Government seeks applications to develop iconic Herston site

The soon-to-be-vacated Royal Children’s Hospital site at Herston is set become a vibrant, mixed-use precinct with the Queensland Government announcing the redevelopment of the 4.8 hectare site. 

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the State Government was inviting expressions of interest from the private sector to deliver a master planned precinct that capitalised on the site’s prime inner-city location, and which complemented the adjacent health and education facilities. 

“The site – branded the Herston Quarter – is situated on prime real estate and is strategically located adjacent to world-class health and knowledge institutions within the 20 hectare Herston Health Precinct,” Mr Nicholls said. 

“Revitalising this site will provide new services for families and has the potential to feature residential and hotel accommodation, commercial and retail spaces, medical and complementary health services and new research and education facilities. 

“It’s also part of our strong plan to grow the construction sector.” 

Developers and investors are encouraged to demonstrate their experience, capability and capacity to successfully master plan, manage and deliver developments of similar size, nature and complexity, including the adaptive re-use of existing heritage-listed buildings. 

Mr Nicholls said the Queensland Government had an ‘open for business approach’ and was committed to creating jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders. 

“Labor has no idea how to grow Queensland, but we have a strong plan that is making a difference,” he said. 

“Queensland is Australia’s gateway to the world’s fastest-growing economic region and the Herston Quarter allows domestic and international developers to take advantage of Queensland’s endless opportunities, with an ideal location and attractive lifestyle on offer.” 

Expressions of interest close at 2pm on Friday, 23 January 2015 and shortlisted proponents will be invited to submit a detailed proposal later in 2015. Interested parties can access the expression of interest documentation by registering at www.qld.gov.au/herstonquarter. 

About the Herston Quarter

• The Herston site is located among Queensland’s largest and most important health delivery, research and clinical teaching institutions
• The Herston Quarter contains 23 buildings
• The following heritage-listed buildings are located within the Herston Quarter:   
  • Edith Cavell building
  • Lady Norman building
  • Lady Lamington building (comprising the original Nurses’ Home and the North and South Towers).

 Images and video footage

Video footage and photographs of the site are available for download at: www.treasury.qld.gov.au/hhp-media

[ENDS] 20 November 2014

Media contact: Treasurer’s Office 3719 7200