Scott Hutchinson reveals ideal opening act for new venue

HE’S the successful Queensland builder combining business and pleasure by building a venue to replace Brisbane’s Festival Hall. Now he’s revealed who he’d like to see as the opening act.

“THERE’s no music without Iggy. He’s Elvis and The Beatles combined.”

So declared Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson to Commercial Confidential recently on the Fortitude Valley site where he’s building a venue to replace Festival Hall.

And in a salute to his music idol, property records reveal the QMusic patron acquired the 2523sq m holding at 312-318 Brunswick St under the entity J Osterberg Pty Ltd.

Iggy Pop’s real name is James Newell Osterberg Jr.

Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson is the driving force behind the development of Brisbane’s ‘new Festival Hall’. Picture: Liam Kidston

Surely, then, it would be only fitting for the so-called Godfather of Punk to headline the opening of the yet-to-be named new venue early next year?

“That’s not my decision, I’m just the builder and the landlord,” Hutchinson said. “But if Iggy’s around …”

Scott Hutchinson would be happy to see Iggy Pop open his new venue.

Meanwhile, as part of its vision for Brisbane Live — a proposed $2 billion entertainment precinct that will be years in the making — the State Government is pushing ahead with plans to demolish Roma St Transit Centre.

Hutchinson has a few words of advice for them: “While you’re at it demolish Boondall, too”.

He’s of course referring to Boondall Entertainment Centre where punters have been reluctantly forced to journey to see their favourite acts since Festival Hall was demolished in 2003.

An artist's impression of the $12 million conversion of the Kingston Butter Factory into an innovation and event centre.

Logan landmark set to be transformed

ONE of Logan’s oldest buildings will be transformed into an entrepreneurial technology hub.

The city will splash $12 million transforming the Kingston Butter Factory into a base that will foster entrepreneurship and provide a space for new business and investment.

City Image and Innovation Committee chairman Laurie Smith, said the development would boost the local economy by providing a community facility that will support local start-ups and provide an incubator for businesses to grow.

“The best thing about this is that we are seeking to blend the old with the new and the heritage and enterprising history of the site will be celebrated in the new design,” he said.

“We want the KBF centre of innovation activities within the City of Logan that brings the community together and provides services they need.

“The outdoor entertainment precinct will be the largest of its type in the city, making it a major drawcard for festival and concert promoters.”

The 1200sq m Kingston Butter Factory has stood since 1907 and recently celebrated 30 years as a multipurpose venue for arts and culture.

The refurbishment will maintain the building’s historic facade. Outside will become a major concert and events precinct capable of hosting up to 5000 patrons.

The council will seek partners with the private sector to further develop the concept.

The KBF also houses the Logan City Historical Society museum, arts and crafts cooperative, the Buttermaids Kitchen and the Beverley Parker Ballet Studio will move out during construction.

Scrutiny of banks likely to shake up housing industry

ON Your Side Investments founder Mike Harvey has looked into the crystal ball and says the royal commission into the banking, superannuation and finance sector will shake up the housing industry.

He says the royal commission has changed the landscape of investment and development.

“It’s clear the onus on banks to verify income and expenses is going to slow the process down and make it more onerous for buyers wanting to get a loan,” Harvey says.

“The downside is the extra costs to banks are likely to be passed on in the form of higher interest rates”

“No doubt with tighter servicing requirements, we are going to see less loans and fewer houses being built. Funnily enough that will have a counter-productive role in the housing affordability crisis as with our strong population growth, demand will increase, leaving only one way for rents and house prices to go.”

Harvey says this means cities which have previously been overlooked will have a boom in new house buys, with frustrated younger buyers moving in.

“We are already seeing a greater influx of people selling off in Melbourne and Sydney and taking the extra equity and buying in Brisbane for half the price and enjoying a better lifestyle,” he said.

“There’s an increase in demand for Brisbane properties much like there was for Sydney and Melbourne before their boom phase, so we can fully expect a 40 per cent to 70 per cent in Brisbane house prices over the next three to four years as Brisbane does what Brisbane always does.