The Queensland government has released a draft masterplan that proposes to overhaul Brisbane’s South Bank in preparation for the 2032 Olympic Games.
The plan was developed by a consortium led by Urbis, including Cox Architecture, Arup, E2 Design Lab, and 19 other organisations including urban planners, landscape architects, construction companies, and environmental and cultural consultancies.
The plan proposes to modernise the waterfront precinct, future-proofing South Bank with a long-term vision to shape how the landmark destination responds to the needs of the community and of the tourism industry.
Enhancements would include upgrades to the 1.2 kilometres of rivers-edge promenade, prioritising pedestrians and active transport modes. Grey Street would become more pedestrian-friendly with wider boulevards and bike lanes, while green spaces will be increased and the cultural forecourt upgraded.
The draft plan also proposes to manage ageing assets and infrastructure and support the local economy through new attractions and diversified dining opportunities. Other considerations include an improved beach, improved active travel connections, and increased river frontage.
The 42-hectare site was previously overhauled for the 1988 World Expo, and Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the time has come again to revive and renew what she refers to as the “people’s park”.
“More than 10,000 pieces of feedback have shaped the Future South Bank Draft Master Plan, making it a plan by the people, for the ‘People’s Park’,” said Palaszczuk.
A community consultation period will run over the next few weeks until midnight 14 December, following which feedback will be analysed to help determine the final masterplan, expected by late 2023.
For more information or to have your say, visit the Future South Bank website.
Source: Architecture - architectureau