Major developments to create new vision of Brisbane’s CBD

WITH billions of dollars of development and infrastructure projects in the pipeline, new business and entertainment precincts will emerge in the Brisbane CBD and change how people use it.

Brisbane’s CBD will take on a radical new look thanks to planned infrastructure projects.

WITH billions of dollars of development and infrastructure projects in the pipeline new business and entertainment precincts will emerge in the Brisbane CBD, changing dramatically the way we use and navigate the city, according to new research.

A Cushman & Wakefield report found seven projects totalling $12.4 billion, of which five are already approved and under construction, will create a range of new opportunities.

National head of research Dominic Brown, who co-authored the agency’s Cities in Action, Brisbane’s Next Day 2021 report, said that a combination of a better economic outlook and the wave of new projects promise to “revision the city”.

Projects approved and under construction are the Edward St revitalisation, Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment, the Brisbane Quarter, Queen’s Wharf casino precinct and the Cross-River Rail. The Brisbane Metro transport system and Brisbane Live entertainment precinct are on the drawing board.

“Looking to the longer term, these major developments have the potential to alter the way people use and navigate the CBD as they walk between newly defined and created precincts,” Mr Brown said.

“With just two retail vacancies across the mall, and only one at grade, and retail arguably at capacity, there is opportunity to expand beyond this core to accommodate future demand and growth.

“The development of Queen’s Wharf and the Cross River Rail station on Albert St could draw the heart of the CBD more to the southeast, bringing Charlotte St and Mary St in to play for retailers.

“It will also focus on the potential redevelopment and repositioning of secondary grade office assets along Mary, Charlotte and George streets.”

Mr Brown said in the next decade more than 65,000 jobs are forecast to be created in the Brisbane CBD and fringe with 48,000 of those being office jobs.

There is also the expectation of international visitor nights in Brisbane rising by 70 per cent to 105 million by 2026-2027.

This growth in work and play should result in the development of three anchor points in the CBD – The Golden Triangle centred on Eagle St; the Queen’s Wharf leisure and entertainment destination around the casino on George St; and the Brisbane Live entertainment precinct on Roma St.

“These three anchor points are at different ends of the CBD and together form their own Golden Triangles,” Mr Brown said.