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

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.

Stage 1 commences on $60 million Berrinba mixed-use development

Queensland developer De Luca Corporation have begun construction on a large scale $60 million mixed-use development project in Berrinba called Berrinba Central.

Founder and Managing Director Nic De Luca said, “This is an extremely exciting time as we have made a speedy and significant commencement on Stage 1 securing an excellent tenant mix”.

Just 30 minutes to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Berrinba Central is located on the corner of Browns Plains Road and Wayne Goss Drive servicing a population of over 41,300 growing at 2.9% per annum.

The location is perfect for the growing needs of the area with over 30,000 cars currently travelling past the site each day and an expected increase to 37,000 cars by 2026.

Tenants who are now committed to the site include; United Fuel Petroleum, Pie Face, Sparkles Car Wash, Bridgestone Tyres and Starbucks. Stage 1 is 90% pre-committed with only one 600sqm service retail vacancy remaining.

The site is currently going through bulk earthworks and service upgrades with Stage one due for completion late 2020.

The Master plan for Stage 2 is currently being finalised and earmarked to include a tavern / club, short term accommodation and bulky goods / retail.

“We are gearing up to move into Stage 2 of the project in the second half of 2020 with new tenant pre commitments currently being finalised and we hope to have the entire development completed by the end of 2021” Mr De Luca said. “Having only settled the site in late 2019, this is an excellent outcome for the project and the Logan area”.

Mitchell Willett of De Luca Corporation is the Leasing Agent for the remainder of this project.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Cherie Kelly    [E] ckelly@deluca.com.au

Berrinba Central Render

About Berrinba Central

Located within the heart of one of the fastest growing areas of South East Queensland, the development is centrally located between Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich, with easy access to the Logan Motorway and the Mt Lindesay Highway.

It is surrounded by the neighbouring suburbs of Browns Plains, Heritage Park, Marsden, Park Ridge and Regents Park as well as the employment hubs of SouthWest 1 Enterprise Park and Crestmead Industrial Estates.

The site is also located within the Berrinba Mixed Industry Business Area, the commercial and industrial lands which extend between Wembley Road at Logan Central and Browns Plains Road, Berrinba.

New $70m industrial precinct for Meadowbrook

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Work has commenced on a new $70 million industrial development in Meadowbrook, which will ultimately feature 19 warehouses with immediate access to the Logan Motorway.

The project, to be called M6 Connect, will be built on the final 10 hectares of a 100 hectare industrial land holding which commenced development in 1986.

The final site remains under the ownership of the Brisbane-based Hoare family, operating as Beal Street Industrial Park.

The family has joined forces with property firm Development Directive to realise the potential of what is now the final industrial development opportunity in Meadowbrook, with plans to fill a gap in the market for spec and custom built warehouses.

Development Directive is a full-service property firm offering an end-to-end solution, including identifying developable sites, arranging approvals and project management through to delivery of the finished product.

Development Directive has contracted Pensar Infrastructure to complete civil works across the site, which is expected to be completed by September this year, paving the way for construction of warehouses in the first stage.

The first six warehouses will be spec built, with all other lots open to custom builds to suit tenant requirements.

Development Directive director Lachlan Macgregor says M6 Connect will meet demand from companies in the logistics and distribution space looking for a central location and flexible options for short and long term leaseholds.

“The Development Directive model is to identify gaps in the market and then find the perfect site to deliver the right project, and M6 Connect fits this criteria by creating new industrial leasing opportunities in the sought after Gold Coast to Brisbane corridor,” he said.

“Meadowbrook is a well established industrial area, and M6 Connect will be the last industrial estate to be built here, so it really is the final opportunity for businesses to get a foothold in this precinct.

M6 Connect site in Meadowbrook

M6 Connect site in Meadowbrook

“In recent years, a lot of the focus in industrial development has been on vacant land sales with few spec built projects on offer – especially for those looking to lease rather than purchase.

“It’s particularly rare to have an opportunity to lease a custom built warehouse in a brand new development.

“We are intending to offer the lots individually, however tenants will have the ability to amalgamate lots to suit business requirements.

“We are completing the entire civil works program up front, so all sites will be fully serviced and ready for builders to move on site and build warehouses to meet demand.”

M6 Connect is being marketed by Savills and Cushman & Wakefield.

Savills agent Peter Trikamji says M6 Connect offers a range of lot sizes to suit a variety of uses.

“We have already had enquiries from businesses in the commercial cleaning, freighting and logistics hire industries, which are all circling M6 Connect due to its proximity to the Logan Motorway, with easy access to the interchanges for the M1 and Gateway motorways,” he said.

“Sites range from 1,500sqm to almost 6,000sqm, so they are suitable for small to medium scale businesses.

“The project offers value, with leasing rates expected to range from $125 to $140 per square metre.”

Cushman and Wakefield agent Freddie Donne says the industrial market has shown a trend towards quality spec built product.

“In the past 18 months or so we have seen an uptick in interest in spec built offerings. Developers are finding they are able to lease spec built projects ahead of completion,” he said.

“We expect to see continued interest in M6 Connect from businesses looking to move from areas like Acacia Ridge, Slacks Creek and Underwood, which have older warehouses and don’t have the benefit of upgraded infrastructure.

“The ability to lease these spaces also gives businesses greater agility to respond to market activity.”

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES, CONTACT SHEREE BREUST, PROMEDIA, ON (07) 55932 011

Major new office development to start construction next month

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Construction will start next month on the first major commercial office development in Beenleigh.

InvestLogan and Alder Developments have received development approval from State Government and local council to proceed with The York, at 96-98 York St.

The approval allows for an underground carpark and a winter garden overhanging the street.

InvestLogan Chairman Steve Greenwood said the approval for the seven-storey building was an exciting step forward for project partners and the people of Beenleigh.

“We are extremely pleased with this outcome and look forward to getting the project under way in what will be a catalyst for the revitalisation of Beenleigh,” he said.

“The built form of the development pays tribute to Beenleigh’s rich history, urban structure and rural setting in both building form, colour and materials.

“The development is designed to provide a modern interpretation of the distinctive character of Beenleigh’s historic buildings with elements like the winter gardens protecting the street like an awning, while enabling passive surveillance of the active spaces and streetscape.”

Artists impression of The York building in Beenleigh

The York will have 156sq m of ground floor retail, 452sq m of study or home office space and 4003sq m of office space as well as two levels of underground carparking with 10 short term car parks for public use.

It is the first new major commercial office building to be constructed in Beenleigh in the last decade, the project is expected to bring 140 new full-time jobs and 100 construction jobs to the area.

General manager of Alder Developments Greg Tupicoff said preliminary works have commenced to prepare the site for construction and he anticipates work will start in April.

John Lane access and York St access will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles throughout the construction period.

To read more about The York, click here.

Investors sought for Logan’s whitewater park vision

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Logan City Council has approved an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign as the next step towards the city’s proposed Olympic-standard whitewater park.

The campaign will test the market for private sector interest in the project.

In building a business case for the facility, Council examined delivery models of existing whitewater park operations around the world.

That investigation found a public-private partnership or joint venture to be the best way forward.

As a result, the EOI will explore options not only for construction and operations investment but also the management of the facility.

Logan City Council Interim Administrator Tamara O’Shea said an EOI campaign was the logical next step after extensive research and planning into the proposed facility over a number of years.

“There has been an evidence-based approach to this exciting project from the outset, Ms O’Shea said.

“The learnings acquired so far, and the feedback we expect from the EOI, will ensure Council is well-placed to make decisions on a Queensland-first facility that has the potential to deliver significant economic and recreational benefits to the city.”

Potential investors, operators and a range of users from elite athletes, governing bodies and emergency services have already shown interest in the project since Council conducted a Pre-Feasibility Study last year.

Three-time World Cup freestyle kayak champion Jez Blanchard said a world-class whitewater facility in Logan would be a huge asset for city and the wider community.

“Athletes and coaches from all over the world will be drawn to train on the course that will be open year round,” he said.

“Emergency services will also be able to train for swift water rescues.

“There is currently only one specialist white water facility in Australia and that is already 20-years-old.

“To have a top-of-the range, new facility in Queensland is extremely exciting.”

The proposed Logan Whitewater Park aligns with the Logan Destination Management Plan and priorities in Council’s Corporate Plan.

The business case for the facility also aligns with Building Queensland’s comprehensive Business Case Development Framework.

That allows the project to be considered by the State and Federal governments for funding consideration as an infrastructure proposal.

Logan City Council is a partner to South-East Council of Mayors’ feasibility study into a possible bid for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Facilities such as a world-class whitewater park and the recently renovated $3.3 million Doug Larsen Park Olympic-standard BMX freestyle facility would put the City of Logan well-placed to be involved in any future major sporting events.

Construction commences on new $40 million distribution and warehouse facility in Berrinba

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National Logistics Operator McPhee Distribution Services has started work on a $40 million warehouse project at Logan’s premier industrial precinct at Berrinba.

The 40,000 sqm site at Bardon Road, will be developed over three stages with a completion earmarked for June 2023.

Vaughan Constructions has been contracted to build the warehouse, a first for the company in South-East Queensland.

Appliance manufacturer Rinnai Corporation will lease 6000 sqm with McPhee providing overflow storage services.

The development application was lodged under Logan City Council’s RiskSmart initiative and was approved in December last year.

Logan City Council Director Strategy and Sustainability, David Hansen, said McPhee’s arrival signals new infrastructure opportunities for the Berrinba industrial precinct.

“Berrinba has a long and successful history for Logan. It has been the logistics core of Logan for some years now and has attracted an impressive range of local and international companies,” he said.

“The McPhee development will bring on the early delivery of some major infrastructure. Council has plans for a network of industrial roads around the site and McPhee is partnering with Council on the delivery of those roads.”

It is estimated that 400 various construction-related contractor jobs will be required during construction with around 130 jobs required once operational.

McPhee Distribution Services Managing Director Jay McPhee, said his company would provide long-term national distribution services from its Logan base.

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

Aaron Trask from Vaughan Constructions, McPhee Distribution Services Chief Executive Mark Llambias and McPhee Distribution Services Managing Director Jay McPhee

The project adds to around $100 million in business investment in the past 12 months into City of Logan – South East Queensland’s newest growth region where almost 170,000 sqm in commercial property will be taken up this year.

International tech companies, a national coffee franchisor and an array of multi-nationals are setting up shop in Logan due to its prime location, spread between Brisbane and Gold Coast, where commercial property opportunities are abundant and affordable.

McPhee’s neighbours at Berrinba include Mitre 10 which last year constructed a $50 million, 27,000 sqm warehouse; Pinnacle Hardware (14,000 sqm with a new $22 million distribution centre); Queensland Logistics Service (15,000 sqm); food packager Huhtamaki (12,000 sqm) and global technology giant Alphabet who has set up shop with its autonomous drone delivery service Wing (15,000 sqm).

Supplements manufacturer goes from strength to strength

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Business is booming for ATP Science, a Loganholme-based business that will move into a new $15 million, purpose-built facility in Meadowbrook next month.

Director, Jeff Doidge, said the company had evolved from selling supplements to becoming an international supplier.

“My wife and I owned another business in Logan in a retail supplements store selling all over Australia since 2002, so we’ve been in business here almost 20 years,” Jeff says.

“By 2012 we had grown to become one of Australia’s largest specialty sports protein powder retailers, turning over sixty thousand a month, selling imported supplements.”

Jeff said ATP Science was established that year, prompted by the unreliable quality of imported products.

“In the beginning we started on hope, a wing and a prayer and $60,000. In 2013 we used retained earnings to invest in manufacturing and expanding the business,” he said.

“We were manufacturing in the United States, which is supposed to be bigger and better, but we were consistently finding that the supplements were not being made to our specifications so then we brought manufacturing back to Australia.

“We manufactured with a few companies here, but the quality wasn’t there so in 2016 we decided to do the manufacturing ourselves.

“We’ve been doing exceedingly well in Australia and the market has matured for us.

“We are now moving into the mainstream consumable market and that brings in the likes of the major grocery chains, as well as expanding into new overseas markets.”

Jeff says the export market is flourishing, led by the company’s flagship product GutRite.

“New Zealand is our largest export market with the United Kingdom rapidly catching up. The UAE is coming along leaps and bounds–we received our largest ever order from them last December and we are making inroads into the United States with health food and pharmacy chains.”

The company’s success is has not gone unnoticed in the business world.

“We are now in the BRW (Business Review Weekly) Fast 100. We finished 13th in 2018 and we have been experiencing double digit growth since inception and had a few years of triple digit growth, Jeff says.

“We turned over $24 million last year and we expect to sell $30 million in 2020.

Jeff says ATP Science employs 45 people but planned to expand its new facility.

“I anticipate we will have 80 full time staff in 2021 after we consolidate our four sites into the new building. Being purpose built, it has everything – from multiple production lines through to the laboratory, refrigerated warehousing and office space – all under a 7,600 square metre roof.”

ATP Science building in Meadowbrook

The decision to build the new headquarters for ATP Science in Logan was an easy one says Jeff.

“We have great support. We’re working with Griffith University training interns in our lab. We’ve had no problems finding high quality employees and it’s perfectly situated as an international distribution hub.

“We’re proud to be an Australian company and Logan has proved to be a great place for us to do business.”

ATP Science will open its new facility at 47-53 Meakin Rd, Meadowbrook in March 2020. atpscience.com