.
Brookfield Multiplex adapted its design, including repositioning one of the commercial buildings closer to the freeway and set back all buildings at least 10 metres from the river.
In addition, the height of buildings closest to the riverfront reduced from 25 levels to eight.
But community opposition remained and in April this year, QLD Premier Anna Blighrefused to sign off on Brookfield Multiplex’s $1.7 billion plan.
So it has been almost six years since North Bank was first proposed.
But yesterday, Lucas said the Government makes no apologies for wanting to get this right and ensure the public has confidence in the design.
“This part of the river is an unsightly mess and the Bligh Government believes North Bank should be revitalised into community facilities, and commercial and public space.
“Building the Riverside Expressway 30 years ago was an act of urban environmental vandalism up there with the bulldozing of Cloudland and the Bellevue Hotel,” he added.
“And we’re determined to find a way we can give that section of the river back to the people.
“We’re serious about this being an independent process,” Lucas said.
“A full report on the outcomes will be prepared and people will have a chance to have their say through further public consultation,” he concluded.
Australian Property Journal
