The $2.9-billion redevelopment of the Brisbane Showgrounds — includes a cross laminated timber (CLT) tower designed by architects Bates Smart — has received the highest rating for a master planned precinct in Australia, with a 6-Star Green Star – Communities v1 certified rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
Assessed for its sustainability performance across governance, liveability, economic prosperity, environment and innovation, the Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration project scored a total rating of 77.7 points, out of a possible 100 points.
When completed, the precinct will be the largest Brownfield development of its kind in Australia and will include 340,000-square-metres of new residential, commercial and retail buildings, together with an additional 76,000-square-metres of new development, which will include the $5-million redevelopment by Cox Rayne of the heritage-listed Industrial Pavilion into a modern exhibition and convention centre.
"The Brisbane Showgrounds project exemplifies how sustainable design and construction continues to evolve, and how it challenges the industry to look for new ways to add social value,” says GBCA CEO, Romilly Madew.
“Other shared value initiatives on this project include Lendlease’s partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland, which has delivered 14 discounted apartments for families with sick loved ones, and skills training for construction workers that highlights that sustainable buildings are good for the health and wellbeing of everyone – including those who build the community,” she says.
Brisbane Showgrounds Project director, Andrew Hay, says the independent verification rating represents ‘best practice’ for a master planned development in Australia, recognising the project’s vision and commitment to sustainability.
“As the world’s population urbanises, there is a greater emphasis placed on the role of the built environment, including place, sustainability and community outcomes. People want to live and work in cities and precincts that are liveable, connected and accessible,” he says.
One of the high scoring sustainable concepts on the site includes 25 King, currently slated to become the largest and tallest engineered timber office building in the world.
At a height of almost 45 metres, the ground plus nine-storey tower will include three ground level retail tenancies built using cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulum (glue laminated timber) which has a structural strength akin to traditional concrete and steel.
The Brisbane Showgrounds precinct is set to house over 15,000 workers, customers and visitors across a number of commercial, residential and retail spaces by 2025.
