Fresh Faces In Old Spaces

The future of two iconic Brisbane projects were on show at the Property Council’s Fresh Faces in Old Spaces Property Industry Breakfast on 12 May.

Andrew Hay, Project Director – Lend Lease and Luke Fraser, Development Director – Howard Smith Wharves, provided an audience of over 120 with an outline of the urban regeneration projects currently being undertaken by their organisations.

Andrew Hay discussed Lend Lease’s re-development of the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds into a world class inner-city hub. The project provides a diverse mixed-use neighbourhood including residential, commercial, food retail and open public spaces, while maintaining the Ekka’s traditional home.

Andrew illustrated Lend Lease’s commitment to maintaining and building on the history of the site, and the collective ownership felt by many Brisbane residents who have interacted with the Brisbane Showgrounds over the years.

While the Howard Smith Wharves re-development is still in its infancy, Luke Fraser was able to provide an in-depth look at the plans to transform this underutilised site to create a new Brisbane landmark.

Luke’s presentation discussed the choice of uses, design and community space for the site, and the ‘low scale, high quality’ philosophy that had dictated the development of the plan.

Luke provided a brief history of the Wharves, and discussed the plan’s unique integration between the cliffs behind the site and the Brisbane River. Luke also focused on the importance of partnering with the businesses that will locate onsite, to ensure a consistency of vision throughout the project.

Both projects focused on the need to balance conservative development density with useable green and open space, which can become an asset for the community.

During the panel Q&A session, moderated by Jen Williams, Queensland Deputy Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, both speakers discussed the importance of heritage sensitive development and creating a community within their space.

Also discussed were the complexities of both organisations’ unique partnership agreements and site tenure arrangements, and the importance both developments are placing on securing a unique food offering to complement their retail.

The Property Council would like to thank Andrew and Luke for taking the time to discuss their projects and vision with industry. Thanks must also go to the sponsors of the Property Industry Breakfast series, RCP, without whose support the series would not be possible.

Property Industry Breakfast series sponsor

Andrew Hay – Lend Lease