The Beattie Government's Kelvin Grove Urban Village was a hub of activity today with the 71st Community Cabinet held in the Creative Industries Precinct at Brisbane's newest inner-city development.Premier, Peter Beattie, said it was an excellent opportunity for Cabinet Ministers to see first-hand the creativity and technology behind the $600 million Kelvin Grove Urban Village, a joint initiative by the Department of Housing and QUT.
"Since the state government completed the $38 million infrastructure project in November the Urban Village is really taking shape," he said.
"Already the $60 million Creative Industries Precinct, the innovative heart of the village is up and running with events and exhibitions attracting many Brisbane residents.
"The centrepiece of the Urban Village will be the $120 million Village Centre retail and residential development by Indigo, currently in the design approval stage with construction to start in September this year.
"The retail component of the Village Centre will include a full-line supermarket, as well as specialist retail shops and a streetside dining precinct.
"Within 18 months, the Urban Village will take its place as a unique and dynamic destination in Brisbane - home to hundreds of new residents and a great place to visit."
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Racing, Robert Schwarten, who identified the site and initiated the Kelvin Grove Urban Village concept said it would incorporate around 800 residential units, featuring high-quality designs across a variety of styles and catering to a range of budgets and lifestyle needs.
"This is an opportunity to deliver a diverse mix of housing options on one unique site, close to the city," he said.
"Kelvin Grove Urban Village will cater for students through to seniors with high-quality affordable accommodation as well as premium apartments.
"Housing will be delivered primarily by the private sector and there has already been keen interest from developers for the six sites released for sale.
"As well as the positive response from the market to the development opportunities here, we are also pleased with the commitment to the high standards of urban design and environmental sustainability that form part of the Village Master Plan.
"In this year of the Built Environment, projects like the Kelvin Grove Urban Village showcase how the Smart State is setting new standards in sustainability and urban design."
Mr Schwarten said in the second half of this year construction would commence on QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, a residential unit and townhouse development by the Badcock Wright Joint Venture, and the first of the Brisbane Housing Company's affordable housing developments.
May 10 2004
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