Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said Echo’s Queen’s Wharf development would change the city and provide iconic infrastructure that would enhance Brisbane’s place on the international stage.
“This decision will mark the largest staged construction development in Brisbane City since the evolution of South Bank,” she said.
“It will also mark the biggest change to the tired George Street Precinct since the construction of Parliament House in 1864 and the Parliamentary Annexe in 1979.
“This development over a nine hectare site will provide massive economic development opportunities for Queensland with the creation of up to 3000 jobs during construction and 8000 ongoing jobs.
“What’s more, Echo Entertainment will be relocating their headquarters to Queensland, in a sign of their commitment to this project and the welcoming business environment in this state,” Palaszczuk said.
Queensland State Development Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said Destination Brisbane had succeeded because they were deemed most likely to deliver on the project’s vision and objectives.
“We had two highly competitive bids for this development and the associated casino licence,” he said.
“The Destination Brisbane consortium’s plans for public space set them apart.
“Their plan for Queen’s Wharf provides space for thousands of people to eat, shop, or simply enjoy Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle in South Bank-style open spaces and parklands.
“The Government’s strict probity and procurement processes have secured Queenslanders a development that will transform the city and bring exciting benefits to the people of Brisbane and visitors from regional Queensland, other states and internationally,” he said.
The consortium comprises Echo Entertainment Group, operators of Brisbane’s existing Treasury Casino, Far East Consortium (Australia) and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.
Palaszczuk said the next step is the release for comment of a proposed development scheme for the Queen’s Wharf precinct next week.
The scheme sets out the land uses, development criteria and infrastructure envisaged for the Queen’s Wharf priority development area.