Piazza to be removed, more green space in radical plans for South Bank 3.0
The Palaszczuk Government says it wants public feedback on plans to upgrade one of southeast Queensland’s most popular public spaces, Brisbane’s South Bank parklands.
South Bank is to undergo a major facelift before the 2032 Olympics. (Image: Supplied)
Despite near constant maintenance and reshaping of the parklands by its steward, Brisbane City Council, over the past decade, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for the 42-hectare precinct to be “renewed and reinvigorated”.
A draft plan has put forward a range of ideas, with the Piazza looking like being a prominent casualty of the revamp.
“A key feature of the Parkland Core is the opportunity for multifunctional outdoor spaces that cater for gatherings and events of various sizes and types,” the plan states.
“These new spaces would take over the role of the former Piazza and allow for events throughout the parkland.”
The plan also suggests the removal of other non-heritage buildings to open up more river views and enhance access.
While the plan’s proposals have a distinctly commercial bent (the central cafes may also be removed to “future-proof the precinct’s performance”), Palaszczuk was keen to talk up the opportunity for public input.
“South Bank is the People’s Park,” the Premier said. “It’s fitting that the people have a say in its future.
South Bank Corporation’s draft master plan also proposes to increase green space in the precinct by eight per cent (or the equivalent of two football fields), improving the often-crowded Clem Jones Promenade, building a tree top walk and reducing car traffic along Grey St to encourage more pedestrians and cyclists.
Community favourites such as the Arbour, the “Brisbane” sign, council’s Epicurious herb and vegetable garden and the riverside lawns would be protected in the revamp.
The master plan also has in its sights the neglected maritime precinct – the least visited part of South Bank – and the vexed issue of how to overcome difficulties integrating the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre with the rest of the precinct.
South Bank Corporation chief executive Bill Delves said the master plan proposed a range of ideas and improvements to “help guide the long-term evolution of the precinct”.
“It provides us with a blueprint to guide the renewal of older spaces, to integrate this precinct with neighbouring projects and precincts, and to enhance South Bank’s appeal in line with state or city-wide initiatives.
“We encourage everyone to have their say on the draft master plan and help ensure South Bank’s legacy supports the future needs of our community,” he said.
