Get excited city dwellers, as Brisbane’s city heart to South Bank corridor will be significantly enhanced under Council’s new City to South Bank Vision. The fresh plans include initiatives like decluttering Queen Street Mall, saving Reddacliff Place from development and providing shade for Victoria Bridge pedestrians. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says reinvigorating the mall and significantly enhancing the connection between the city centre and South Bank will deliver a better experience for residents and visitors. “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,” the Mayor says. Under the vision, Council will build a new shade structure over Victoria Bridge’s pathway to provide year-round protection for pedestrians. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the vision will complement Council’s major upgrade of the Cultural Centre Bus Station, which is being undertaken as part of the Brisbane Metro project. “Shading Victoria Bridge will significantly enhance walkability between South Brisbane and the CBD, particularly during the hotter months of the year.”

Under the City to South Bank Vision, Council will purchase the privately owned Reddacliff Place to preserve it permanently as public space for open-air markets, events and arts. Sadly, there are a couple of casualties in Queen Street Mall to provide new shade, seating and activation opportunities. Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said both Milano near George Street and Pig ‘N’ Whistle near Edward Street will cease operating at the end of June. “Removing potentially both venues at either end of the mall will allow us to incorporate more trees and seating, enhancing the mall’s sub-tropical feel,” the Deputy Mayor says. The Deputy Mayor adds that Council is considering incorporating a licensed activation area 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.” Furthermore, Brisbane City will potentially see revitalisation or relocation of the stage area to encourage more frequent use. In the wise words of David Bowie, our beloved city centre is going through some ‘ch-ch-ch-ch-changes’.

Image credit: Brisbane City Council