Albion Exchange a game-changer for the city’s inner-north

WITH a development application lodged for its first stage, striking new concept images of the city’s latest transit oriented project have been unveiled, along with its official name.

Concept image of the proposed Albion Exchange project showing its striking transformation of the precinct with the Brisbane CBD as a backdrop.

IT’S full steam ahead for the reinvention of Brisbane’s railway stations and yards.

With a development application lodged for its first stage, striking new concept images of the city’s latest transit oriented project have been unveiled, along with its official name.

To be known as Albion Exchange, the $750 million, 10-stage development is touted as a game-changer for the city’s inner-north.

It is one of a number of State Government initiatives heralding a new era of redevelopment for the Brisbane’s under-utilised railway holdings and adjoining sites.

The end of the city’s train line at Ferny Grove is also on track for a major transport, retail and residential project and the CBD’s Roma St rail yards are earmarked for the new Brisbane Live! entertainment district.

Community consultation on the future masterplan for the Albion precinct, to be developed by Geon Property, is to begin shortly.

Artist's impression of the proposed Albion Exchange transit oriented development.

Stage one sits immediately south and above the existing Albion train station.

Designed by Hames Sharley, it features two residential towers, a new food and beverage destination, state-of-the-art health and wellbeing offerings and boutique convenience retail.

Together with a $28.7 million upgrade of transport facilities and access to the Albion train station, the proposal lodged with Brisbane City Council also includes 4900sq m of new green open space and a public plaza connecting the east and west of Albion Rd.

If approved, construction will begin in early 2020.

Senior development manager Tim Rossberg said Geon Property had been working in conjunction with Queensland Rail and the Department of Main Roads on the vision for Albion Exchange for two years.

Mr Rossberg said the project — spanning about 4ha — would create a vibrant community heart for the inner-northern suburbs.

He said more than 65 per cent of stage one would be dedicated to public space.

“Albion Exchange will change the face of Albion for the better,” Mr Rossberg said. “It will bring new life to land which is currently under-utilised.

“Albion is a suburb on the rise. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in Brisbane and by 2036 the suburb’s population is estimated to grow by more than 3857 residents.”

“This is a unique inner-city development which will further the suburb’s modernisation as well as revitalise its heart and soul by creating an energised and connected destination.”