The modernisation of the RNA Showgrounds will take another step in 2017 with the construction of the Kings Co-op, opposite the main arena, set for a July completion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Although limited details were released to media on Tuesday, Fairfax Media was told questions such as the cost of the construction, and when work actually started, could not be answered as people involved in the project were on leave until January 16.
Due to be finished in time for the 2017 Ekka, the construction would create retail, function spaces and a multi-level car park in the Buchan Group-designed precinct.
Buchan Group associate Paul Watson said Kings Co-op, on the corner of Gregory Terrace and King Street, would be a "new hub for community engagement and entertainment within a space that has always held a place in the hearts of Queenslanders".
"Our design embraces pavilion architecture that embodies the agricultural materials associated with the past, but placed in an urban contemporary composition," he said in a statement.
"Kings Co-op will be the focal lifestyle precinct that book-ends King Street, where the majority of the street-level retail will be focused on quality food and beverage that enhances the area with a lively vibe.
"The transformed space will incorporate rescued materials from key warehouse and pavilion structures within the showgrounds precinct, and will breathe new life into some of the most-loved structures and meeting places already on-site at the RNA."
The Kings Co-op location included the Royal Snack Bar, Sugar Pavilion and the Dairy Hall Pavilion, which were progressively built over the past century.
Mr Watson said Buchan had also created a car park screen that would use pixels to be arranged to create urban facade art.
"(RNA Showgrounds' joint venture partner) Lend Lease was enthusiastic to this facade art idea and a competition for local university artists was held," he said.
"The successful emerging artist, Tom Emmett, was awarded a cash prize along with the chance for his art to become a large-scale piece that will be appreciated for years."
UAP and Lister had also been commissioned to provide art for the precinct.
Kings Co-op was part of the 15-year, $2.9 billion regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds, now in its sixth year.
Construction of Kings Co-op was expected to be completed in July.
