‘Absolutely critical’: Plan for future South Bank revealed

Plans for a bigger and better South Bank has been revealed with the state government inviting Queenslanders to have their say.

Plans for South Bank to be bigger and better have been revealed, with the new extensive vision featuring an improved lagoon, extended walking trails and a cultural makeover ahead of the 2032 Games.

The draft plan proposes to extend Grey Street by more than 1km to improve the dining options by narrowing the road, reducing cars and increasing pedestrians and bikes.

The iconic beach will be more inviting by including playgrounds and water play installations, as well as a treetop walk through the core of South Bank.

Between Grey Street and the lagoon, Little Stanley Street will be improved to better connect the green aspect of the precinct with the urban features, with more trees and a permanent market.

Destination Grey Street: Turning Grey Street green. Source: South Bank Corporation.

Closer to the river, a cultural forecourt and promenade will be built with restaurants on the water’s edge with more connection to the city for cyclists and pedestrians on boardwalks and bridges.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the state government had been flooded with more than 10,000 ideas from the public on how to improve South Bank.

This idea proposes to protect and amplify South Bank’s iconic attractions by making the beach and lagoon better, integrating playgrounds and water play, creating a treetop walk. Source: South Bank Corporation.

“They want to see more open and green spaces to enjoy more connection to our First Nations history, greater access to active travel connecting the city,” he said.

“South Bank, of course, is central to our vision for how the city connects and works together and central to our vision for how we will deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Mr Miles said there will be a continuous flow from the Olympic Brisbane venue at Roma Street, across the river and past the redeveloped Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), with new bridges to access the Queen’s Wharf and extended paths to connect to the Gabba.

He declared the improvements to South Bank would be “absolutely critical” for the Olympics.

“We hope this is how people get between many of our venues (and) how they enjoy our city when they’re not at events,” the Deputy Premier said.

The Northern Gateway includes the Cultural Forecourt and promenade. Source: South Bank Corporation.

“World Expo changed Brisbane and South Bank is the greatest legacy of that.”

Mr Miles said the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be a much larger event “but isn’t it wonderful to be building on that legacy?”

South Bank Corporation chief executive Bill Delves said the draft master plan will guide the evolution of the precinct.

“It provides us with a blueprint to guide the renewal of older spaces, to integrate this precinct with neighbouring projects and precincts, and to enhance South Bank’s appeal in line with state or citywide initiatives,” he said.

“We encourage everyone to have their say on the draft master plan and help ensure South Bank’s legacy supports the future needs of our community.”

The public has until December 14 to have their say on the draft plan.