Meadowbrook health vision takes shape

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Works will soon begin on the first stage of Logan City Council’s plans to upgrade areas around Logan Hospital at Meadowbrook.

Council aims to develop parts of the City of Logan suburb into a health, wellbeing and education precinct.

The works, which will continue through to the middle of the year, will develop a ‘Healthy Street’ environment that is safe for pedestrians and cyclists, improves local amenity and encourages local development and investment.

Upgrades include:

  • A signalised pedestrian crossing between Logan Hospital and Meadowbrook Shopping Centre across Loganlea Road
  • Road modifications to convert Loganlea Road from four to six lanes in some sections
  • Shared paths (up to 3 metres wide) from Loganlea rail station for pedestrians and bicycles
  • Additional safety cameras, upgraded lighting, public artwork, seating and shade structures

The works were identified as priority projects arising from the Council-hosted Meadowbrook Summit in September 2018.

They are being funded from the $5 million Meadowbrook Implementation Fund endorsed by Council and from grant funding by the State Government under the Unite and Recover program.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said the upgrade of the precinct around Logan Hospital was one of several significant projects Council will undertake this year.

“These upgrades will not only make it easier for people to access health services in Meadowbrook, they will also help attract more investment in the area which will deliver more services and more jobs,” Cr Raven said.

Artists impression of Loganlea Road with trees and artwork.

Council’s works in the area coincide with the $460 million expansion of Logan Hospital which is well underway.

Several other health-related development projects in Meadowbrook have also been approved or proposed.

These include:

For more information on the upgrade, email meadowbrook@logan.qld.gov.au or call Council on 3412 3412

Planning Scheme amendments reflect community feedback

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Support for jobs, a boost for tourism and a greater focus on city centres are among the highlights of the latest amendments to the Logan Planning Scheme.

The Logan Planning Scheme is the blueprint that guides development across the City of Logan.

The recent amendments are in response to community feedback.

They are also an opportunity for Logan City Council to continue to improve the current planning scheme, which was introduced in 2015.

Improvements to the Logan Planning Scheme – Version 8 video transcript

The new amendments took effect on Monday, November 16.

Key changes include:

  • Improved support for industrial activity, job creation and new warehouse technology in Berrinba.
  • Changes to allow small-scale breweries to open in places close to restaurants and licensed outlets. This follows a similar earlier amendment for coffee roasters.
  • Improved criteria for new centres in growth areas so they are better located to serve the needs of existing and future communities.
  • Restrictions on crematoriums to ensure they are only built in industrial areas along with provisions for the community to have their say on any proposed crematorium development through public notification and feedback.
  • Updates to maps to show new properties created through subdivisions and other boundary changes.
  • Enhancing the Heritage Register to make it easier to learn about Logan’s rich history.

The City of Logan is already home to a number of specialist micro-breweries including Monkey Tree (Underwood) and Loose Moose (Browns Plains).

Some of the city’s coffee roasters include Zarraffa’s Kiwanda Café (Eagleby) and Extraction Coffee (Slacks Creek).

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said amendments to the Planning Scheme were made because Council had listened to the community.

“These changes are what residents and businesses want to make our city a better place to live and work,” Cr Raven said.

“Not only will they help create jobs here in Logan, they also help boost our recently announced Food Tourism Strategy which is aimed at attracting more visitors to Logan.

“The latest amendments also begin to address some of what we learned about our city from Council’s recent 10-year Housing Study which showed a record number of people are moving to Logan.”

More details on the planning scheme can be found through Council’s award-winning Logan PD Hub.

Please visit the PD Hub for easy access to the online Logan Planning Scheme viewer, as well as interactive mapping and a collection of tools to help understand how the planning scheme applies to a particular property.

Logan PD Hub Screenshot

Logan PD Hub homepage

Study confirms Logan is booming

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The City of Logan has enjoyed unprecedented population and housing growth over the past decade, a new study has found.

And there are strong indicators that the trend will continue for at least another 15 years.

The Logan Housing Study, released today, is the first step in a three-stage Housing Strategy by Logan City Council to ensure that future housing and residential development is suitable, accessible and within serviced locations.

It provides research on which Council can base considerations for higher density development around transport corridors while at the same time preserving and protecting Logan’s semi-rural and large suburban blocks for those who prefer that lifestyle.

The Strategy will also guide the type, design and quality of housing for Logan’s population, which is one of the most diverse in Australia with 217 different ethnicities speaking more than 50 languages.

The Housing Study found that affordable choices for housing and high availability have made Logan a magnet for families.

Many new residents have come from other parts of Queensland and New Zealand.

In the last decade there have been more than 26,000 new residential dwellings approved in Logan. From 2015-2019, approvals were in excess of 3000 annually and just shy of 4000 in 2017/18.

From 2010/11 to 2018/19 (last full year of data available) annual residential dwelling approvals in Logan have soared 77 per cent.

Logan has the potential to grow by an additional 56,000 dwellings by 2036 with more than $18 billion in Council and government-funded infrastructure projects planned for the city.

At June last year, the City of Logan was home to 334,358 residents and had seen an average annual population growth rate of 1.9 per cent. By 2041, as many as 586,000 people are expected to live in the city.

Some key snapshots from the Survey shows a typical Logan family:

  • Lives in a detached (stand-alone) dwelling with at least three bedrooms and a double garage
  • Nearly a quarter of residents (23%) are 14 years or younger
  • A further 12 per cent are 15 to 24 years with 63% still living at home
  • There are two or more vehicles at 60% of all dwellings
  • The median weekly rent for a three-bedroom house is $350

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the results of the Logan Housing Study were both exceptional and exciting.

“The growth across the city has been astounding,” Cr Power said.

“Families are flocking to our booming new residential developments, our established suburbs are being re-energised and we have also seen growth in the traditional Logan rural-residential lifestyle.

“It is undeniable that people love living in Logan and Council wants to make sure that experience is affordable and enjoyable as possible.

“The contents of this study will now help shape our Housing Strategy to establish best-practice policy options for future housing and residential development across the city.

Potential-future-residential-development-areas-2036

The study shows Logan’s growth has been led by factors including:

  • Continuing residential development in established residential areas (in-fill);
  • Strong residential development in emerging growth areas; and
  • Priority Development Areas (PDAs) established by the State Government at Yarrabilba and Flagstone.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the growth within the PDAs was just part of the Logan success story.

“Initiatives by Council have seen growth and investment in suburbs such as Park Ridge, Bahrs Scrub, Logan Reserve and Holmview that rivals what is happening out at Yarrabilba and Flagstone,” Cr Raven said.

“In addition to providing affordable housing, our commercial areas such as Berrinba and Crestmead are attracting some major manufacturing companies which has delivered thousands of new jobs to Logan.

“Logan has always been a great place to live and work and now this study proves it.”

Stage 2 of the Housing Strategy will involve detailed investigations on Planning issues including:

  • New residential growth fronts and managing development in established areas
  • Delivering infrastructure in an affordable and timely way
  • Examining diversity of lot sizes and dwelling types
  • Exploring ways to ensure residential development are close to jobs
  • Strategies for an ageing population

“This study identified opportunities for Council to explore and implement diverse, innovative, and affordable housing solutions for Logan’s residents,” Cr Raven said.

“The evidence provided by this Housing Study will allow us to set a strategic vision for the city that meets the expectations of the community as we shape our new Planning Scheme in 2025.”

van Sleeuwan family

The van Sleeuwan family

The van Sleeuwan family are among those living the Logan dream.

Jason and Jasmine van Sleeuwan love living in Logan’s Yarrabilba because they say it is a mix of both suburbia and rural living.

“It’s got all the facilities we need, but we can also stand in our front yard and admire the mountain and bushland views,” Jason said.

Jason, who works in the security industry, grew up in Mackay while Jasmine, who is in retail, is from the Gold Coast. They have a six-year-old son, Tyson.

They previously lived in the Logan suburb of Tanah Merah, which flanks the busy M1.

They are currently renting in Yarrabilba while awaiting the construction of their new four-bedroom, two-garage house on a 448 square metre block which flanks natural bushland not far away from where they now live.

“We like it out here because it is just that bit further away from the hustle and bustle of other places,” Jasmine said.

“There air is so clean, there’s no smog and there are heaps of other families and kids in our area for us and Tyson to make new friends.”

The study can be viewed here.

Cover of Logan Housing Study 2020

City of Logan rises as industrial powerhouse

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The City of Logan continues to strengthen its position as an industrial powerhouse in south-east Queensland, attracting more than $1.7 billion of national and international investment during the last 18 months.

Despite challenging global economic conditions, Logan’s industrial sectors have continued to push forward—building approvals have far exceeded the previous financial year, with more than double gross floor area approved in 2019-20.

Businesses in the transport and logistics, manufacturing and construction industries are key drivers in the local economy, generating $8.3 billion in revenue annually and creating almost one in three local jobs.

Located between the Queensland cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan is fast becoming the region’s leading transport and logistics hub, with unrivalled access to major arterials and in close proximity to three international airports and the Port of Brisbane.

Recent infrastructure upgrades, including Transurban’s $512 million Logan Enhancement Project, have improved freight productivity and spurred commercial activity along Logan’s major industrial corridor.

Logan will soon be home to one of the largest industrial estates in Queensland—and the largest in the city’s history—with the Crestmead Logistics Estate breaking ground in August this year.

The $1.5 billion estate, to be developed during the next five years by Pointcorp, will deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space.

With the unprecedented demand for industrial space driven by consumers, the Crestmead Logistics Estate will enter the market at a pivotal time in the history of Logan and the wider region.

Matthew Frazer-Ryan, national director, industrial at Colliers International, said Logan was an exceptional location for this landmark development.

“The estate is just 6.4km from the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway interchange within the hugely successful Berrinba-Crestmead industrial region.

“This location benefits significantly from the recently-upgraded Wembley Road Interchange, providing occupiers with efficient access to a network of roads servicing greater Brisbane, south-east Queensland and key interstate transport routes,” Frazer-Ryan said.

Singapore’s Mapletree Logistics Trust will develop stage one of the estate into a $440 million world-class logistics park spanning 200,000 sqm.

Mapletree boasts an impressive tenant network of well-known multinational brands and has a multi-billion-dollar global asset base across real estate in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

This follows more than $240 million of investment from a number of national and international companies moving in or expanding their footprint in Logan including DHL, CEVA Logistics, Mitre 10 and JB Hi Fi.

In addition, national third-party logistics (3PL) company McPhee Distribution Services and multinational Japanese gas appliance manufacturer Rinnai Corporation completed their $40 million warehouse in August.

Situated in the well-established industrial precinct in Berrinba, the 13,000 sqm facility co-locates McPhee Distribution Services and Rinnai Corporation’s Queensland headquarters.

With 3PL providers in high demand, McPhee Distribution Services managing director Jay McPhee said having ready access to their customers in south-east Queensland has been advantageous during this time, and reinforces the decision to set up in Logan for the long-term.

“We will be based in Logan for the next 20 to 30 years at least.”

As the second-fastest growing city in the region, Logan has access to a catchment of more than 2.6 million potential customers, a vast network of suppliers and a diverse pool of talent.

The city’s growing population was a key drawcard for air delivery company Wing’s world-first autonomous drone delivery service, which recently celebrated one year of operation in Logan.

Based in the South West 1 Enterprise Park in Berrinba, Wing saw customer demand surge in March to May, and plans to expand its service in coming months.

The South West 1 Enterprise Park was an initiative of Logan City Council to attract investment and jobs to the city.

Established in 2013, companies such as Phoenix Transport, National Tiles, PACCAR, GMK, Avery Dennison, Huhtamaki and Sigma Healthcare have moved into the estate.

Recently achieving a significant milestone, the industrial estate reached its completion with the construction of Phoenix Transport’s 9,999 sqm custom-built facility.

In response to the take-up in South West 1 Enterprise Park and existing tenants in the Crestmead Industrial Estate, Queensland developer De Luca Corporation is nearing completion of the first stage of Berrinba Central—a $60 million mixed-use development that will provide essential services for the area and surrounding suburbs.

With thousands of jobs created and millions of dollars funnelled into Logan since the inception of South West 1 Enterprise Park, its success shows how the city is evolving and has become a key player in south-east Queensland’s industrial sector.

Why invest in the City of Logan? Visit loed.com.au/investinlogan to find out more.

Construction Underway On Berrinba Mixed Business And Industry Development

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investLogan has recently commenced construction on a mixed business and industry precinct in Berrinba, which will deliver a much-needed boost to the local economy and expanding commercial space in the growing precinct.

The development was officially launched by investLogan Chair Steve Greenwood, Mayor of Logan City Darren Power and Councillor Jon Raven Deputy Mayor of Logan City (pictured).

The precinct is set to be located at 180-186 Wayne Goss Drive, Berrinba, creating more industrial space for local businesses and a secure investment opportunity for local investors.

Six mixed business and industry units are planned for the precinct, ranging from 200m2 to 250m2. Each unit will include office and showroom space, individual amenities and a fully accessible high-clearance warehouse.

Artists impression of Berrinba Mixed Business And Industry Development – from Development Application submission

The precinct will be situated in a highly visible site within the multi-award-winning South West 1 Enterprise Estate, and adjacent to the Berrinba Central development, the first stage set for completion by the end of 2021.

Lory Construction has been appointed to deliver the project and it will be marketed by Corwells for sale and lease.

investLogan Chairman Steve Greenwood said he was confident the demand from commercial and industrial businesses will continue to be strong locally.

“Demand for commercial and industrial space in Berrinba is increasing rapidly thanks to continued investment in infrastructure in the area,” Mr Greenwood said.

“We anticipate a high level of interest on the project, given high returns on commercial assets and long-term security to investors and tenants alike.”

Construction on the development is set for completion in early 2021.

More info: investlogan.com.au/projects/mixed-business-units-berrinba/

New $1.5b, nine stage industrial estate to drive investment and jobs creation in Logan

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Up to 6000 jobs will be created at one of Queensland’s largest industrial projects.

The $1.5 billion Crestmead Logistics Estate will be developed over the next five years by Queensland developer Pointcorp and will deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space.

Stage one of the project will be completed in December. The 36-hectare parcel was purchased by Singapore’s Mapletree Investments for $90 million. It will develop a $440 million logistics park spanning 200,000 sqm.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power visited the site today with Queensland Treasurer and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick.

Cr Power said the nine-stage project was a “game-changer” for South East Queensland.

“This project is a strong endorsement for investment in our city and will create thousands of jobs for locals,” he said.

“Council is committed to ensuring that Logan remains an attractive place for businesses to establish and grow.

“Our city is facing economic challenges like many others around the country with COVID-19 impacts and this sends a clear message that Logan is open for business.”

Cr Power said ‘Logan well and truly punched above its weight’ and was fast establishing itself as a hub for major transport and logistics in Queensland.

“There are vast investment opportunities in Logan for companies in the manufacturing, transport and logistics industries and we anticipate this growth in the commercial and industrial sector to continue,” he said.

“We are seeing a platform of investment across the city where multinationals are setting up headquarters and securing land that is affordable and abundant.

“This location benefits significantly from the recently upgraded Wembley Road Interchange, providing occupiers with efficient access to a network of roads servicing greater Brisbane, South East Queensland and key interstate transport routes.”

Cr Power said planning support and guidance from Council would also enhance development outcomes and assist in job creation and long-term employment opportunities within the region.

Located within the Logan City Council industrial corridor, Crestmead Logistics Estate is accessible to the Logan and Gateway Motorways, which are the main transport arterials for SEQ.

Crestmead Logistics Estate Aerial view

Aerial view of the planned Crestmead Logistics Estate

Queensland Treasurer and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the potential of the estate was obvious, making it an exciting addition to Logan’s industrial landscape.

“Job creation is so important right now given the current global economic climate,” Mr Dick said.

“COVID-19 has had a huge impact on every community in our state, Logan included. A development of this size will make a great difference when it comes to boosting employment locally.

“We’re seeing this already with construction workers on site, and once businesses begin setting up shop here those job numbers are going to grow, both in the estate and along industry supply chains.

“This project complements our government’s $6.2 billion COVID economic recovery strategy, Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, and will help the City of Logan emerge from the pandemic stronger and best placed to prosper.”

The project, on the corner of Green and Clarke Roads, has been amalgamated over a five-year period and adds to an existing 170,000 sqm of commercial activity underway or planned in Logan over the next 12 months.

Logan development snapshot

  • DHL – 32,000m² $38m 132 jobs (complete)
  • Mitre 10 – 27,000m² $50m 110 jobs (complete)
  • Alphabet (Wing) – 15,000m² 36 jobs (complete)
  • Queensland Logistics Service – 15,000m² 20 jobs (complete)
  • Pinnacle Hardware – 14,000m² 36 jobs (complete)
  •  CEVA – 21,000m² (complete)
  • Hutamaki and Phoenix Transport – 12,000m² (complete)
  • GPT – 13,000m (under construction) a further 72,000m² to complete
  • McPhee (Rinnai) 40,000m² (under construction)

Transformation of historic butter factory begins

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Work has started on the $16.1 million transformation of Logan’s historic Kingston Butter Factory (KBF).

Today’s highly-anticipated milestone event marking the commencement of construction was attended by Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe, Shannon Fentiman MP, Logan Mayor Darren Power and councillors.

Council is redeveloping the KBF Precinct and its grounds into a vibrant cultural heritage and performing arts hub in the heart of Logan.

The interior of the iconic Kingston Butter Factory building is also being re-imagined.

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the venue, when finished, would be a significant addition to South-East Queensland’s tourism infrastructure.

“Having such a large outdoor space that can attract major events and festivals will bring massive economic benefits to Logan,” Councillor Power said.

“It will be a space the whole community can enjoy, where they can access world-class arts, culture, festivals and events.”

City Lifestyle Committee Chairperson, Councillor Laurie Koranski said community feedback had endorsed Council’s decision to redevelop the building into a cultural heritage and performing arts hub.

“Results of a community survey in November last year overwhelmingly supported Council’s proposal for KBF,” Cr Koranski said.

“The KBF Cultural Precinct will be a place where people will come together in ways that connect, entertain and inspire.”

Cr Power welcomed recent funding of $6.57 million from the State Government’s COVID Works Queensland program towards the project.

“Infrastructure and jobs are critical for the community and our city in these challenging times,” he said.

“This is a great example of state and local government working together to deliver important social infrastructure for the community while creating jobs.

“We want to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever, and the best way to do that is to work together.”

Cr Power said Council would have the opportunity to redirect part of its original budget allocation of $12 million into other areas to be determined by Council.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Logan Mayor Darren Power and Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman welcome the redevelopment of the Kingston Butter Factory.

Minister Hinchliffe said it was the first time Logan City Council has had access to the Works for Queensland program.

“The pandemic has landed a major blow on economies around the world, and that includes right here in Logan,” the Minister said.

“To that end, the redevelopment of the butter factory will support or create about 150 jobs and, once it’s up and running, even more with investment in restaurants and other small businesses in the area.”

Ms Fentiman, the Member for Waterford, said once completed the KBF Precinct would feature the city’s largest outdoor events space, with a purpose-built stage and room for audiences of up to 5000.

“The whole space is being transformed – it will feature a blackbox-style theatre, rehearsal space and a living museum to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Logan, a community that I’m so proud to be a part of,” she said.

“This project is going to be a game-changer for local artists and I’m excited to see it transform into an arts and entertainment hub for the Logan community.”

The project will be delivered by Box & Co builders and work is expected to be completed by February next year.

Major Logan Hospital expansion tenders released​​​​​​​

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The major Logan Hospital Expansion is continuing to progress and is one step closer to delivering more health care for the Logan community.

Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman said tenders to deliver Logan Hospital’s $460 million expansion have been released, kickstarting two projects that will support more than 1000 jobs during construction.

The Invitation to Offer (ITO) for both the hospital expansion and the maternity upgrade were issued to shortlisted companies after an open market expression of the interest process was finalised last month for each project.

Ms Fentiman said the ITO releases were an exciting milestone for the expansion, which will deliver an additional 206 beds and treatment spaces as well as upgraded services across the hospital.

“The Logan community is growing rapidly, and the Queensland Government is supporting this growth through a major investment in health infrastructure,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This is one of Queensland’s largest ever hospital expansions and will ensure that locals receive the best care, close to home.”

Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the expansion was the signature piece of a wider infrastructure improvements program being delivered at Logan Hospital over five years, including an upgraded maternity service and a new multi-level carpark.

“Birthing pools and overnight facilities for partners will be part of a major $18.87 million upgrade to Logan Hospital’s maternity service,” Mr Dick said.

“Metro South Health has been working closely with mums, families and clinicians to complete a detailed design for the upgrade, which has been planned to minimise the impacts on services during the upgrade.

“Because we’re upgrading the service in a live hospital environment, we needed to plan this project in meticulous detail, and now we’re in a position to finalise procurement, ready for construction.”

“The project will deliver six additional maternity inpatient beds, five extra birthing suites, and an expanded special care nursery.

“The community have also told us they want access to water birthing, so I’m thrilled we’re providing this option, and for the first time there’ll be facilities for partners to stay overnight, which is great for local families,” he said.

“As a former Queensland Health Minister I’m delighted the Palaszczuk Labor Government is delivering the biggest expansion in the hospital’s history, which will serve our community well for many years to come.”

Member for Logan Linus Power said the project will see one of the hospital’s main buildings rise by four stories and the open-air ground level built in – increasing the capacity of the hospital by almost half.

“We will also upgrade and expand existing clinical and support areas including the emergency department, mental health, intensive care, endoscopy and coronary care units,” Mr Power said.

“As well as the boost to healthcare services, the scale of the project meant there would be significant employment opportunities for local tradies and subcontractors, and into the future, more healthcare workers.

“The Queensland Government is focused on getting people back to work as part of the economic recovery from COVID-19, and this major project will support that through local jobs.”

Member for Macalister Melissa McMahon said the maternity upgrade is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to providing more and better services, no matter where you live.

“This upgrade will deliver the modern facilities our community deserves, to ensure families in our growing region have the best possible care available to them, close to home,” Ms McMahon said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has already delivered a $1.5 million Mental Health Lounge within the emergency department for patients experiencing mental health concerns, as well as a $9 million 28-bed medical ward.”

Detailed design on the major expansion project commenced last month and a series of infrastructure upgrades with be undertaken over the rest of the year, with work to start on the main construction in 2021.

Construction for the maternity upgrade project is due to start September 2020.

For more information on the project visit health.qld.gov.au/loganexpansion

UQ Health commits to Southwest Medical Precinct

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DMA Partners have secured a commitment from UQ Health for a 725m² ground floor tenancy anchoring the new Southwest Medical complex at Meadowbrook, with their new flagship medical centre due for completion in late 2021.

UQ Health Care is a leading primary care, clinical innovation and research organisation owned by The University of Queensland. UQ Health Care works in partnership with patients, medical and allied health professionals, researchers, health policy makers and the community to find better ways to address contemporary healthcare needs.

Situated on a prominent corner of Logandowns Drive, the new build Southwest Medical Precinct is a multi-level facility comprising over 2,000m² of retail, medical and office space. Located 200m from Logan Hospital, a strong performing Woolworths supermarket and major public and private transport networks, the centre will offer its tenants and customers unrivalled exposure and convenience.

Opportunities remain for retail and complimentary medical providers and specialists from 68m² to 1,000m². The centre will be suitable for medical and allied health operators, health professionals and specialists, commercial office users and associated retailers.

DMA Partners will deliver the project on behalf of the Horwell Group after initially being engaged to determine the best possible development outcome for the vacant site in Meadowbrook.

Read more about Southwest Medical Precinct here.

Job-creating development breaks dirt in Beenleigh

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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

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power and Beenleigh Divisional Councillor Karen Murphy joined project partners investLogan and Alder Developments to break ground at 96-98 York Street.