Two major Queen Street Mall landmarks to go in plan for better link to South Bank

Two landmark Queen Street Mall venues are set to be demolished as part of a Brisbane City Council push to improve connectivity between the CBD and South Bank.

Five years – almost to the day – after Rankins newsagency lowered its shutters for the final time, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the mall structures hosting Milano and the Pig ‘N’ Whistle will also be demolished after they cease trading in June.

Arrivederci, Milano. The Italian restaurant will be removed from Queen Street Mall to allow more flow to the Victoria Bridge and through to South Bank.Credit: Brisbane City Council

“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.”

Both venues were operated by the Mantle Group, which also operated Jimmy’s on the Mall and last month revealed its plans to transform the Mt Coot-tha summit precinct.

In their place will be more seating and shading, the latter which would also be installed along Victoria Bridge.

Brisbane City Council plans to build shade structures across the Victoria Bridge.Credit: Brisbane City Council

It was part of a council strategy to better link Queen Street Mall with South Bank, which would include the purchase of the privately owned Reddacliff Place.

Schrinner said the purchase of Reddacliff Place, between Brisbane Square and the Treasury Casino, would protect the public space from development.

“While Reddacliff Place is much-loved by residents and provides an incredible vista between the city and South Brisbane, it is currently privately owned,” Schrinner said.

“Our purchase of this site will preserve it as a public open space, ensuring the weekly markets continue and allowing us to activate it day and night.”

The cost of that purchase to ratepayers was being negotiated, with assurances from City Hall it would be made public in due course.

Schrinner said the new shade structure along Victoria Bridge’s pedestrian would complement the Brisbane Metro-led upgrade of the Cultural Centre Bus Station across the river at South Brisbane.

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

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

Shade over Victoria Bridge is among the suggestions in the Brisbane City Council City to South Bank Vision.Credit: Brisbane City Council

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

As part of the strategy, the council would also investigate revitalising or relocating the Queen Street Mall stage area to encourage more frequent use.

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said a “licensed activation area” was being considered in place of the current Pig ‘N’ Whistle.

“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.