Job-creating development breaks dirt in Beenleigh

Construction has started on a major commercial office development in Beenleigh—the first in a decade.

Known as “The York”, the development is being driven by investLogan and Alder Developments at 96-98 York St.

It comprises a seven-storey commercial building, four SOHO (small office or home office) apartments, ground floor retail space and an underground carpark.

The ground level integrates small-scale commercial and retail spaces, linking York St to John Lane via a pedestrian laneway that will connect directly to Beenleigh Town Square.

The streetscape will be enhanced by cascading greenery.

The project is expected to create up to 100 construction jobs at a time when the local economy and local construction businesses are attempting to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

In 2017, Council hosted the Beenleigh Summit to unlock the area’s economic potential. From there, the Beenleigh Implementation Plan was unveiled to guide the planning and delivery of priority projects and programs in Beenleigh.

Council established investLogan in the same year to drive economic growth in Logan’s key business centres, including Beenleigh.

investLogan Chair Steve Greenwood says the start of construction on The York signifies the next stage in the evolution of Beenleigh.

“The design and delivery of catalytic projects like The York will contribute to the revitalisation of Beenleigh and encourage further private sector investment,” he says.

“The York is delivering more than 4000 sqm of commercial space as well as the SOHO apartments, which will provide a contemporary tenancy space for small businesses that are the engine room of the economy to evolve and grow.”

The York is due for completion by late 2021. Access to John Lane and York St will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles during construction.

Investment in Beenleigh over the years

Logan City Council has invested in important infrastructure in Beenleigh’s CBD since 2008 when local government boundaries changed. Some of the highlights include:

• Installing signals at the James St/Zander St intersection
• Completing the Beenleigh Ring Road (Showgrounds Dr) to ease traffic congestion in the CBD
• Developing the Beenleigh Town Square, including removing the notorious six-way roundabout from the heart of the CBD and building a new 55-space car park
• Hosting the Beenleigh Summit to share ideas on unlocking the area’s economic potential
• Developing the Beenleigh Town Centre Master Plan and Beenleigh Implementation Plan to guide the delivery of priority projects and programs, with $5m so far allocated to those projects
• Installing a big screen in Beenleigh Town Square for free movie nights and other community events (which will resume once mass gathering rules are eased)
• Redeveloping the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre to include an all-inclusive new indoor heated pool and children’s water play area (re-opening when conditions allow)

The York in numbers

During construction:

• 100 construction jobs
• $4.1m of direct benefits and $10.6m of indirect benefits

When complete:

• 140 new full-time jobs
• $16.5m of direct benefits and $8.5m of indirect benefits