By Alicia Moo
A new commercial building comes as the latest development breathing new life into the historic inner northern suburb of Hamilton was officially opened today.
The new KSD1 commercial building on Kingsford Smith Drive is a joint venture partnering Leighton Properties and Devine Group.
What was once an industrial strip has now evovled into a vibrant urban hub.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls welcomes the change and says the expansion along the bay is important.
“The face of Hamilton has been changing. I have lived here now for more than 30 years,” he said.
“Changing an old disused part of town into a new vibrant healthy part of the city.
“It is another step along the path to see the Hamilton northshore area go from a tired industrial precinct, somewhat dilapidated to a vibrant and major part of the city of Brisbane.”
Mr Nicholls says such developments are improving Brisbane city.
“We have seen an enormous change in the last 30 years in this precinct,” he said.
“We have seen how we now address the river. How it has become more than a sewer and a drain but really apart of the lifestyle of Brisbane.”
The luxury waterfront riverfront apartments are attracting thousands of people into the area.
Hamilton Harbour project director John Campbell says the apartments have been well received.
“six hundred and twenty of the 660 apartments in Hamilton Harbour have already been sold,” he said.
“Apartment inner city living attracts all sorts of people from single business men and young people to small families.
“It is convenient with child care, schools and entertainment all in walking distance.”
The $500 million mixed-use development is a five-level 6,500 square metre commercial building which will bring new workers to the suburb.
Over the next decade 15,000 people are expected to move into Hamilton and surrounding suburbs with another 15,000 people expected to work in the area.
Mr Nicholls says this is an important step towards growing the four pillars of economy, especially with recent concerns in Queensland’s construction.
“We think there are green shoots and that there is hope emerging after the tough times of the past three years,” he said.
“We see this through the completion of such projects as these.
“People want access to a new lifestyle to alfresco dining and this is part of that change that we all look forward to and enjoy.”
It is the 4th building to be completed in 36 months at Hamilton Harbour and Mr Campbell says they are important developments.
“These types of projects are vital. The infill sites need density due to increase population we cannot keep sprawling,” he said.
Situated alongside neighbouring Portside and Racecourse Road, the precinct is flanked by luxury retail, dining and entertainment options.
Devine Group managing director and CEO David Keir says the commercial building is a welcome addition to the area.
“This opening of KSD1 really brings to life this Hamilton Harbour precint,” he said.
The building will be home to Devine Group head office and Domino’s Pizza Enterprises along with three surrounding residential buildings: Harbour One, Harbour Two, Riverside Hamilton.
For more information visit Hamilton Harbour website.