On Saturday, the Queensland Government announced the endorsement of the South Bank Master Plan by both the Government and South Bank Corporation, following robust public feedback where 89% of respondents expressed support for the plan’s vision.
Over 25,000 community responses have contributed to shaping the Master Plan, which strategically prioritises the expansion of areas cherished most by the community.
The new master plan for South Bank places emphasis on three pivotal areas for transformation – namely, the Southern Gateway, Northern Gateway, and Grey Street. The overarching focus lies in prioritising pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and enhancing active transport options.
The plan also envisions a rejuvenated gathering space at the Cultural Forecourt, tailored to accommodate the evolving needs of the city. Additionally, it proposes the activation of the riverfront-facing carpark, aiming to provide more opportunities for residents to enjoy the scenic location.
South Bank Corporation (SBC) Chair Susan Forrester said with 89% of respondents expressing support for the plan’s vision, SBC are prioritising increased greening of the precinct by increasing parkland by around 8% or 12,215m2 and improving accessibility and travel connectivity.
We are thrilled to unveil the finalised Future South Bank Master Plan. The Master Plan sets the stage for the long-term evolution of the South Bank precinct, ensuring it continues to meet the expectations of international and interstate visitors, residents and businesses.
It is a testament to the collective efforts of the community, who provided invaluable feedback and insights throughout the planning process and played a crucial role in shaping the future of South Bank.
We have a unique opportunity to reimagine South Bank and create an incredible legacy for future generations. We will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to plan for and invest in the precinct’s next exciting phase as world-class destination and a place for everyone.
Susan Forrester, South Bank Corporation
The different zones which the plan focuses on hopes to improve both the use and connectivity of the parklands.
The Promenade
Grey Street
Little Stanley Street
Parkland Core
Glenelg Spine
Northern Gateway
Southern Gateway
In what would be the most notable change from the current parklands is the south bank piazza which may be removed to open up views and access down Glenelg Street and replaced by an open air site venue.
The scope, timing and funding of the projects is subject to ongoing consideration by South Bank Corporation and Queensland Government.
The Government has also launched a connected precincts program which aims to improve the performance and connectivity of state-significant precincts by prioritising accessibility, sustainability, and urban integration, contributing to a cooler, greener inner city.
The precincts considered include:
- The major economic precincts of Herston, Albert Street,the CBD and Boggo Road
- The major destination precincts of the Gabba, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Kurilpa and Roma Street
- The lifestyle precincts of Northshore Hamilton, Bowen Hills and Albion
According to a government spokesperson, “South Bank is a lasting legacy of Expo ‘88 and its Master Plan envisions how South Bank can help create our next big legacy, including from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Future South Bank Master Plan document below:
Future_South_Bank_Master_Plan_FINAL_2024
Love it wow such great ideas
Surely Brisbane gets an aquarium in there somewhere :/
It’s very nice but….. is it needed?
There’s a fresh footprint waiting to be developed at Victoria Park.
There’s also a proposed ‘Southbank for the Northshore’ being planned at the future Olympic village in Hamilton.
And unless the plans to extend Southbank all the way along the south bank of the river towards West End have been scrapped due to the recent flooding, that’s also got to be planned.
I’d love to see all of these projects get the go-ahead, since it’s so valuable to developing future inner-city living and encouraging a usable public space culture. But there’s only so much money to go around for public projects like these.
I fear that limited finances are being directed towards sprucing up a proven ‘money maker’ rather than going towards (the riskier idea of) expanding inner-city green spaces.