The future is looking bright for Brisbane, with over $10 billion of projects planned for completion by 2022, reports domain.com.au.

The projects include:

The Brisbane Metro

Set to carry around 22,000 passengers per hour, reduce congestion and cut travel times. Linking all busways in between University of Queensland Lakes, Royal Brisbane and Woman’s Hospital and Eight Mile Plains over a 21 kilometre stretch.

New Brisbane Airport runway

Set to open in 2020, the $1.3 billion project will create 7,800 jobs by 2035 and contribute an additional $5 billion to the region's economy. The new runway will open the door for a greater range of flight times, airlines and destinations accessible from Brisbane. By 2035, passenger numbers are predicted to grow to 50 million (22.7 million in FY17).  

$100 million Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment

The 3.43 hectare site will include a 164-room hotel, event centre, restaurants, cafes and parklands. The development will connect the CBD and New Farm Riverwalk.

 Queens Wharf

The $3 billion development covers 26 hectares across land and water and will include a casino, hotels, dining, entertainment and parklands. The project is estimated to create approx. 2000 jobs during the peak construction phase, followed by more than 8000 jobs in QLD once fully operational. Key tourism economic benefits include a predicted $1.69 billion increase in annual Queensland tourism spend, and an additional 1.39 million tourists per annum.

Brisbane Quarter

The site of the former Supreme and District Court, the $800 million development includes the newly opened 32-storey ‘W Brisbane’ Hotel, ‘300 George’ office tower and ‘The One’ residential tower.

and finally, the high-end Spire residences, a 40-level residential apartment building in Queen Street.

As the city transforms, jobs growth and a surge in population are key drivers in attracting local and interstate investors. Domain data scientist Nicola Powell says buyers are drawn to the appealing price point in comparison to other major cities which has resulted in interstate migration increasing since 2015. 

The Queensland Government has announced a massive $150 million addition to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) management portfolio that will include a 1500-1700 seat theatre, reports brisbanedevelopment.com.

Construction will take place on the Playhouse Green site, with $125 million being contributed by the government, and the additional $25 million coming from QPAC.

Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk says the venue is needed due to popularity of QPAC with Brisbane being a key market for travelling productions.

“QPAC reports it is nearing full capacity in all its theatres, with a strong forward program of bookings to 2022 and beyond.

“Building a new theatre is a must to ensure we can keep attracting even more big shows and more visitors to our capital city.”

“The design for the new theatre within the Heritage Listed Queensland Cultural Centre, will also be guided by the Conservation Management Plan, which was developed by heritage consultants last year," the Premier said.  

Queensland Ballet will benefit greatly, as they have outgrown their 850-seat Playhouse Theatre, and will be able to double attendance with the addition of this new theatre. The new venue will also support Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Queensland and Queensland Theatre.

QPAC is currently the busiest theatre in the nation, and with this new addition, it will also be the largest. In 2017, 1.3 million people visitors viewed a selection of the 1,000-plus performances for the year. When the new theatre is fully functioning in 2022, it is expected to increase annual visitor numbers to the precinct by an extra 300,000 people.  

Construction of the third and final stage of the Brisbane Quarter precinct will commence next month, reports brisbanedevelopment.com.au.

Developer Shayher Group has chosen global contracting group Multiplex to build the $300 million, 84-storey residential building known as ‘The One’, which is set for completion in late 2021. Multiplex was also chosen to build the other two towers in the complex. The site is prime inner-city riverfront land.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam says the Brisbane Quarter as a whole is set to be a first class destination for Brisbane.

 “This has been a truly five-star project to be involved with and one which is cementing Brisbane’s position as Australia’s new world city,” said Mr Cottam.

The key inner-city site occupies an entire city block and will soon be home to the 34 storey ‘W Brisbane’ Hotel set to open in a few weeks, and a 42 storey tower known as ‘300 George’ which is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

The 7,892 square metre Brisbane Quarter site fronts Ann Street, Adelaide Street and North Quay is prime inner-city riverfront land and is the former site of the Supreme Court of Queensland.

The total Brisbane Quarter project will cost more than $1 billion. And combined with the closely located Queens Wharf development, investments are set to inject $4 billion into the CBD.

The Brisbane Airport has officially opened the new $135 million expansion of the northern international terminal and apron, reports infrastructuremagazine.com.au.

The expansion provides an additional 11,000 square metres of space and is set to improve passenger experience with new passenger departure and arrival zones, new walk-out gates, and four new aerobridges. The extension will cater for predicted future growth through integration of new technology and provide more docking and parking space for aircraft.

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director, Julieanne Alroe, said this is just one stage of the airport’s $3.8 billion infrastructure program which includes a new runway set to open in 2020, and aims to position the Brisbane Airport as the country’s chosen gateway for air travel. Forecasts have indicated that passenger numbers will more than double from 22.7 million at the end of the 2017 financial year to 50 million by 2035.

“Last year we had a record seven per cent increase in international passengers and, with numbers expected to rise, our focus is on how Brisbane Airport can continue to play a significant role in meeting forecast demand and stimulating even more,” said Ms Alroe.

In other exciting announcements, Vietjet Air has committed to making Brisbane their first long haul destination with direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City in 2019. The airline is the first low cost carrier to partner with the airport. Ms Alroe says an average of 8% annual growth has been recorded for travel between Queensland and Vietnam over the past five years.

“The economic growth of Vietnam is impressive, with these new services facilitating further education, tourism, and investment and trade opportunities with Vietnam, not only benefiting Brisbane, but regional Queensland as well,” said Ms Alroe.

Philippine Airlines has announced an Australian first, with a four times per week service direct from Brisbane to Manila in the A321neo. The aircraft will offer a flat bed section and nearly double capacity for the route from 38,000 to 70,000 seats per annum.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the announcement is a great step for tourism and trade between the two countries.

“Philippine Airlines has an extensive network in Asia and having another direct service into the region will help Brisbane attract more visitors, grow investment and business opportunities, and boost our economy.”

“The new service will also enhance our reputation as a New World City that has a clear focus on the Asia-Pacific,” said Mr Quirk.

In state tourism news, Tourism and Events Queensland Accommodation Report for March 2018 shows occupancy rates are steady since the same time last year, at 68.1%, average daily rate increased by $9.12 to $169.73, and revenue per available room grew by $5.90 to $115.58 in comparison to March 2017.

The Palaszczuk Government has announced a $5 million commitment to develop a business case for ‘Brisbane Live’, a 17,000-seat state-of-the-art entertainment arena which would be built as part of the Cross River Rail project, reports brisbanedevelopment.com.au.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the arena would be comparable to the LA Live complex located in the USA and would create decades of employment and economic opportunities for the city, and the state.

“But it’s also a transformative project for SEQ and the whole of Queensland, drawing in tourist dollars, and ensuring our great state does not miss out on world class events.

The venue “would become Queensland’s premier entertainment venue hosting international live entertainment and world class sporting events,” Said Ms Trad.

As an indicator of potential future success, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre located at Boondall has welcomed over 20 million visitors since its opening in 1986.

Venue management company, AEG Ogden will be partnering with the Government on the development of the business case. Chief Executive, Harvey Lister announcing their company involvement will be free of charge.

“Brisbane Live will deliver much needed economic development and employment opportunities, virtually unprecedented urban renewal, and be a showpiece venue for the entire state,” said Mr Odgen.

The business case is expected to take around 6 months to assess the viability of the project and will be jointly prepared by the Building Queensland and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the Delivery Authority). The Authority will contribute $5 million the business case.

For artist impression images, visit the original story located at  https://brisbanedevelopment.com/queensland-government-kicks-off-brisbane-live-business-case/