Redland City Council is seeking proposals to turn a 6.69-hectare property in Alexandra Hills into a research and development site, raising fresh questions about the future of land originally purchased for community use.
The council opened an expression of interest (EOI) process on 23 October 2026 for 61–73 MacArthur Street, inviting organisations with commercial research and development experience to propose how the property could be used and managed.
The opportunity involves a potential long-term lease rather than a sale. Applicants can nominate their preferred lease arrangements, with the council seeking proposals that combine economic benefits, community value and environmental responsibility.
From former research station to new development opportunity
The MacArthur Street property has a longer history than the latest development proposal might suggest.
Council finalised its purchase of the 6.69-hectare site in January 2018 following years of negotiations with the Queensland Government. The land had previously housed a state research station that had fallen into disuse.
At the time, council identified the property’s conservation values, including important vegetation and koala habitat. It also described the land as having potential for future community infrastructure.
In 2020, council explored another direction, seeking proposals for tourism, recreation and other community uses. Possibilities discussed at that stage included nature-based tourism, camping facilities and recreational trails connecting nearby areas.
That process attracted four submissions, prompting council to investigate other possibilities, including education and community activities. The latest EOI places commercial research and development at the centre of the search for a suitable use.
Conservation zoning remains a key consideration
The property’s planning status is an important part of the proposal.
Council’s property records identify the site as Conservation zoned and subject to both environmental significance and bushfire hazard overlays.
A proposed amendment to the Redland City Plan would change part of the property to Community Facilities zoning, while retaining conservation zoning over the remainder.
The proposed change formed part of council’s non-residential planning amendments, which went through public consultation in March 2026. Council subsequently resolved in July to seek the Planning Minister’s approval to adopt the amendments.
The zoning amendment had not been confirmed as finalised when the EOI opened. Any future proposal would need to satisfy the applicable planning requirements, rather than automatically receiving approval through the tender process.
Council wants a business case and development concept
Organisations interested in the site must demonstrate the skills, experience and financial resources needed to deliver a viable research and development project.
The EOI calls for a preliminary business case, concept design, proposed development arrangements and an explanation of how the site would operate over time.
Council intends to assess proposals against their ability to deliver a quality, environmentally responsible research and development model while maximising economic and community benefits.
The EOI may also be used to identify shortlisted applicants for a subsequent tender process to select a preferred development partner. It does not establish that a final operator has already been selected or construction approved.
MacArthur Street EOI: Key Details
- Location: 61–73 MacArthur Street, Alexandra Hills
- Site area: 6.69 hectares
- Landowner: Redland City Council
- Proposed use: Research and development
- Current zoning: Conservation
- Planning proposal: Rezoning of part of the site to Community Facilities
- Arrangement: Potential long-term lease
- EOI closes: 23 November 2026, 5:00 p.m. AEST
- Reference: VP530503
The EOI does not itself grant development approval.
View Council’s tender informationWhat the proposal could mean for Alexandra Hills
For Alexandra Hills residents, the process creates another opportunity to consider how a substantial council-owned property should be used after years of discussion about its future.
Research and development activity could bring new employment and commercial opportunities to the area, although the type of operation, its scale and any employment benefits will depend on proposals received and subsequent decisions.
The site’s conservation values also mean its eventual design and environmental management will be significant considerations. Details such as building locations, traffic arrangements, vegetation protection and public access cannot yet be determined from the published EOI notice.
For now, council is seeking ideas rather than announcing a completed development plan.
Expressions of interest close at 5:00 p.m. AEST on 23 November 2026, with documentation available through council’s VendorPanel procurement system under reference VP530503.
Published 28-October-2026
