The Queensland state opposition has announced plans to build a new international architectural icon and tourist destination for Brisbane – the Queensland Academy of Sciences.
LNP Leader Tim Nicholls said work would begin within the first 100 days of a new LNP Government being elected on a concept design and business case for the multi-purpose facility focusing on science, technology and the environment on the Parmalat site at South Brisbane.
“This will be world class. We want this to be a destination like no other and a must-see for tourists across the world. It will house an aquarium and natural history museum – all in a living building,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Given Queensland is home to the Great Barrier Reef, we want the Aquarium to be one of the most advanced of its type in the world.
“The Academy will showcase Queensland’s majestic landscapes and animals and will allow tourists to immerse themselves in exhibits from across the world.”
Mr Nicholls said the development would serve two major functions – international tourism icon and acclaimed education and research facility.
“The Queensland Academy of Sciences will house a Natural History Museum and an aquarium and will include living science displays and world-class research and educational facilities.”
“Modelled in part on San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences, an LNP Government will partner with our universities and world renowned architects to create this research facility.”
LNP Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation Tarnya Smith said within the first 100 days of forming government, the LNP would call for proposals.
“We want this ‘living building’ to be an ecological masterpiece that Queenslanders can proudly call their own for generations to come, so we will launch a worldwide design competition for it.
“The concept design will need to ensure that the building captures the history of Queensland but also complement the existing style of South Bank.
“A business case for the project will also be delivered once the concept design process has been finalised.”
“Queensland has a modern and diverse range of tourism attractions, and the Academy will add to that with its focus on our natural history looking to a future dominated by science and technology advancement,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We expect the project to cost in the vicinity of $1 billion and create 2,600 jobs during construction. It will complement the LNP’s Plans for the nearby Brisbane Entertainment and Education Precinct, including the 17,000 seat Brisbane Live arena.
“All up, more than ten thousand jobs will be created by both precincts.”
Mr Nicholls said the project would also form part of a significant urban renewal proposal as part of the Kurilpa Riverfront Renewal plan.
“Since the creation of the South Bank Corporation in 1989, following Expo ’88, there has been a continual addition of tourist facilities and local amenities along the south bank of the Brisbane River,” he said.
“We want to make this the piece de resistance of the whole area.”
Originally Published: https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/
