In a significant move to bolster urban development, the Queensland Government has rolled out an ambitious plan for Woolloongabba, encompassing a sprawling 106 hectares. This initiative, dubbed the Woolloongabba Development Zone (WDZ), is set to reshape the urban landscape of the region.
Central to the WDZ’s vision is a surge in residential offerings, with a keen focus on affordable and social housing. According to the Queensland Government, this is in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring that housing remains within reach for all Queenslanders.
Notably, the plan mandates that a fifth of all housing within the zone meets the criteria for high-quality social or affordable housing. This provision is especially tailored to cater to the needs of frontline workers, ensuring they have access to comfortable living spaces.
According to the government, the WDZ is not just about housing. It’s about creating a vibrant, interconnected community. The plan envisions Woolloongabba as a hub of connectivity, linking it with Brisbane’s central district and even further. Pedestrian-friendly pathways, active travel corridors, and a direct route to South Bank and the new Brisbane City Council green bridge are all on the cards.
One of the standout features of the WDZ is its emphasis on green spaces. A total of 50% of the Cross River Rail and Stadium precinct is earmarked for open spaces, providing residents with ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
The previous Woolloongabba Cross River Rail Development Zone has been superseded by this new plan. According to Deputy Premier Steven Miles, the expanded boundaries are a testament to a more holistic and integrated vision for the suburb’s future.
Queensland is on the cusp of significant growth, and the 2032 events present a golden opportunity. The revamped Woolloongabba zone is our ticket to leveraging this momentum and establishing a bustling inner-city suburb
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles
He further added, “Key projects, including the Gabba redevelopment, Cross River Rail, and Brisbane Metro, are set to channel investments into Woolloongabba. This translates to more job opportunities and a surge in housing options. Moreover, the enhanced connectivity features will knit Woolloongabba closer to the CBD and beyond. Residents can look forward to a plethora of amenities, from lush green spaces to retail and entertainment hotspots.”
For those keen on staying updated with the latest developments and engagement activities related to the WDZ, the Woolloongabba PDA Have Your Say page is the go-to resource. More details can be found here.
Additional information
- Priority Development Areas (PDAs) operate outside the purview of Brisbane City Council’s planning regulations, presenting both advantages and challenges. On the positive side, PDAs can sidestep Council’s backwards parking restrictions, allowing developers more flexibility, especially in projects where parking is not essential. Conversely, some of the council’s commendable initiatives, such as the ‘Buildings that Breathe’ guidelines, promote rooftop activation and incorporate green spaces throughout the development.
- PDAs are areas of land within Queensland identified for development to deliver significant benefits to the community.
- A PDA is a proven planning pathway for resolving complex planning and development matters that unlock value for the surrounding communities.
- An Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) will be in effect from today for 12 months, to provide an interim planning and development framework for the Woolloongabba PDA whilst detailed planning and community engagement is completed as part of the development scheme process.
- A Development Scheme provides streamlined planning and assessment processes which can accelerate development.
- As part of this process, the community can have their say and provide feedback. Community consultation is likely to start around April 2024 and the Development Scheme is expected to be finalised around September 2024.
- Existing houses and properties within the PDA aren’t being resumed, instead a PDA is about streamlining development approvals and providing a consistent vision for a whole area.
- Development applications can be submitted for any land located within a PDA in accordance with the planning and assessment framework in place at the time of lodgement.
- Existing development approvals are not impacted by the declaration of a PDA.
Wish I’d bought that house there now 🙁
The commitment to low cost housing and creating green spaces and vibrancy, is a noble one. Will this vision come to fruition, irrespective of who’s at the helm of government? Another point, from current research it is imperative that trees that grow to a significant size be planted to create a cooling effect – these green corridors being promised are essential to mitigate the effect of heating caused by increasing density particularly from high rise development.
I’d love to know how these green corridors are going to be built, especially if they’re going to be pedestrian friendly.
??? Close off one lane of Main St, between the new Kangaroo Point bridge and the new Gabba Station??
??? Upgrade the SouthEast Freeway bikepath between Kangaroo Point riverwalk (Lower River Terrace), and create a new M3 motorway flyover bridge to link to the new Gabba Station??
??? Close off Vulture St from Southbank to the Gabba ???