New flood-proof riverside restaurants and bars planned for South Bank

A South Bank Parklands draft master plan for the 2032 Games envisages new riverside restaurants near the Cultural Forecourt and improved pedestrian, cycling and e-scooter links to the Gabba.

“Food and beverage outlets could be tucked under a series of promontories and within coves to activate the river’s edge and make the most of the city-facing aspect,” the draft master plan says.

Under the plan, restaurants and bars would be built along a remodelled walkway under the colourful “Brisbane” sign.Credit: South Bank Parklands draft master plan 2022-2032.

An inspection of South Bank Parklands beneath the “Brisbane” sign shows restaurants and bars could easily be built by removing a car park wall and re-landscaping the Cultural Forecourt.

The Queensland government also confirmed on Sunday that planning was underway to improve “critical” pedestrian links between South Bank and the Gabba.

“We are in the very early planning stage for Games transport options – including active transport – to be built in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey said.

“There is already an operational separated cycleway directly linking South Bank and the Gabba cricket ground via Stanley Street that may need upgrading.”

“Brisbane City Council’s new green bridge will link Alice Street in the CBD with Kangaroo Point.”

But he said further linkages would be needed from Kangaroo Point to the Gabba Olympic stadium.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the new links would capitalise on Cross River Rail, the Brisbane Metro bus system, and the Kangaroo Point pedestrian bridge.

“We will stage, design and deliver the infrastructure required for the Gabba redevelopment, including how this venue integrates with the broader precinct and new transport,” Miles said.

“As part of our planning for Brisbane 2032, we will also consider and plan for improved connectivity between all the major venues, particularly in inner Brisbane.”

South Bank Corporation chief executive Bill Delves said the proposed restaurants – shown in artist’s impressions – would be concrete-floored, “above most floods”, and “could be washed out”.

The corporation wants to reinvigorate the river’s edge between the new Neville Bonner Bridge and Victoria Bridge.

Brisbane Times looked at the area and found a concrete space in front of the top level of the South Bank car park. Removal of a single wall would open up the area for restaurants with excellent river views.

By moving this wall back, restaurants and bars could be built between the Victoria and Neville Bonner bridges.Credit: Tony Moore

Miles said South Bank Parklands would be the “central hub for visitors” to the city before, during and after the Games.

“It connects the new Brisbane Arena at the Roma Street end [of the city] and the planned International Broadcasting Centre [at South Brisbane], past our new theatre at QPAC, and our new bridge to Queen’s Wharf Brisbane on the left.

“And eventually continuing forward to the main Olympic Stadium at the Gabba,” he said.

The South Bank master plan also proposes a “promenade extension” around the Maritime Museum to give walkers, cyclists and e-scooter users clearer access along the river.