New dining precinct marks the next stage in Brisbane Showgrounds regeneration project

Newly announced plans for the further redevelopment of the Brisbane Showgrounds will see the landmark RNA Snack Bar demolished and replaced with a new snack bar building within a dining precinct to be known as the King Street Co-Op.

The Ekka’s Dairy Hall and Sugar Building will both be retained and incorporated into the new precinct which will also include a child care centre, multistorey car park and studio spaces for the creative industries.

The latest stage of the $2.9 billion Showgrounds regeneration project in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley aims to create a new social, creative and community retail concept.

RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou stated “Kings Co-op will provide not just another great facility for Ekka visitors but provide year-round services and amenities to our growing Showgrounds community.”.

The design will reflect an eclectic mix of rustic and modern styles utilising the existing architecture and landscape, plus reclaimed materials from pavilions within the Brisbane Showgrounds.

It will include a ‘destination’ food and beverage concept, studio spaces for the creative industries and a mix of uses proposed to include childcare and health and wellbeing, which will be supported by a multi-level precinct car park.

Lendlease Brisbane Showgrounds Project Director Andrew Hay said Kings Co-op will be a first for Brisbane’s inner city, bringing together more than just the expected retail and commercial tenant mix.

Hay added “Kings Co-op will breathe new life into some of the most-loved RNA historic buildings.

“These are special meeting places that have showcased Queensland urban and regional best for many centuries and will continue to do so in the digital and innovation era.

“Brisbane Showgrounds holds a special place in the hearts of the Queensland community and we are excited to shape outcomes for our city with leading lifestyle offerings such as the Co-op.”

Work on this part of the project has now started, with completion in time for Ekka 2017.

Image: The Ekka’s Dairy Hall (pictured on the left in this artist’s impression) will be retained while the Royal Snack Bar will be updated.

6th August 2016 - POLICE ISSUE WRISTBANDS FOR CHILD SAFETY AT THE EKKA

12th July 2016 - THE ‘OLD MUSEUM’ RETURNS TO BRISBANE’S EKKA AFTER 119 YEARS

8th July 2016 - EKKA FREE TO BAN SAFETY INSPECTION COMPANY BEING PROSECUTED OVER ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW RIDE DEATH

30th April 2015 - BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS SET FOR BUSY WINTER MONTHS