Green light for Herston Quarter health precinct

The Palaszczuk Government has shortlisted three proponents for the development of a world-class health precinct adjoining the Royal Brisbane Hospital at Herston, who will now work up detailed plans for the development of the precinct.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt today announced developers Australand, Lend Lease/Trinity Health and Stockland as the shortlisted proponents for the Herston Quarter project, following an Expression of Interest process.

Mr Pitt said that the move of the Children’s Hospital from the Herston site adjoining the Royal to a new hospital in South Brisbane opened up the opportunity for a development on the site adjoining the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

He said the Palaszczuk Government’s priority for use of this site will be health-related activities and that’s the brief that these three firms have been given.

“That could include elements such as bio-medical research and a mix of public and private hospital facilities,” he said.

“There’s also potential for retail and residential space for doctors, nurses, family and friends visiting patients at the nearby Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“We’ll work with the private sector to develop the best outcome for Queensland, not just for the next few years, but for the long term.”

Health Minister Cameron Dick said that the Government wanted to ensure that consideration was given to the future health needs of the community and the opportunity to leverage off the existing public health facilities.

“This 4.8 hectare site in the city’s inner north has enormous potential as a mixed use precinct for health, bio-medical, residential and retail activity and had the ability to complement and enhance the adjacent public health facilities,” he said.

“This redevelopment is in line with the Palaszczuk Government’s vision to create the medical and biotech jobs for the future.

“At the same time we are building a unique new precinct which will allow those workers to live and work in the same area.

“This is about creating jobs in construction, along with knowledge-based and high-tech jobs.”

Mr Dick said that since taking office, the Palaszczuk Government had considered the health component of this mixed-use development and would consult further with key health stakeholders such as Metro North Hospital and Health Service to ensure future strategic health needs were considered in the project.

“Under the former Government health stakeholders had been ignored,” Mr Dick said.

“The shortlisted consortia will be asked to submit proposals to deliver a master planned development that capitalises on the site’s prime inner-city location and which complements the adjacent world-class health and education facilities.

“The Herston Quarter project is another sign that Queensland is open for business and that investors back the Palaszczuk Government’s positive economic agenda.”

Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace said she strongly supported the idea of a Health, Research and Education precinct on the site of the former Children’s Hospital.

“This is a magnificent site that will cement Brisbane’s reputation as the place to invest in world-class research,” she said.

“But I will also be making sure that there is a strong level of community consultation, so that the views of people in the area – especially those around Herston – are taken into account.

“This development has the potential to considerably enhance our community. I want to make sure that we get it right, that whatever project is eventually selected is one that is in harmony with community standards and expectations.”

Proponents will have until early 2016 to submit detailed proposals for the Herston Quarter redevelopment to the Government for evaluation, with a successful proponent expected to be announced in mid-2016.

For more information visit http://herstonquarter.com.au.

Media Contacts: Treasurer’s Office Martin Philip 0427 919 548
                        Health Minister’s Office Andrew Fraser 0428 690 679