Government works with business to seal deal on Herston Quarter

Tuesday 28 February 2017

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Curtis Pitt, says the $1.1 billion Herston Quarter project in Brisbane has been approved to proceed, with Australian Unity’s master planned health-related development moving to the contract close stage. 

Mr Pitt told State Parliament the project was the result of the Palaszczuk Government’s determination to work with business to create more jobs for Queenslanders. 

“As part of our determination to create jobs across the state we have ensured that Queensland is open for business and open for investment,” he said. 

Mr Pitt said Metro North Hospital and Health Service had now signed a contract with Australian Unity as master developer of the project that would rejuvenate and make better use of the area around the former Royal Children’s Hospital.

“The development will provide significant economic development opportunities for Queensland and is expected to support about 700 jobs a year over its 10-year development period as well as hundreds of jobs annually once operational,” he said. 

“Australian Unity was selected as the preferred developer following a comprehensive competitive process conducted by Queensland Treasury, working with Queensland Health and Metro North HHS.

“This redevelopment will deliver a world-class health, bio-medical, retail and accommodation precinct including medical services, education, training facilities, and car parks. 

“It’s a terrific example of the public and private sectors working together for the good of the state, and to generate jobs,” Mr Pitt said. 

Health and Ambulance Services Minister, Cameron Dick, said the redevelopment plans maintained a focus on health services in the precinct. 

“The public will benefit from a new 132-bed public Specialist Rehabilitation and Ambulatory Care Centre (SRACC) that will be a part of the Metro North Hospital and Health Service,” Mr Dick said. 

“This includes a surgical and endoscopic centre with seven operating theatres, three endoscopy rooms, recovery spaces and a 32 bed surgical unit,” he said. 

Australian Unity also planned to deliver a private hospital, aged care, retirement living, residential and student accommodation, retail and commercial space, childcare and new public spaces. 

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Member for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace, said she was pleased the redevelopment plans continued the tradition of health services in the area. 

“In addition the developer will be consulting with the local community,” Ms Grace said. 

“Iconic heritage buildings like the Lady Lamington building, Lady Norman building and Edith Cavell building will be reinvigorated; preserving Brisbane’s health heritage while providing functional accommodation and space for business and commercial uses. 

“Further community consultation will occur on the final master plan as it progresses to construction and Australian Unity will work closely with the community over the life of the project.” 

Australian Unity Group Managing Director, Rohan Mead, said the project embodied the company’s vision to create the social infrastructure people need. 

“We look forward to moving ahead with this important project for Brisbane and Queensland,” he said. 

Work is set to commence on site in March. 

For more information about the project visit http://herstonquarter.com.au/  

Media contacts:

Treasurer’s office: 0447 316 432

Australian Unity, Stephen Lunn, 0401 704 352