Future plans and development

Master Plan     

As part of BML's vision to further develop the Brisbane Markets site into a world-class facility in the warehousing, marketing and distribution of fresh produce and flowers, BML has commenced the process of making its site Master Plan a reality, with a development application detailing the elements of the plan being lodged with Brisbane City Council (BCC) in September 2004.

BML is seeking to gain certainty regarding plans for ongoing utilisation, upgrading and development of the BML site over the next 15 years. This will enable it to set a clear vision for the future of the Brisbane Markets and will benefit not only BML, but all stakeholders in the operation of the Markets and the Queensland fruit and vegetable industry.

The Master Plan, which seeks to address site related issues and the development of the site over the next 15 years, includes:

Establishment of car parking areas and an access road to the north-west of the site.

• Development of Brisbane Markets South Gate.
• Upgrade of Brisbane Markets Commercial Centre.
• Redevelopment of the Centre Courtyard area to modernise the Selling Floor areas.
• Redevelopment of nine older warehouse buildings and the construction of new warehouses.

In June 2007, BML finalised contractual arrangements with the State Government to purchase 9.7 hectares of land, adjacent to its existing South Gate precinct, from the State Government. This land was once part of a Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (QDPI&F) research station and was acquired for $7million.

The redevelopment concepts that BML is suggesting in relation to the Centre Courtyard and older warehouses will provide for a staged upgrading of the site. It will provide facilities that can meet horticultural industry requirements relating to temperature-controlled storage of fresh fruit and vegetables. It will also address food safety issues and the provision of increased operating efficiencies by allowing wholesalers to combine their selling floor and warehousing operations.

The ultimate aim is for the Brisbane Markets facility to have the flexibility to respond to stakeholder requirements and provide the highest order of facilities to meet the needs of the industry.