Minister for Public Works and Housing, Robert Schwarten, today announced in State Parliament the Kelvin Grove Urban Village development is progressing rapidly, with the infrastructure works including roads, the QUT Creative Industries precinct and landscaping beginning to take shape.Mr Schwarten said the new roads, underground services and landscaping being constructed on the 17 hectare former Gona Barracks site would be completed in early August.
"The extensive landscaping completed at the top of the Village is already visible from Kelvin Grove Road and includes rows of fully-grown palm trees and street furniture made with timber recycled from the buildings which previously occupied the site.
"Construction of the QUT Creative Industries precinct is also well underway and the building will be open to students from 2004."
Mr Schwarten said the Department of Housing is continuing to negotiate with developers who submitted offers to purchase Lot 14, the first parcel of land in the Village released for sale.
"This is the key retail, commercial and residential site in the Village heart, incorporating a supermarket," he said.
"An announcement on the successful developer is expected soon.
"The Department is also close to releasing three further residential sites for sale." Mr Schwarten said the Kelvin Grove Urban Village will return to the people of Queensland a vast tract of inner-city land that was previously inaccessible.
"Kelvin Grove Urban Village is being developed in partnership by the Department of Housing and QUT to create an exciting new mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, retail and educational facilities," he said.
"This is another example of the 'Smart State' at work, and will totally revitalise the area with the re-use of heritage buildings and the development of new facilities that will attract people of all ages to live, learn and relax in one place.
"A major focus of the project is the provision of a range of housing options, with accommodation to suit students, 'empty nesters', working couples, singles and families."
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