Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

The latest application seeks approval for a multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

Staff Writer

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333360]

Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Nine ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Property development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/avid-property-group">AVID Property Group</a> is approaching completion, and sell-out, of its Surry Hills apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rathbone-23-47-flinders-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">The Rathbone</a>.

The Flinders St project has sold well over half of its 32 apartments, which will sit above two retail spaces.

Now hitting the market are the final 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, which start from $1.15 million. AVID is targeting a mid-2026 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51208]

AVID General Manager New South Wales Danny Boubli said as more apartments are introduced to increase housing options in inner-city areas, homebuyers are searching for a &nbsp;sense of belonging in addition to location, convenience and value.&nbsp;

“There are very few opportunities for new developments in Surry Hills, and since acquiring the site, we’ve even seen one early purchaser merge two apartments plans together, reflecting the demand for a spacious, premium offering in a prime location,” Boubli said.&nbsp;

“Demand has been strong since we launched to market – we don’t see these final apartments staying on the market for long.”&nbsp;

Architectural firm Studio SC has designed the building which pays homage to the former 1900s Rathbone Terraces that once sat on the 990 sqm island site.

Boubil said the team has made every effort to create "truly liveable apartments", through&nbsp;functional floor plans, security, storage, and the inclusion of quality fittings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51207]

&nbsp;

Sustainable design has also been implemented throughout the development, with natural light flooding each apartment, ventilation throughout, extensive landscaping and where possible, materials with a high level of recycled content and low volatile organic compound paints have been used. &nbsp;

Apartments range in size from 57 sqm for the one-bedrooms to the large-scale 165 sqm three-beds which are priced at $2,575,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5947]

AVID launches final apartments at The Rathbone, Surry Hills

A wave of investment, renewal and precinct growth continues to shape the northern edge of Macquarie Park, where daily life is supported by a rare combination of university activity, corporate employment, major retail, and expansive green corridors. It’s this convergence of amenity and connectivity underpins the setting for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a>, which has now topped out and is tracking toward completion in mid-2026.

Within this pocket of the precinct, residents move easily between the area’s key anchors. Macquarie Centre, home to more than 360 retailers, fresh food offerings, dining and entertainment, sits at the heart of local convenience and functions as a major transport interchange. The Metro, T1 rail line and extensive bus network place much of Sydney within quick reach, while surrounding arterial links support direct access to neighbouring districts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5829]

Green space remains a defining feature of the immediate environment. Lane Cove National Park stretches along the northern boundary of the precinct, offering bushland trails, cycling routes and quiet riverfront pockets. Shrimptons Creek and the campus grounds of Macquarie University extend these recreational networks, softening the urban setting and creating a daily connection to nature that informs the project’s architectural response.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> have shaped La Vera around these contrasts. The building’s northern elevation adopts an organic, curvilinear form that mirrors the natural topography of the national park. Three sculpted forms soften the tower’s profile and encourage a stronger transition between indoor living areas, balconies and the broader landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223737]

Cox Director Felipe Miranda says the building’s outlook played a central role in the design process.

“The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park… The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies,” Felipe Miranda of Cox Architecture said.

Toward the city-facing side, the design shifts to a more urban expression. A gridded facade and extensive glazing capture CBD views, creating a dual strategy that blends ecological outlooks with metropolitan orientation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5827]

La Vera delivers 169 residences across one- to four-bedroom layouts, reflecting the needs of young families, downsizers, first-home buyers and investors seeking long-term certainty within a high-amenity location. From the project, residents can walk to Macquarie University, Macquarie Hospital and nearby corporate offices, reach national park trails within minutes, and enjoy retail and dining without relying on a car.

The project is delivered by Urban Property Group, a 4.5-star iCIRT-rated developer-builder with more than three decades of experience. The company has become a leader in adopting 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), first introduced on its Parq Bexley development and now embedded into its pipeline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223727]

La Vera is the first development in Macquarie Park approved to offer this 10-year LDI policy, adding another layer of protection for purchasers and reinforcing the transparency of the construction process.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias says this assurance has become increasingly important for buyers navigating the off-the-plan market.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been… Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share,” Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said.

Urban Property Group's in-house construction team is forecasting a mid-2026 completion, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/home789">HOME789</a> appointed as the project marketer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera delivers a nature-connected address within Macquarie Park’s core

Cross River Rail

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In mid-December, the Queensland Government released the Cross River Rail (CRR) Precinct Strategy which aims to guide development at each of the new stations the project will deliver.

The document puts on paper the strategic aspirations for the CRR precincts and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority has responsibility for all five precincts at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street, Roma Street and Exhibition.

The CRR project is a 10.2 kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills that will include 6 kilometres of twin rail tunnels under the Brisbane River and CBD.  The project will also include upgrades to several stations Brisbane's southside as well as develop 3 new Gold Coast stations.

The CRR delivery authority estimates post-construction and once all precincts have been developed, the Gross Regional Product for Brisbane will increase by $15-20 billion and approximately 35,000 new jobs will be created over time.

Consultation for the precinct strategy was undertaken across Queensland Government departments and the Brisbane City Council.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/crr_path1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Path of the Cross River Rail project and associated anchors in each precinct. Image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="795" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/crr_path1.png?itok=4DLusvzN" title="Path of the Cross River Rail project and associated anchors in each precinct. Image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Path of the Cross River Rail project and associated anchors in each precinct. Image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au</figcaption></figure>The following is a summary of the strategy at each

<h2>Boggo Road</h2>

The precinct strategy aims to create a new urban village surrounding the Boggo Road station with a focus on improved pedestrian connectivity to the knowledge hub of leading health, research and education institutions. 

Along with forming a connection to the existing Park Road station, the precinct will connect Princess Alexandra Hospital and will aim to strengthen pedestrian links through to the University of Queensland.

<h2>Woolloongabba</h2>

Home to Brisbane's main cricket and AFL stadium, the precinct strategy aims to create a new town centre that links the stadium, Mater Hospital, the Children's Hospital health precinct and the new station.

The new station will be a new 'front door' to the Gabba and the strategy calls for significant private investment to develop residential, commercial, recreational and health-focused facilities in the immediate area.

<h2>Albert Street</h2>

At the heart of the Brisbane CBD, the new Albert Street station is seen as a catalyst for new rounds of investment in the southern portion of Brisbane's CBD through improved access to public transport.

"Any development in the Albert Street precinct should deliver high-quality built-form and public realm that contributes to a sense of arrival and creates a new landmark destination within the city centre", the precinct strategy reads.

<h2>Roma Street</h2>

The new underground station will connect to the existing Roma Street station and the extra public transport investment in the area will bolster Brisbane's West End, opening the way for projects such as Brisbane Live.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w96eG-ht5Po" width="100%"></iframe>

The precinct strategy also notes that significant upgrades to the state-owned interchange for bus, other rail, Cross River Rail and metro services will occur that also includes the realignment of the Inner Northern Busway. 

<h2>Exhibition</h2>

The Cross River Rail project will take Exhibition Station from operating as an event time only station to a year-round operational one that will provide the Royal Brisbane and Women's hospital with a high-quality rail connection on top of existing bus services.

The precinct strategy sees further concentration of knowledge-sector industries in the precinct including the expansion of allied health and biomedical industries as well as an expansion of education and research activities within the precinct.

To view the precinct strategy document, see <a href="https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/news/cross-river-rail-precinct-strategy-released/">crossriverrail.qld.gov.au</a>.

Lead image credit: buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au
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Alastair Taylor

Queensland government releases Cross River Rail Precinct Strategy

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The $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project which aims to provide a more interconnected network of train lines for Queenslanders, now has an award-winning team to bring the plans to fruition.

Queensland government has appointed the following consortia (out of 89 submissions):

<h2>PULSE</h2>

The CIMIC Group led consortia includes Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors and UGL with international partners DIF, BAM and Ghella.

Under the title ‘Tunnel, Stations and Development’ (TSD), the team will deliver the underground sector of the project, including constructing a tunnel from Dutton Park to Normanby, the construction of four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street. They will also provide a property development opportunity above the Albert Street Station.

<blockquote>
“Queensland’s landmark Cross River Rail project will reinforce CIMIC Group’s reputation as Australia’s leading rail provider.”

- CIMIC Group 
</blockquote>

<h2>UNITY</h2>

Unity Alliance is a collaboration of CPB Contractors, UGL, AECOM and Jacobs, as well as HASSELL, RCS Australia, Acmena, Martinus Rail and Wired Overhead Solutions. Under the title ‘Rail, Integration and Systems’ (RIS), the group will be responsible for delivering the design, supply and installation of the rail system, as well as the integration into Queensland Rail’s train network and the upgrade of Exhibition Station.

<h2>HITACHI RAIL STS</h2>

Hitachi Rail STS will work under the title ‘European Train Control System’ (ETCS) and will focus on enabling increased capacity on the inner-city rail network, safety enhancement, and facilitate network efficiency measures.

<blockquote>
“Organisations in the preferred consortia have a track record of delivering complex rail and transport projects and have the know-how to leverage local content. We expect the benefits of the project will flow to many local suppliers and businesses throughout Queensland.”

- Steve Abson, Infrastructure Association of Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/190329-6pp-station-render4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept render of Roma Street Station. Credit: Cross River Rail"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/190329-6pp-station-render4.jpg?itok=mUGFOxwH" title="Concept render of Roma Street Station. Credit: Cross River Rail" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept render of Roma Street Station. Credit: Cross River Rail</figcaption></figure>The Cross River Rail will deliver a 10.2km train line which will run from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills. The project will also include a 5.9km twin tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD - a significant infrastructure project which will take five years to complete but an exceptional enhancement to the existing railway system for Queensland commuters.

<blockquote>
“This activity will necessitate high levels of collaboration across government organisations such as the Delivery Authority, Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and TransLink and it’s worth acknowledging the enormous effort already going on behind the scenes to get this right.”

- Steve Abson, Infrastructure Association of Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
"This transformational project will improve our quality of life, help our economy keep growing, generate thousands of jobs and activate urban development, across the whole of South East Queensland."

- <a href="https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/info">Queensland Government</a>
</blockquote>

The teams are expected to begin site-work from late 2019, with an estimated 7,700 jobs created over the five-year construction time frame.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eIbTWtF7HAw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/328350881">Cross River Rail New Station Concepts Revealed</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/crossriverrail">Cross River Rail</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
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Olivia Round

Brisbane’s Cross River Rail development consortia appointed by Queensland government

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The Queensland government has moved to initiate a wider redevelopment of the precinct adjoining The Gabba with the intent of better serving the expanding Woolloongabba population and the wider public.

On Sunday Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad outlined the vision for a new bridge connecting the sporting stadium with Cross River Rail's upcoming station in Woolloongabba. Expected to be completed during 2024, the Woolloongabba link in the wider Cross River Rail network will facilitate an overhaul of the 6.5-hectares adjoining The Gabba.

Mixed uses are earmarked for the precinct and are expected to come together within a precinct plan that will see input from stakeholders such as Brisbane City Council, Stadiums Queensland and the Department of Housing and Public Works.

The Queensland government's move on the wider precinct follows on from earlier reports during May that the stadium was in line to receive a substantial capital injection in order to bring the facility up to current standards.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image26_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The envisaged station with The Gabba to the rear"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_10.jpg?itok=MWegeBWr" title="The envisaged station with The Gabba to the rear" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The envisaged station with The Gabba to the rear</figcaption></figure><h2>What they Say</h2>

<blockquote>
When Cross River Rail is complete, Woolloongabba will be just minutes by train to the new Albert Street station in Brisbane’s CBD and close to the growing health, science and education precinct at Boggo Road.

Plans are for the whole city block, which includes the Landcentre, old South Brisbane Dental Hospital and Goprint sites, to be completely transformed over the next decade. It has the potential to attract up to $1.5 billion of private investment and that’s a really exciting opportunity for local industry.

The Gabba has been the scene of many great sporting triumphs and we know, through Cross River Rail, it will continue to be an integral part of Queensland culture for generations to come.
<cite>Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Gabba is ‘internationally renowned’ without a doubt, but it can be re-elevated to ‘world’s best’ if it was easier to get to - and transport connectivity is simply an expectation of modern spectators that has to be met.

Going forward, we are rolling up our sleeves in collaboration with all stakeholders to give fans a great experience – one that will rival the freshest stadiums in the nation. In possibly the best outcome of this precinct, the opportunity to leverage both the Gabba and the Station could deliver up to 300 new affordable homes designated for key and essential services workers including nurses, teachers, police and fire officers and hospitality and tourism workers.
<cite>Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Sport, Mick de Brenni</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image34_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Majella's intended tower with The Gabba in the background"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_16.jpg?itok=Ev_T_Jd2" title="Majella's intended tower with The Gabba in the background" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Majella's intended tower with The Gabba in sight</figcaption></figure>Whilst the infrastructure improvements are chiefly aimed at servicing the flow of people to and from the stadium, the overall precinct development will further add to Woolloongabba's rapid transformation.

Numerous projects have or are in the process of being delivered in the suburb which is a mere 2.4 kilometres from Brisbane's CBD. The Apartments.com.au Project Database shows a variety of developments earmarked for Woolloongabba, including apartment and hotel uses, through to projects such as 52-64 Annerley Road which is dedicated to high-rise office space and aged care living.

Residential use though remains the prime driver of change within Woolloongabba. Projects such as the 22 storey <a href="/buildings/silk-one-woolloongabba-825-847-stanley-street-woolloongabba">Silk One</a> launched to market earlier this year whilst others such as <a href="/buildings/the-drapery-64-logan-road-woolloongabba">The Drapery</a> and <a href="/buildings/south-city-square-148-logan-road-woolloongabba">South City Square</a> are well into construction.

The tallest and arguably the most recognisable tower earmarked for Woolloongabba has stumbled at planning though, with developer Majella withdrawing from planning their 27 storey development that would have included 262 apartments and located minutes from The Gabba.
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