Brisbane City Council’s plans for Queen Street Mall ‘decluttering’ makeover revealed

Two Queen Street Mall mainstays face permanent closure and Victoria Bridge will be enhanced in a major CBD overhaul. SEE WHAT’S COMING

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Two hospitality venues will be pushed out of Queen Street Mall to potentially make way for a pop-up gin bar and food trucks under council’s plan to revitalise the city.

Milano’s and Pig ‘N’ Whistle will cease operating at the end of June, while new shading will protect pedestrians walking across the Brisbane River on Victoria Bridge.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the mall makeover would streamline pedestrian access while the Brisbane City Council’s purchase of Reddacliff Place would permanently preserve the space for the popular open-air markets.

“Queen Street Mall and South Bank are loved by our residents and are must-do destinations for visitors,” he said.

“Decluttering the mall and ensuring the experience travelling between the city and South Bank is vibrant, seamless and accessible will deliver long-term benefits for Brisbane.”

Brisbane City Council says the plan is to modernise and declutter Queen Street Mall.

Sun protection on Victoria Bridge and a greater focus on pedestrian access from the city and across the bridge comes after the state government released a draft plan to modernise South Bank.

Deputy mayor Krista Adams said the two hospitality venues would wind down operations at the end of June, with construction works to revitalise the mall to begin in the coming weeks.

Milano’s will be removed from the mall, while council will also investigate permanently removing the Pig ‘N’ Whistle.

The Pig & Whistle in Queen Street Mall may not reopen. Pics Tara Croser.

She said council was considering replacing Pig ‘N’ Whistle with a licensed area to host events.

“That will mean new and exciting vendors and experiences in the mall regularly, such as a pop-up gin bar one week, a new tasting brewery the next or a fabulous array of food trucks,” she said.

“Removing potentially both venues at either end of the mall will allow us to incorporate more trees and seating, enhancing the mall’s subtropical feel.”

The Lord Mayor said council’s plan, dubbed City to South Bank Vision, would also provide better access to the bus station currently under construction.

“A large number of pedestrians, including both residents and visitors, already travel across Victoria Bridge each day,” Mr Schrinner said.

An artist’s impressions of how Victoria Bridge will be shaded for pedestrians.

“This will increase significantly in the years to come under our plans to create thousands of new homes in South Brisbane’s Kurilpa precinct.

“Shading Victoria Bridge will significantly enhance walkability between South Brisbane and the CBD, particularly during the hotter months of the year.”