Construction has now commenced on the first major commercial office development to be delivered in Beenleigh in a decade – the catalyst for a $40 million economic and jobs boom for the area.
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.
Mayor Darren Power says that during construction, ‘The York’ will generate more than 100 jobs and an estimated 140 new full-time jobs once complete. “Working with investLogan, we are able to create 100 construction jobs at a time our local economy and local construction businesses needs them. A key priority for the new Council is driving local job creation and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Mayor Power said the project follows Council’s Beenleigh Implementation Plan to guide the planning and delivery of priority projects and programs in Beenleigh. The plan builds on the overall aims of the Beenleigh Town Centre Master Plan and includes outcomes from the Beenleigh Summit from 2017 – an initiative which focused on unlocking the economic potential of Beenleigh.
Designed by Conrad Gargett, the development comprises a seven-storey commercial building, four SOHO (small office or home office) apartments, ground floor retail space and an underground carpark. Conrad Gargett Director Tony Jemmott says The York draws upon and contributes to the character of Beenleigh and its historic rural environs while setting a new standard in design for the city.
“The ground level integrates small scale commercial and retail spaces, linking York Street to John Lane via a pedestrian only laneway that connects directly to Beenleigh Town Square. As a laneway culture develops, The York will become a hub of activity and ultimately a visitor attraction. Stacked wintergardens with a cascading array of greenery will drape from the building softening the façade, while additional living greenery will be planted to further enhance the streetscape.”
investLogan Chair Steve Greenwood says that investLogan is purpose-built to drive economic growth within Logan’s key business centres and 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 said.
“The revitalisation of Beenleigh is creating a range of opportunities for large commercial activities and small businesses to thrive. The York is delivering more than 4000sqm 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. Long term, The York is set to return significant economic and social benefits to the broader Logan community, a key reason why Logan City Council established investLogan to deliver these catalytic projects.”
Being built by Alder Constructions in partnership with investLogan and Alder Developments, The York is expected to reach completion by late 2021.
“Alder Developments has been focused on Beenleigh for a while and this project complements our growth projections for the area very well,” Alder Developments General Manager Greg Tupicoff said. “Government investment is doing the job of attracting private development and we are excited about the future growth and ongoing rejuvenation of Beenleigh commercial areas. ”
John Lane access and York Street access will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles throughout the construction period.
Published: Courier Mail Online 06 May 2020 and Gold Coast Bulletin 08 May 2020