Blueprint for future Brisbane revealed

A blueprint for Brisbane’s inner-city transformation over the coming years has been released by the Brisbane City Council. Check out what’s in store.

A blueprint for Brisbane’s inner-city transformation over the coming years has been released by the Brisbane City Council, with a focus on unlocking more housing, green space, jobs and river tourism.

With the Brisbane 2032 Games under a decade away, the council has released an Inner City Strategy highlighting the need to create strong cultural experiences, celebrate the city’s subtropical lifestyle, create inner-city neighbourhoods and ensure they are well connected.

The delivery of the fully electric Brisbane Metro along with green bridges would be key, with the strategy also committing to work with government and the private sector to improve river-based infrastructure and unlock new river tourism activities.

The new Kangaroo Point green bridge is under construction. Picture: Brisbane City Council.

With Brisbane inner-city set to be home to more than 470,000 residents by the year 2041, Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said the strategy was focused on evolving places such as South Brisbane, Albion, Newstead and Woolloongabba – as well as the CBD – into world-class precincts.

“The best cities in the world aren’t created by chance and precinct planning is a necessary step on our pathway to success,” she said.

“Efficient public transport, revitalised pedestrian crossings and improved seating, shade and signage will make the inner-city become more inclusive, accessible and better-connected.”

Included in the plan was the previously-announced introduction of CBD-style height limits for South Brisbane’s Kurilpa precinct, which the council has said will help meet demand for more high-density properties.

The Property Council’s Queensland deputy executive director Jess Caire welcomed the strategy, and said the focus on a connected Brisbane had the potential to catapult the city onto the world stage.

“The strategy’s emphasis on vibrant, diverse and interconnected precincts is integral to a thriving city and will positively impact Brisbane for generations to come.” she said.

“Importantly, the strategy acknowledges the need to further explore incentivisation of key housing asset types such as build-to-rent and purpose built student accommodation to assist in addressing the ever worsening housing crisis.

“This is an overarching strategy designed to guide the growth of our city, and the industry looks forward to ongoing engagement with council as the strategy rolls out.”

Brisbane will be transformed ahead of the 2032 Games. Picture: Brendan Radke

With the Olympic and Paralympic Games in less than ten years, council also said working with the private sector to transform under-utilised inner-city areas would enhance the experience for visitors and also deliver a legacy for locals.

“More events, art, culture and tourism offerings will help us create a 24-hour city, supporting local businesses and supercharging the economic benefit of the Games,” Ms Adams said.

“Brisbane just keeps getting better and I am proud of the ways the city is evolving and making positive changes to benefit residents now and into the future.”