The future of West End is going full steam ahead with the approval of both financial backers and Premier Anna Bligh. The member for South Brisbane visited developer Pradella Group’s Waters Edge construction site last week.

“I think it’s a great example of new development that renews our suburb but in a way that’s low impact,” Ms Bligh said.“Eight storeys on the riverbank is very moderate. The design does allow for medium density.”

Last month, Pradella was granted funding by ANZ Institutional Property Group.ANZ Institutional Property Group state director Matt Lawrence said: “ANZ continues to be open for business for good projects such as this, where the developer is experienced, well structured and capitalized, and has a consistent record of project delivery.”

The 122 apartments in stage one of Waters Edge should be finished in 12 months and the second stage comprising 112 apartments will be completed by 2012.Earthworks and infrastructure construction, including new sewer and storm water upgrades, started in August.

In its South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031, the State Government has proposed 156,000 new dwellings in Brisbane by 2031.Ms Bligh said putting new homes where there was already infrastructure was imperative.

“The more we can facilitate that in a careful and sensitive way is the answer, rather than urban sprawl,” she said.During the two stages of Waters Edge, Pradella will provide 1500 jobs for the construction industry.