A prime piece of Brisbane real estate is getting a residential make-over.

But the development in Hamilton could lead to increased traffic congestion.

Talissa Siganto reports.

TRANSCRIPT

State Treasurer Curtis Pitt turned the first sod to kick off the Riverlight project at Hamilton Reach.

The latest complex in this booming river suburb will offer one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments.

It will also include a 20 metre swimming pool, gymnasium and large landscaped garden areas.

Curtis Pitt, Qld Treasurer: “What we have seen here at Northshore Hamilton has been a transformation in terms of the area, I think if people came here ten years ago and see it today it would largely be unrecognisable”.

The challenge now is for infrastructure to keep pace with developers in particular work on the heavily congested Kingsford Smith Drive.

The 650 million dollar upgrade which will see the roads widen from four to six lanes is set to be completed in 2019. However it is unclear whether the expansions will reduce commute times.

And now 200 more people will be commuting to Hamilton to work on the Riverlight project.

Prof. Andrea Blake, QUT Enivonment and Engineering: “I can see the increase development around Hamilton being a real issue for road infrastructure in that area. Kingsford Smith Drive is the only arterial in and out and this will obviously cause a problem”.

The project is due to be completed by early 2018.

Talissa Siganto, QUT News