BRISBANE A major redevelopment of the Royal National Agricultural (RNA) Showgrounds on Brisbane’s city fringe has begun, including a new convention and exhibition centre. The 22,000 sqm venue will be developed from the existing Industrial Pavilion and will retain its heritage façades, which were built in 1937.
Brisbane Marketing convention bureau director Annabel Sullivan, said: “Once the new exhibition centre in Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds is complete in 2012, the city can provide business event clients around the world with even more options for exhibitions. The US$64 million event space is part of the RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project, along with a new hotel, roads, restaurants, bars and a permanent food market.”
The US$3.2 billion rejuvenation is the largest urban renewal project in the state’s history. It is expected to generate US$327 million in annual economic benefits.
“Brisbane Marketing’s convention bureau team are excited about taking this venue to the world, as well as contributing to Brisbane’s prominence as Australia’s new world city,” said Sullivan.