South Bank Overhaul Revealed

Brisbane’s city beach will be extended as plans for an overhaul of South Bank Parklands are revealed.

The masterplan would connect the 42ha precinct to the city’s walkable spine between Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba. 

The announcement was made in concert with the release of the Connected Precincts Program, aimed at improving the performance and connectivity of 11 inner-city state-significant precincts in Brisbane. 

The south side of the river was home to Expo ’88 and was then transformed into a public parklands, which opened in 1992. 

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said the masterplan would retain the most-loved aspects of the parkland while future-proofing the precinct ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“The Future South Bank Master Plan provides a vision to further enhance the heart of Brisbane as a connected and liveable space,” Grace said. 

“For more than 30 years, South Bank Parklands has been Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, visited by around 14 million people every year.

“We know that people want more greenery and shade, enhanced connections to surrounding areas like the CBD, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Gabba, and more active transport opportunities—this plan delivers that and more.”

▲ The South Bank masterplan focuses on increasing greenery, accessibility and connectivity across the waterfront site.

South Bank Corporation chair Susan Forrester said 89 per cent of respondents to the consultation agreed with the long-term vision for the South Bank Parklands, which prioritised greening the precinct, improving accessibility and focusing on connectivity to other precincts. 

“The masterplan 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,” Forrester said. 

“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.”

The timing of the project is yet to be determined, while the future of South Bank 2.0, a 7ha site along the river at West End is still in planning. 

The 11 precincts being considered in the Connected Precincts Program are Gabba, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Kurilpa, Roma Street, Herston, Albert Street, the CBD, Boggo Road, Northshore Hamilton, and Bowen Hills–Albion.

“These precincts are home to some of Queensland’s most transformational investments, including Cross River Rail, Queen’s Wharf, South Bank, and the Brisbane Arena,” Grace said.

“We want locals and visitors of all abilities to explore our great state and we want people to be able to do that seamlessly.”