The Palaszczuk Government and leading property group Dexus have signed a facilitation agreement on a proposed $2.1 billion Waterfront Brisbane concept master plan.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the agreement will transform Brisbane's Eagle Street Pier into a premium business and leisure destination.
"The Palaszczuk Government is facilitating significant private investment to Queensland because it creates jobs and boosts tourism," Mr Dick said.
"Dexus can now commence the detailed design stage and proceed with development applications."
The Waterfront Brisbane proposal includes:
- Two premium office and mixed-use towers on the Eagle Street Pier site
- A variety of riverfront restaurants, casual eateries and shops
- New and revitalised public realm, featuring around 7900 square metres of open space (including approximately 3900 square metres in the Eagle Street Pier area), incorporating a market square and steps, urban verandah terraces, an extension of the City Reach Riverwalk and a new 'green' corridor connecting Eagle Street to the Riverwalk
- Enhanced City Reach Riverwalk supporting cyclists and pedestrians
- Upgraded wharf facilities supporting commercial and river tourism operations with provisions to support the delivery of a new City Reach ferry terminal
- Upgrade to the Creek Street and Charlotte Street intersection to improve pedestrian connectivity
Dexus estimates that on average 1120 annual construction jobs will be created over the next 10 years, with an additional 916 operational jobs supported once construction has completed.
"This is a landmark project that's estimated to provide a $5.7 billion boost to Queensland's Gross State Product (GSP) over the next 40 years, including $230 million in value add to our state's construction and professional services sectors," Mr Dick said.
"The Waterfront Brisbane proposal is a city-shaping development for Brisbane's CBD and one that the Palaszczuk Government is proud to facilitate with Dexus for the benefit of the Brisbane and Queensland community."
Mr Dick said the project had been advanced by the Queensland Government's Investment Facilitation and Partnerships Group within the Department of State Development.
"The group aims to provide a clear entry point for major investment projects and a customised and streamlined pathway to decision-makers across government," he said.
"Through the proposed conversion of existing state-owned leasehold interests, the Queensland Government and Dexus have facilitated the potential for a two-tower development on the Eagle Street Pier site, creating jobs in construction and other sectors and unlocking significant private sector investment."
Dexus Chief Investment Officer Ross Du Vernet said, "This is a significant milestone that unlocks the considerable potential in this Brisbane CBD gateway site which has sat under-developed for almost 30 years.
"Its scale and central riverfront location provide a truly unique opportunity to create a world-class destination for city workers, residents and tourists.
"Waterfront Brisbane is a key project in Dexus' $8.7 billion development pipeline. We have been encouraged by the support our plans have received from the state government, council and the community, and we're excited to bring this vision to life."
Dexus anticipates the required code compliant applications will be submitted to Brisbane City Council by mid-2020. Delivery of the project will be staged and subject to Dexus securing the relevant approvals.
Construction on the Eagle Street Pier site is expected to commence in 2022 and the first tower to be delivered in 2026.
