The ABC has finally found a new home for its ill-fated Brisbane operations, which were moved from the original site to a proposed replacement site which was said to be contaminated. The saga now appears to be over, with the national broadcaster announcing a new site for its tv and radio operations at South Bank.

The South Bank site is at the corner of Grey and Russell Streets Brisbane.

Managing Director Mark Scott told staff the new location is in the cultural heart of Brisbane:

“This is a great commitment to the future of the ABC in Brisbane. Not only does this new South Bank site meet all of the ABC’s requirements, providing us the opportunity to create purpose-built accommodation, but ABC Brisbane will be located in the hub of the city’s arts and cultural centre with neighbours including Griffith University, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.”

A Project team, co-ordinated by Mike McGowan, will work with the Project Reference Group (PRG) on implementing the design of an environmentally responsible and sustainable building. There will be full consultation with staff. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2009, with a completion date in late 2011.

Mark Scott said:

“I would once again like to thank our Brisbane staff for their hard work since the relocation from Toowong; this has been a long road and everyone has been very patient.

“We can now move forward with optimism that ABC Brisbane staff will again be in one location in the future, working again as a team. I would also like to acknowledge Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and the Queensland Government for their support in assisting the ABC with securing this site.”