Three locations eyed for Brisbane’s new entertainment centre
BRISBANE concertgoers will no longer have to travel to the boondocks to see stars. Here are the top three options for our new inner-city entertainment centre.
Confidential
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QUEENSLAND’S property sector is backing a milk factory site in South Brisbane as the best location for a world-class entertainment arena in the inner city.
The Sunday Mail last week revealed that AEG Ogden, part of the world’s biggest venue management group, is behind a proposal for a new $400 million entertainment complex.
NEXT STAGE: Inner-city proposal
PREMIER’S BID: New entertainment centre
A final location has yet to be decided, but the Parmalat site is thought most likely.
The industrial block at Kurilpa Point, adjacent to the Gallery of Modern Art and the South Bank cultural precinct, has topped a survey by property website BrisbaneDevelopment.com, with more than 60 per cent in favour.
A quarter want to see a new arena incorporated into a development at Roma St, with the complex being built above the railyards.
Just 13 per cent think the former GoPrint government printing site near The Gabba stadium is the best option.
“It has created a lot of excitement,’’ website editor Eric David said.
“It would transform that (Kurilpa) area and spark further development.
“But Roma St has some appeal because there’s a big chunk of land very close to the CDB. Federation Square in Melbourne was built on top of the rail and it’s been very successful.’’
Under the proposal, the new arena would host top-selling events.
But the existing Brisbane Entertainment Centre, nearly 20km north of the city at Boondall – would continue to operate, with more focus on indoor sports.
Scott Hutchinson, the music-loving boss of Hutchinson Builders, said he was thrilled at the plan.
“Anything that means not trekking out to Boondall is great,” he said.
“That thing has been mocking this town for 30 years. It has to happen.
“What does someone like Leonard Cohen think as they are driven out to the wetlands to perform?”
An inner-city venue close to public transport and good dining options was a must, Mr Hutchinson said.
“People want something more than a hot dog,’’ he said.
The State Government is looking at the arena plan under its market-led proposals infrastructure program.
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