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.

Pathway projects deliver smart connections for Springwood

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Logan City Council’s vision for a highly connected pedestrian-friendly Springwood has taken a giant step forward with the completion of shared pathway and streetscape enhancement projects.

A new three-metre-wide, 350m-long concrete pathway now links Dennis Road to Murrajong Road, flanking Springwood Central State School.

On the next block to the north, streetscapes have been upgraded and enhanced along Murrajong Road, Paxton Street and Carol Avenue.

The footpath was extended into Murrajong Road to create an additional opportunity for seating, landscaping and outdoor dining.

The two projects, which cost collectively $1.6 million, were delivered from the $5million Springwood Implementation Fund set up by Council after the October 2016 Springwood Summit.

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the two projects would further build on Springwood’s reputation as a thriving commercial precinct and connected urban hub.

“Council is committed to developing Springwood’s centre as a major commercial activity hub,” Cr Power said.

“These two projects bring enormous lifestyle and commercial benefits to the local community and for visitors to Springwood.

“They are helping to build local identity while improving safety and security for pedestrians, school students and local workers.”

The Dennis Road to Murrajong Road pathway has an entry statement, seating, a shade structure, public artwork and lighting.

The pathway will be monitored around-the-clock by Council’s CCTV safety camera network.

The concrete path features murals that resemble carpet rugs which were painted by eight local artists and is complemented by giant pebble seats to create ‘lounge rooms’ on the streets of Springwood.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Chairperson, Cr Jon Raven, said the new pathway and associated works were the direct result of feedback provided by nearly 200 people who attended the Springwood Summit

“In March 2017, Council endorsed 10 primary actions and 30 initiatives that were identified from the Springwood Summit,” Cr Raven said.

“This project and others planned for this area are all about Council delivering on what the community wanted.”

Completion of the pathway required the dedication of land from Springwood Central State School through the Queensland Department of Education.

State Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the pathway represented more than just community connectivity and demonstrated the benefit of multiple levels of government working together.

“I congratulate Logan City Council and its new Mayor Darren Power on working with the Palaszczuk Government to deliver local infrastructure that connects us and shows what can be achieved through collaboration,” he said.

“Our community is doing a great job of reducing the spread of COVID-19, however our focus must also be on getting locals back to work and projects like this will help the economic recovery process.”

Division One Councillor Lisa Bradley said the new pathway and the streetscape enhancements deliver a combination of benefits for local businesses and the community.

“This new pathway provides a much-needed, convenient and safe link to recreation spaces and enhance outdoor activities for local families,” Cr Bradley said.

“It also ensures retail and commercial areas benefit from improved accessibility to food and drink outlets and the nearby public transport hub.

“The completion of these two projects brings real lifestyle benefits to Springwood and the city though the enhancement of local identity, connection to community and improved safety and security.”

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power Springwood Central State School student leaders (from left) Aria Gilligan, Mary Cordero, Jordyn Cooley, Blake Lamond and Tabitha Corbet enjoy some of the pebble chairs than are dotted along the new pathway from Dennis Road to Murrajong Road.

Suppliers invited to register for updated Local Buy panels

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LGAQ’s Local Buy is currently conducting stage 1 of a mass refresh of tenders, and local businesses are encouraged to register on VendorPanel and submit a response to applicable tenders.

Being a supplier on a Local Buy contract not only can provide you with more business, more opportunities, and more brand visibility with local councils and many other organisations, but it can also save you time and money in submitting tenders. Local Buy provides a simple and easy process for you to access work in a one-to-many relationship which prioritises local businesses as a first choice.

A contract (LGA Arrangement) established by Local Buy, enables councils and other eligible entities to purchase goods and services from Local Buy contracted suppliers without having to undertake a separate procurement process. Local Buy is required by the Local Government Act 2009 to conduct an open tender process to establish these contracts.

At any time of the day or night, you can access all of Local Buy Mass Refresh tenders, which are open and in the market by simply clicking here

Those open to supply across Queensland are:

To register your business to be considered as a Local Buy supplier, visit the VendorPanel website.

For more information on Local Buy, visit their portal.