Lend Lease join RNA in Ekka site revamp

13 May 09 Courier Mail

This year’s Ekka will be the end of an era with plans to start a $3billion redevelopment of the site as soon as the August show wraps up.

The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association has selected developer Lend Lease to help it deliver a reinvigorated showgrounds which will open up the 22ha site at Bowen Hills year round.

While final plans will now be worked on with Lend Lease, initial proposals are that it will house up to 10,000 residents in apartment buildings up to 22 storeys high along the St Pauls Terrace section of the site. Commercial offices will be built along O’Connell Terrace, and current exhibition facilities will be upgraded.

RNA chief executive Jonathan Tunny said the Brisbane Ekka was the last remaining Royal show on an inner city site.