Brisbane River ‘lifestyle precinct’ finally given the green light

After a decade of planning, the transformation of Bulimba Barracks can finally begin after Brisbane City Council gave a developer’s plan the tick of approval.

Central to Shayher Group’s redevelopment would be the repurposing of the barracks’ former fabrication workshop, built in 1943, into what the council described as a “new lifestyle precinct”.

That precinct, just metres from the Apollo Road CityCat terminal, would include a “boutique” supermarket, retail and hospitality venues, along with multi-use public spaces.

The LNP council signed off on those plans this week as part of what Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said was a council push to improve amenity in the suburbs.

“This new precinct will build on our record of supporting the creation of destinations like Howard Smith Wharves, West Village and Fish Lane, which has helped shape Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle,” he said.

“Bulimba Barracks’ history will continue to be recognised while becoming a new lifestyle precinct that ensures our suburbs remain the best place to live, work and relax.”

The approval has been a long time coming, with the council adopting its masterplan for the 20-hectare site more than eight years ago after a long process that started in 2015 ahead of the Australian Defence Force’s sale of the riverside property.

As part of the precinct, an open central area for community events, pop-up shops, outdoor seating and dining spaces was also approved.

Before its sale, the site housed the Bulimba Army Base, one of several wartime industrial sites along the Brisbane River.

Shayher Group director John Lin said the development would be a “focal point” for the Brisbane River, and respectful of the site’s history.

“It is very important to Shayher that we complement the existing area, and we have ensured the historical integrity of the workshop building, which will become a community hub for local residents and visitors, with a focus on a mix of retail and food and beverage to complement the existing area,” he said.

“Shayher Group has already shown significant commitment to the masterplanned community through the commencement of its site-wide infrastructure project, which includes services, roadways, and parkland.

“This development will be a focal point along the Brisbane River, resulting in a beautiful, high-quality area for the Bulimba community to enjoy whilst respecting the historical value of this part of Brisbane and Queensland for generations to come.”

The Shayher Group bought the site from the Defence Department for $63 million in 2019 and has an approved masterplan for more than 800 homes, with heights of up to five storeys in the mixed-use development.

Last year, Shayher submitted plans to build 69 units adjacent to the old shed. Those units were not included in this week’s approval, but a spokesman for Schrinner said they formed part of the approved masterplan for the site.

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