Queensland’s LNP government is keeping tight-lipped on key details about a deal struck to redevelop a major inner-city parcel of land on the Brisbane River.
The government has announced Lendlease will “take over” the Visy glass factory site in West End in April next year, with plans to build 4,000 apartments.
The site was purchased by the former Labor government off Visy in 2022 for $165 million — and was initially meant to be used for the broadcasting centre during the 2032 Games.
But the new government has changed course, striking a deal with Lendlease following a tender process to redevelop the land to include housing and new green space.
The West End site was purchased by the former Labor government off Visy in 2022 for $165 million. (Supplied)
Quizzed about the deal with Lendlease on Thursday, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie did not disclose a range of key details about the 7.1 hectare site.
Despite a deal already being signed, he could not say if the land was gifted to Lendlease, nor if any of the site would remain owned by the state government.
Mr Bleijie also did not say how much the land had sold for.
“The deal unfortunately is commercial in confidence, and I am not aware of the details as I shouldn’t be,”
he said.
Jarrod Bleijie refused to confirm if the land was sold, or gifted, to Lendlease. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
“[Economic Development Queensland] went through a tender process with proponents. We had upwards of 80 submissions for the tender process.
“We can get EDQ to release any details and we can put any questions you like to EDQ, and then between EDQ and Lendlease we can release the details that they have contractually negotiated.”
The ABC has contacted Economic Development Queensland for comment.
Asked if he would encourage Economic Development Queensland to make the details public, Mr Bleijie said: “Well, does it matter?”
Portions of the development are expected to be complete ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. (Supplied: Brisbane Development)
Lendlease executive director for Queensland Justin Davies confirmed the deal was signed.
But he also would not say if any of the land would remain state-owned or if Lendlease paid more or less than $165 million.
Lendlease chief executive Claire Johnston added: “Those matters are confidential and not for conversation.”
“We are working through a process, continuing to go through this. It’s not appropriate to have that conversation at this time,” she said.
The development is expected to include upwards of 4,000 news apartments, open space, parkland, and an amphitheatre. (Supplied)
Mr Davies would not say if Lendlease had even purchased the land.
“We’ve partnered with EDQ to develop 4,000 homes for this site, along with public space for the people of Brisbane and Queensland,” he said.
“Those homes — some of them will be privately owned, some of them will be rented.“
800 homes before 2032 Games
The government has released new renders highlighting how the site could change following the redevelopment.
Mr Bleijie said it would include upwards of 4,000 news apartments, open space, parkland, and an amphitheatre — promising “one of the most spectacular developments we have seen”.
“It’s all happening from next year. So, in April 2027, Visy’s lease will come to a conclusion,” he said.
“Lendlease will take over the site. EDQ will demolish all the buildings. Lendlease will take over and start construction of their master planned community.”
The government struck a deal with Lendlease following a tender process to redevelop the land to include housing and new green space. (Supplied)
Mr Bleijie said 800 of the planned 4,000 apartments will be delivered before the 2032 Games.
“This is a seven-hectare site. And 1.2 hectares … is going to be open parkland and open space,” he said.
“I think this is going to be a specular development, the like of which we have not seen since the South Bank development early on.”
Ms Johnston said the development would include a public realm for all visitors to “enjoy and experience”.
