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:
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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.
wq426t
The ‘Southern Gateway’ concept in the South Bank Master Plan is certainly interesting — but I have to say, I think it’s quite misguided in the long term. The Maritime Museum, as it stands, is frankly underwhelming. It doesn’t feel like it belongs in this prime riverside location, and the continued exposure of the Diamantina to the elements will ultimately just accelerate its deterioration. If we’re serious about preserving it, then proper conservation indoors is the only viable solution — otherwise, it’s a well-meaning but wasteful use of space and funding.
What’s really disappointing is how this site could be so much more. Instead of anchoring the area to an underutilised museum, why not open it up with thoughtful landscaping? Something like a terraced grass amphitheatre overlooking the river — similar to Carl Theodor Sørensen’s work in Copenhagen — would align far better with the broader vision for open, green, usable public space. It would also enhance the southern entry to South Bank in a way that feels welcoming, natural, and sustainable.
The current Maritime Museum building could be sold off to help fund such a redevelopment, while the heritage-listed dry dock area could be restored and activated in more compelling ways — a microbrewery and restaurant, for example, could breathe new life into the site while celebrating its historical bones. The dry dock itself could become an outdoor art space, or even be reimagined as a unique public swimming pool — a concept that fits beautifully within the playful, community-focused spirit of South Bank.
As a born-and-bred Brisbaner who has spent the last decade living in London, I also feel strongly that Queensland’s broader museum infrastructure is overdue for major rethinking. The Queensland Museum in its current form feels too limited in ambition and scope. If you compare it with institutions in cities of comparable size globally, it becomes clear how much untapped potential we have. Consolidating collections — maritime, Indigenous, colonial, natural history — into one iconic, world-class institution could be a transformative cultural statement for Brisbane and Queensland.
Done properly, this would also free up opportunities for the QAGOMA precinct to expand, including new space for the Asia Pacific Triennial and other growing collections that deserve more room to breathe and grow.
So yes — I applaud the intention to rethink South Bank, but I really hope the planners go back to the drawing board on the Southern Gateway. Let’s not waste this rare opportunity. Open it up. Keep it simple. Make it beautiful. And think bigger for Brisbane.
Loved the article and the insights from others — great to see the community engaged on this one.