GEON PROPERTY WELCOMES APPROVAL FOR ALBION EXCHANGE STAGE ONE

Geon Property has today welcomed the news of development approval for Stage One of Albion Exchange, Brisbane’s latest Transit-Oriented Development set to revitalise the inner-north.

Geon is delighted with the news, believing this project will provide much-needed transport, retail, accommodation and lifestyle upgrades to the local area, and will bring Albion – one of Brisbane’s fastest growing city-fringe suburbs – to life.

Geon Property Senior Development Manager Tim Rossberg said the approval comes after significant consultation with Council, as well as ongoing discussions with residents, businesses and community groups.

“We would like to thank those who have engaged with us in this process, especially local Councillor David McLachlan, the team at Brisbane City Council, local businesses, and the many members of the public who shared their views,” Mr Rossberg said.

“We are confident that Albion Exchange will truly set the standard for Transit-Oriented Developments in this city, across the state, and across the country.”

With Albion tipped to welcome another 4,000 residents by 2036, the project will support the needs of this growing urban area.

“Albion Exchange is well positioned to become the future heart of Albion, with spaces for recreation, a focus on health and lifestyle services, and a brand-new retail precinct – elements that are currently lacking in the area,” he said.

The approved plans confirm that Albion Exchange will be a precinct characterised by its expansive green and open spaces.

“Green and open spaces are so important in urban areas, and we are proud that the approved design includes 3,691 square metres of public green and open space – covering 61 per cent of the site area,” Mr Rossberg said.

“For those who will call Albion Exchange home, we have also retained a significant amount of communal open space – just under 2,000 square metres – and have reconfigured the building layouts to improve internal circulation and maximise outdoor balcony spaces.”

The approved plans have also been refined to ensure safe and easy access to the site, and to support active transportation.

“Changes include widening stairs and paths, providing larger lifts with capacity for multiple wheelchairs, prams and bikes, and adding more shelter and shade,” Mr Rossberg said.

“The approved plans also enhance cyclist access to and around the precinct, with dedicated resident, employee, commuter and visitor bike parks, and a design that provides seamless integration with the soon-to-be-completed North Brisbane Bikeway.”

Mr Rossberg said 2020 would bring an exciting next stage for the project, with more tenancies to be confirmed and construction on track to commence by the end of the year.

“Geon Property is incredibly proud to be contributing to the vision for Albion, and we are looking forward to seeing Albion Exchange come to life.”

KIDS MAKE BIG SPLASH TO STAY ACTIVE

FOR PE teacher Andrea Lewis, keeping her kids active and getting them outside is extremely important.
Yesterday a new attraction at the Fairfield Homemaker Centre gave her the chance to get her two kids, Claire, 5, and Grace, 2, to do just that. Hundreds of kids were at Summer Splash, an inflatable water park, for its opening day yesterday. “I thought it was a great way to get the kids out of the house and not in front of the TV,” Mrs Lewis said.

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This article is from the January 13 issue of The Townsville Bulletin Digital Edition. To subscribe, visit https://townsvillebulletin.digitaleditions.com.au/

TOWNSVILLE LEADS STATE IN RACE TO TOP OF NEW OLYMPIC CLIMBING SPORT

A Townsville shopping complex better known for selling beds and lighting wilL soon be pumping as the site for Queensland’s first Olympic standard sports climbing centre.

Townsville City Council approved the adrenaline-charged venture for Fairfield Homemaker Centre in Idalia just before Christmas. Geon Property will develop the facility as part of a staged entertainment and recreation component which includes uses not yet approved such as cinemas. National climbing, yoga and fitness group Urban Climb will be the anchor tenant and operate the climbing centre.

Geon Property development manager Tim Rossberg said securing Urban Climb was a coup for the homemaker centre and the city. “It’s exciting for us, particularly in that location. To bring this type of entertainment and recreation to the homemaker centre is a big thing for us,” Mr Rossberg said. “We are still pursuing, as part of a separate application, a cinema as well.”

The Homemaker opened in 2016 with national brands such as Pillow Talk and Beacon, but has expanded with other tenants including Pet Barn, Greencross Vets and World Gym. Urban Centre owner Alex Cox-Taylor said Townsville was an exciting prospect for them because of its history of involvement in the sport.