Riverstage revamp: Building tycoon Scott Hutchinson puts hand up to take on upgrade project
Brisbane’s Riverstage is to score a much-needed multimillion-dollar upgrade but ratepayers won’t be slugged a cent, with one building tycoon already sharing his plans.
Brisbane’s Riverstage is to score a much-needed upgrade but ratepayers won’t be slugged, with council announcing it will hold an expression of interest campaign opening next month.
Proposals would be sought from experienced venue operators for new facilities and state-of-the-art sound management.
Building tycoon Scott Hutchinson, who co-owned and built the Fortitude Music Hall, recently told The Courier-Mail he was keen to take on Riverstage.
He said a roof of some type and better soundproofing was vital as residents on the opposite side of the Brisbane River often complained, resulting in council imposing early closing times for events.
The capacity has also been an issue with bigger acts selling out literally in minutes because resellers used bots to bulk buy tickets.
Mr Hutchinson said in a High Steaks interview in The Courier-Mail in January that he wanted to splash $50m on the 9500-capacity venue in Brisbane’s CBD.
“I’d like to get a lease on it and bring it up to standard because it needs a roof over the band area, better sound so it doesn’t leak over to Kangaroo Point, and we’d put a cover for 3000 people over the mosh pit at the front,” he says.
“Hutchies is willing to do something uncommercial there. It’s hard because it’s State Government-Brisbane City Council land, but now the two are on the same side (LNP), something might happen.”
The Riverstage would remain owned by Council and available for community events, council’s Tuesday meeting heard.
The new operators would be granted a long-term lease in exchange for significant investment in the much-loved venue.
Labor Opposition Leader in Council, Jared Cassidy, accused the LNP administration of privatisation by stealth”.
“The LNP’s vision articulated today is far different to how the Powerhouse is run,” he said.
“While the Powerhouse is run by a board with private industry representation, Council still owns the core business, generating revenue to pay our bills.”
That model was being increasingly used by the cash-strapped council including a recent announcement for a 20-year lease for the successful tenderer of a plan to upgrade Chermside Aquatic Centre.
The new operating model would ensure the Riverstage was upgraded while Council funds were invested in building better roads, improving public transport and upgrading parks.
Riverstage was built in 1989 and has attracted a range of local and international artists including Powderfinger, Lorde, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims.
There were 38 events hold in the past financial year, which attracted about 245,000 people.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it would be a vital project ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
It gave the city the unique opportunity to have both a new indoor arena with the Gabba Arena and a new outdoor arena with an upgraded Riverstage by 2032.
Expressions of interest would open on September 22.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games ahead, now is the right time to invest in better venues for our city,” Mr Schrinner said.
“While we want to ensure the Riverstage remains in public hands and gets even better, investing in music venues is not the core business of our council.
“By getting a world-class venue operator involved, we’ll lock in significant private investment for the Riverstage while ensure Council funds are spent on our roads, transport and more to see and do in our suburbs.
“Our vision is for Riverstage to attract more events, more visitors.
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, and under this plan the future of live music by the river will be even better.”
“Brisbane is already one of Australia’s fastest-growing visitor destinations, and an upgraded Riverstage will strengthen our reputation as a world-class events city.
“This is an incredible investment opportunity for the right partner that will attract major international acts, create more chances for homegrown talent, and deliver millions of dollars into Brisbane’s economy each year.
“Our State of the City Report showed there is more than $11 billion in experience economy infrastructure is in the pipeline, and this sector is soaring.”
Brisbane Economic Development Authority CEO Anthony Ryan and Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen William both welcomed the announcement.
“While its connection to Expo ’88 is lesser known than South Bank’s, Brisbane’s Riverstage is a wonderful story of the legacy created for the city through hosting Expo ’88,” Ms William said.
“The original, temporary Riverstage formed a central component in Brisbane showcasing its local talent and live music scene to the world during the six months of Expo ’88.
“Expo sparked Brisbane’s passion for outdoor dining and entertainment, and the importance of an inner-city, live music venue was acknowledged when the Riverstage found its permanent home in the Botanic Gardens in 1989.
“The location of the Riverstage is second to none, and with new public and active transport connections servicing the venue, it is now more accessible than ever.
“While much-loved and well-patronised, the Riverstage itself is in dire need of an upgrade to provide a better user experience and ensure it is accessible year-round.”
Mr Hutchinson is presently at the Burning Man music festival in the United States and unable to be contacted.
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