PROJECT UPDATE: ALBION EXCHANGE

After submitting revised plans for Stage One of Albion Exchange in August this year, and following ongoing consultation with State and Local Government, we are now awaiting development approval for Stage One – which is expected by the end of the year. Revised plans for Stage One retained the strong vision for Albion Exchange, with the scale of the development modified in line with Council and community feedback.

The design changes include reductions to the height and footprint of the two residential towers (now 19 and 20 storeys), reduction in the overall site cover, improved pedestrian and cycle links, and some reconfiguration to bicycle parking and vehicle drop off areas. That being said, we are proud that the design retained many of the aspects that make this Transit Oriented Development truly city-shaping.

We’ve retained state of the art health and wellbeing offerings, boutique convenience and retail, a large proportion of 3-bedroom apartments to cater to the broad range of household types in the area, and a significant amount of public open space – which is much needed in Albion. The plans also include an upgrade of Albion Train Station and provision for a future east-west bicycle connection along the Albion Overpass, which we know will be a significant part of the ongoing precinct redevelopment.

As we are now coming to the end of this significant project phase, we would like to thank those who have supported us along the way. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of the project team, advice from colleagues and feedback from members of the community. We’re excited to enter into the next stage, and are sure that 2020 will be a big year for the project – stay tuned!

SERVICE UPDATE: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & LEASING

Property Management & Leasing

2019 has seen significant growth for Geon’s Property Management & Leasing team and we are excited to announce that we now have over 60,000 square metres and 200+ tenants under management across properties in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville. Geon is proud to offer property management services that are guided by our diverse expertise. By harnessing our landlord insight and drawing on broader skills in property development, we ensure clients’ assets reach their full potential – and deliver the best returns.

Exciting plans for new addition Earle Plaza

Geon’s latest addition to its Property Management & Leasing Portfolio – Earle Plaza – adds to the properties under management in South-East Queensland. Located in Nerang on the Gold Coast, Earle Plaza is a bustling neighbourhood centre which includes retail, food and beverage tenancies, and a popular Cineplex Cinema.

In addition to property management and leasing for Earle Plaza, Geon is managing the centre’s upcoming refurbishment and expansion. A major redevelopment of Earle Plaza will cater to the growing Nerang area, and will reposition the centre as a modern, high-quality retail, leisure and commercial precinct. Works will include refurbishment and expansion of the cinema and retail space, additional medical and commercial space, additional car parking and improved centre access. With a development application to be lodged in the coming months, we look forward to commencing construction in 2020.

SPOTLIGHT ON RETAIL IN TOWNSVILLE

Fairfield Homemaker Centre

An expansion of large format retail precinct, Fairfield Homemaker Centre, is on the cards for 2020, with plans to introduce leisure, recreation and additional retail tenancies. After being hit by the devastating floods earlier this year, these new additions are set to revitalise not only the centre itself, but the surrounding area.

Expansion plans include a bowling alley, climbing facility, cinema and dining facilities – shifting the centre’s focus from solely large format retail, to a blend of retail and entertainment offerings. Development Manager Tim Rossberg said the future centre will be a real ‘destination’, and able to attract a wider range of visitors, around the clock. Development approval is expected in early-2020, with construction to begin shortly thereafter. 

Riverway Plaza

To kick off construction at Riverway Plaza – a Woolworths-anchored neighbourhood centre in south-west Townsville – Geon held a Smoking and Blessing Ceremony, performed by the Wulgurukaba Walkabout Group, the traditional owners of the land. Following the ceremony, we were delighted to host Mr Aaron Harper MP, Member for Thuringowa, and Councillor Mark Molachino for the site’s sod turn.

The first stage of works will include the construction of a new larger Woolworths, space for specialty stores, an amenities centre, a new carpark and a drive-through food and beverage outlet. With construction work now underway, we expect the new Woolworths to open in late-2020, with the remainder of the works to be completed in 2021.