Brisbane icon South Bank launches Flowstate

South Bank Corporation has tonight unveiled the significant redevelopment of the old Arbour View Café site at its iconic riverside location.

The Flowstate project has transformed the Arbour View Café buildings in the Parklands at the end of Tribune Street, into a vibrant public space. It has unveiled an innovative digital centrepiece, setting a stage for Queensland artists to perform over the coming year.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick congratulated South Bank Corporation for delivering the innovative Arbour View Interim Renewal Project (Flowstate).

“Flowstate – named after the term ‘flow’ referring to the state of peak performance that artists and athletes reach - is yet another gem in the iconic South Bank setting,” Mr Dick said.

“The redevelopment project follows last year’s 25^th anniversary of the precinct and precedes the much-anticipated Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, when we expect South Bank to also host many of the visitors that will attend the Games.

“South Bank’s lush parkland hosts more than11 million visitors, both local and interstate, and delivers unique experiences to the community. This new innovative architectural redevelopment will enrich every visitor’s South Bank experience.

“During the six-month construction, the Flowstate project employed nearly 100 Queensland-based contractors and is expected to create work for around 300 artists,” Mr Dick said.

Flowstate comprises three immersive creative zones spread across 3000 square metres and offers a dynamic new open-air platform to showcase the creativity and diversity of Queensland’s independent arts sector. It also delivers part of South Bank Corporation’s contribution to the cultural program of festivities for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

South Bank Corporation Chair, Dr Catherin Bull AM said Flowstate would be set against the iconic South Bank backdrop and would inspire those who experience it.

“Audiences will be inspired to contemplate a variety of ideas that focus on city form and function in a subtropical setting,” Dr Bull said.

“To deliver the program, South Bank Corporation is working with precinct partners such as the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Griffith University, as well as broader partners including UPLIT, the Festival 2018 Games Cultural Program, Circa and Metro Arts.

“Flowstate repurposes the now disused Arbour Café site as an initiative that provides a tangible demonstration of creative urban recycling in the heart of the precinct.”

South Bank’s interim Chief Executive Officer Bill Delves said he was proud of the innovative project that underpinned the core values of the precinct.

“I am so proud of the South Bank Corporation team that has delivered Flowstate,” Mr Delves said.

“This project embodies South Bank, to deliver a welcoming and inclusive experience that everyone can enjoy and is surrounded by excellent design and infrastructure that is uniquely Queensland – creative, innovative and bold. And as always, delivered at the South Bank standard.

“It is a global destination and we hope that those visiting for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will have an experience like no other here, which includes our newest star, Flowstate.”

Flowstate – A Snapshot:

• Flowstate is a renewal project demonstrating creative urban recycling in the heart of the South Bank precinct.
• Approx. 100 jobs created during construction of Flowstate. Project opportunities for approx. 300 Queensland arts workers over the first 12-month curated program.
• In place for 18 months up to three years while South Bank Corporation and stakeholders evaluate the best use for the site over the longer term.
• A free program of curated programmingwill be in place for the public for the first 12 months as part of South Bank Corporation’s contribution to the 2018 Commonwealth Games Cultural Program.
• Flowstate features three distinctive zones (a grassy relaxation zone; immersive digital art installation [Jem] and a performance area for Queensland artists from a broad mix of creative disciplines).

For more information about the 12-month free curated event program at Flowstate, visit southbankcorporation.com.au/flowstate

Media contact: Cath Palmer, 0424 823 424