Brisbane’s historic Boggo Road Gaol is set to be reborn under a $300 million redevelopment unveiled yesterday.
The major urban renewal program, led by Leighton Holdings through Leighton Properties in partnership with the
Department of Housing and Public Works, will provide Brisbane’s inner south with a new urban village. The city’s other popular heritage precincts include the Barracks, the Powerhouse and the Teneriffe Woolsheds.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said the project would create more than 1,200 jobs during the construction phase and would give the old prison a new lease on life, 131 years after it was first opened.
“This project will give Queenslanders unprecedented access to the Gaol, which was decommissioned in 1989.
“We’re planning to incorporate a modern development into the site so that Queenslanders can enjoy all that the Gaol has to offer, but in a way that is sensitive to and celebrates the Gaol’s historical significance.”
“Under the proposed plans, the site will become a community hub featuring cafés, restaurants and a marketplace within and around the gaol’s walls as well as offering tours and a museum so people can continue to learn about the gaol and the role it played in Brisbane’s rich history,” Mr Mander said.
Calile Malouf Investments Pty Ltd, the creators and operators of the successful James Street Market in New Farm will be undertaking the redevelopment of the gaol, in consultation with Leighton Properties and the State Government.
National Trust President Stephen Sheaffe said the organisation was looking forward to having the gaol opened up to the Queensland community.
“It’s important that Queenslanders have access to sites like these, so that they can appreciate the role they played in our state’s history,” Mr Sheaffe said.
Leighton Properties National Head of Residential Gavin Tonnet said the people of Brisbane could look forward to a new community precinct that would support local residents and workers as well as attract a wide range of visitors.
“The Boggo Road Gaol is a unique public asset, but experienced by very few,
“Through interpretive planning and sensitive design, the proposal seeks to retain the aesthetic and social significance of the area and to transform it into a public place that incorporates educational opportunities, tours and a museum.”Mr Tonnet said.
Home buyers and investors looking for an apartment with that unique ‘wow factor’ are encouraged to register their interest in the first release at Boggo Road, the urban renewal project being undertaken by Leighton Holdings through Leighton Properties at Dutton Park in Brisbane.
