A progressive destination
In 2003, the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association (RNA) Council initiated a project to achieve two goals. Firstly, to guarantee the annual Ekka (agricultural show of Queensland) would remain at the Brisbane Showgrounds where it was first held in 1876, and secondly, to ensure the long-term financial viability of the RNA. Seven years later, this vision was realised for a mixed-use destination with the approval of the Brisbane Showgrounds Master Plan in November 2010 by the Urban Land Development Authority. This approval paved the way for construction to begin in April 2011, with Lendlease selected as the preferred development partner.
Stage one of the 15-year regeneration project was complete in 2013 with the opening of the Royal International Convention Centre, and the adjoining Plaza and Porte-Cochere. To complement these community facilities, the RNA and Lendlease unveiled stage two of the project in 2014.