Massive development kickstarts jobs bonanza

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Logan City Council has granted approval to one of the biggest industrial developments in the city’s history.

An industrial park of nine warehouses will be constructed by Mapletree Investments, a leading real estate development, investment, capital and property management company headquartered in Singapore.

The new $500m Mapletree Logistics Park – Crestmead will be built on 36 hectares of the new $1.5 billion Crestmead Logistics Estate launched by Council last year.

The development will deliver approximately 200,000 square metres of high-grade logistic warehousing and office space.

The site is expected to include buildings ranging in size from 5000sqm up to possibly a massive 100,000sqm – the equivalent of almost 20 football fields.

The project is expected to create at least 2500 jobs over four stages of construction.

Artist impression of Mapletree Logistics Park with Crestmead in background

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the project was a strong endorsement for investment in the city.

“This is the start of a development that will deliver thousands of jobs for locals,” Cr Power said.

“This project is a game-changer, not just for the City of Logan, but all of South East Queensland.

“Mapletree, one of the largest industrial developers in the world, is leading the way in showing investors that the City of Logan is an ideal place for businesses to set-up and grow.

“Despite the setbacks of last year, this project sends a clear message that Logan is again open for business and a new hub for jobs and investment.”

Mapletree Group’s Chief Executive Officer Hiew Yoon Khong said the organisation had a strong conviction on the growth prospects of Australia’s logistics real estate sector.

“Mapletree Logistics Park – Crestmead’s excellent connectivity to key transportation nodes will provide companies with a high-quality space in a strategic location,” Mr Hiew said.

The Mapletree development was approved under Council’s innovative RiskSmart approval process.

It was subject to a comprehensive pre-application review prior to the application being formally lodged and approved by Council and the State Government.

The Crestmead Logistics Estate, on the corner of Green and Clarke Roads, was launched by Council in August last year.

It will be rolled out over the next five years and will eventually deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space.

The estate’s appeal includes its easy accessibility to the Logan and Gateway Motorways, two of the busiest transport arterials in South East Queensland.

Artist impression of Mapletree Logistics Estate

Crestmead Logistics Estate adds to an existing 367,000 sqm of commercial activity recently completed or planned in the City of Logan over the coming year.

Developments include:

  • DHL – 19,000sqm $38m 132 jobs (complete)
  • Mitre 10 – 27,000sqm $50m 110 jobs (complete)
  • Alphabet (Wing) – 15,000sqmm 36 jobs (complete)
  • Queensland Logistics Service – 15,000sqm 20 jobs (complete)
  • Pinnacle Hardware – 14,000sqm 36 jobs (complete)
  • CEVA – 21,000sqm (complete)
  • Hutamaki and Phoenix Transport – 25,000sqm (complete)
  • GPT – 13,000sqm (under construction) a further 72,000sqm to complete
  • Rinnai 13,000sqm (complete)
  • McPhee Transport 17,000sqm (under construction)
  • Berrinba Central Shopping Centre (Stage 1 complete, Stage 2 and 3 under construction)
  • Goodman 56,000sqm (under construction)
  • Quilton 60,000sqm (13 sheds under construction)

Ground breaks on essential new Medical Centre for Logan City Health Precinct

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Buildcorp has broken ground with project partners for a new medical centre, which forms part of a significant Health and Knowledge Precinct for the Logan and Greater Brisbane region.

The $20m Southwest Medical Centre is located on a prominent corner of Logandowns Drive, 200m from Logan Hospital. Project partners including Client Horwell Group, DMA Partners and Cottee Parker, gathered to ‘turn the sod’ to celebrate the commencement of  the new build project that will be delivered over the next 8 months.

The multi-level Centre is designed by Cottee Parker and comprises over 2,000m² of retail, medical and office space. UQ Health Care (owned by The University of Queensland) has been secured as the anchor tenant and will provide an extensive range of health services, as well as essential training opportunities for the next generation of doctors, nurses and allied health.

Artist render of Southwest Medical Centre

Artist render of Southwest Medical Centre

Family development group Horwell Property Investments has long believed in the potential for the Meadowbrook site, having owned the land for more than 35 years.

Horwell Property Investments’ Ben Horwell said, “As a family, we’ve maintained our belief in this 100-hectare site through many property cycles and it’s extremely pleasing to see the final piece of the puzzle put into place.

“In committing to the development of the Southwest Medical Precinct, we sought to build a project team that, like us, had a strong level of confidence in the area, excellent knowledge of the current market and a determination to get the job done.

“We’ve gotten to this milestone today thanks to the input, support and expertise of the project team and the City of Logan.”

Buildcorp has developed a plan to minimise the construction impact on the local area and protect the operations of the local retail and Childcare Centre. This includes the use of a double height precast concrete panels made offsite, a detail traffic management plan to protect access and an innovative design for the foundations that negated the need for heavy construction works.

The construction project will bring community benefit through opportunities for local suppliers, trades and employment opportunities. Over the course of the project over 400 workers will be inducted to help deliver the Centre.

Buildcorp’s Managing Director Tony Sukkar said: “Buildcorp is honoured to start work on this project that draws from our extensive experience in delivering new build construction, medical facility fit-outs and developing partnerships based on family values.

“This innovative facility will bring much opportunity to the area in essential medical services, education and training, and employment. Buildcorp is proud to be working with a team of aligned and experienced partners to bring it to life.”

DMA Partners Associate Director Matthew Cummins said:

“We were engaged right at the beginning before the concept phase and that allowed us to work closely with the client and the architect to create a project which had high market appeal.”

“The Southwest Medical Precinct is backed by a strong and experienced project team, which truly has allowed for the best possible outcome for the site and for the region.

The overall result is an innovative medical precinct, which has been delivered in a way that benefits the surrounding community as well as the developer.

Modelling paves the way for growth in Logan

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Logan City Council has developed a growth modelling strategy to assist with future planning of the city.

City of Logan has experienced unprecedented growth over the past 15 years and indications are the trend is set to continue for another 15 years.

It is projected that Logan will be home to 500,000 people in the next 20 years.

The Logan Growth Model, prepared in-house by Council’s Economic Development and Strategy Branch will be used to develop a new Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP), due next year.

Under the Queensland Planning Act 2016 (the Act) all local governments must prepare a new LGIP every five years.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said one of Logan’s greatest challenges is how rapidly the city is growing.

“One of the most important things Council needs to know is how and where we are growing,” Cr Raven said.

“This model sets out a clear path for the future of Logan and we now know when and where we need to invest in council infrastructure such as parks, community facilities and upgraded roads.”

Cr Raven said the modelling was also a significant input into Council’s financial calculations.

“The modelling enables the projection of future income from infrastructure charges,” he said.

“Most importantly it makes sure the whole of Council is using the same data to identify what infrastructure is needed so we can plan effectively for the future.

“It helps Council to ensure that we only spend money once and we spend it where it is needed most.”

Council’s current LGIP can be viewed here.

 

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.