Urban

oreword

:: ::
For more than twenty years, Brisbane City Councils unique Urban Renewal Brisbane
(URB) program has been breathing new life into derelict, forgotten parts of Brisbane,
helping to sustainably manage the growth of Australias New World City.
Brisbane is an urban success story, a modern, thriving
metropolis of two million people on Australias Eastern
seaboard. The Gen Y of international cities, its a
rising international star, ranked by fDi Magazine as one
of the top ten Asian cities of the future.1
Yet in the early 90s, Brisbane was still a big country
town, a sprawling city struggling with economic
stagnation and urban decay.

fDI Magazine, 2009-2010

Two decades of innovative planning and urban

revitalisation, coupled with steady economic growth,
have transformed Brisbane into a diverse, sustainable
city of global standing.
URB has been central to this evolution.
Established in 1991 and tasked with revitalising five
run-down suburbs in Brisbanes inner north-east,
URB has grown into one of Australias most influential
and celebrated planning agencies.

Today, URB is a lead agent for change in all of

Brisbanes inner-city growth areas, including
the CBD itself. Around 1000 hectares are now
under URB management, with 120 hectares of
obsolete industrial land now redeveloped or
under construction.
An estimated $8.75 billion has been invested into
URB areas of responsibility.
After twenty years of extraordinary achievement,
it is fitting we pay tribute to this remarkable initiative.
URBs influence on Brisbane has been profound.
At a time when Brisbane was viewed as a sleepy,
cultural backwater, URB introduced new ways of
thinking about the city. It saw Brisbane as a city on the
cusp of greatness and helped it find its feet as one of
the worlds great easy-living cities, renowned for its
cutting-edge subtropical architecture and relaxed,
outdoor lifestyle.
URB reformed the citys former adversarial approach
to planning, pulling private and public sector funding
into lasting renewal projects of national significance.
Through creative partnering with the private sector,
URB has achieved lasting microeconomic reform.
Highly respected for its real world focus,
URB redefined what it meant to slash red tape.
URB has always considered commercial realities,
balancing aspiration with economics. This is the
secret to much of its success.
URBs first chairman, the late Trevor Reddacliff,
brought to the role a wealth of private sector
experience which was embedded into URBs culture
and modus operandi. Today, a high-profile board of

architects, urban designers and other professionals

continues to build upon Trevors legacy, offering
unfiltered, fearless and considered advice on all of
URBs renewal plans and projects.
The Urban Futures Brisbane board remains integral
to URBs operations.
URBs structure, leadership and even name have
changed over the years, but the group has remained
true to its original purpose. It is a supplier of ideas, a
facilitator between government and the development
sector, a galvaniser of community opinion and the
source of boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Today, many of the citys most complex planning
problems and challenging renewal projects are tasked
to URB.
Many fine planners, urban designers, architects,
transport engineers, environmental scientists,
marketers and other professionals have contributed
to URBs exemplary inner-city renewal projects and
I congratulate you all on your success.
I also acknowledge Brisbane City Councils numerous
development partners, many of whom have been
with URB from the very beginning. Without you,
URBs outstanding achievements would have been
impossible to realise.

Cr Amanda Cooper
Chair, Neighbourhood Planning and
Development Assessment

ontents
:: ::

An urban renaissance .................................................................................6-17

// Out with the old, in with the old and new...................................................... 8
// Renewal powers a new generation..................................................................... 12
// Historical landmarks the place to live................................................................. 16
A river reborn .............................................................................................18-29
// The new commute ............................................................................................... 20
// Wharf redevelopment balances inner-city growth ............................................ 24
// Industrial wasteland to urban oasis .................................................................... 28
Growing a New World City ........................................................................30-41
// South Brisbane Riverside a hot spot .................................................................. 32
// Forgotten spaces find new life ............................................................................ 36
// Local rejuvenation ................................................................................................ 40
Urban Renewal: Focus areas for the future ...............................................42-47

A
:: ::

Looking over the silent wharves, graffiti-scarred factories, strip joints and the
concrete and weed-infested wasteland that was Brisbanes inner north-east in the
early 90s, even Urban Renewal Brisbanes (URB) most ambitious planners doubted
that plans to transform it into an urban oasis would be realised.
The scale of the challenge was immense. Five suburbs
were targeted for renewal the single largest urban
renewal project ever attempted in Australia yet
despite their proximity to the CBD, there was little
appetite for redevelopment.
The inner north-east was blighted by chaotic traffic,
extensive industrial obsolescence, crime and
population drift towards the expanding suburban
fringe. Highly-contaminated sites scarred the
landscape, with major investments required to
upgrade ageing local infrastructure.
Journalists at the time described URBs master plan
for a new high-density community of 30,000 people
as audacious.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Urban Futures Brisbane board member and Delfin

Lend Leases General Manager, Queensland, Guy
Gibson, was Brisbane City Councils first Project
Manager, Urban Renewal. He vividly recalls the
development sectors mixed response to URBs vision
for the suburbs of Teneriffe, Newstead, New Farm,
Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills.
It was a bold plan presented at a time of great
economic instability. Many developers were sceptical
and unwilling to embrace what they considered to
be risky strategies such as rezoning commercial
properties to residential. Even I wondered how it
could all be achieved.

The industry however was soon won over by URBs

practical understanding of the marketplace and
commitment to investing in key infrastructure.
URB directed government funds into a major upgrade
of the main S1 sewer line and a $220 million motorway
to divert non-essential regional traffic from Fortitude
Valley, the largest engineering project undertaken in
Queensland for decades.
Millions were poured into public transport
improvements, streetscape upgrades, landscaping
works, local traffic calming measures, park upgrades,
mall refurbishments and new open space, including
riverfront parkland.
URB quickly established a reputation and track
record as a highly effective and independent
broker, which could facilitate appropriate private
sector development proposals, while coordinating
investments by the public sector in infrastructure and
environmental improvements, says Gibson.

apartments and forms the centrepiece of the

$250 million Cutters Landing residential precinct.
Within a decade, URBs vision for the inner north would
be fully realised. Hip retail, living and entertainment
precincts would replace industrial decay and stylish
apartments, landmark buildings and public walkways
would line the riverfront where old wharves once lay idle.
Residents returned eagerly, drawn by the incredible
lifestyle opportunities on offer in URBs new
communities.
Brisbanes inner north-east traditionally included much
of the citys low income and subsidised housing and
today it remains a diverse and inclusive community.

URB actively researched commercially-viable

investment opportunities, liaising with landowners and
investors to facilitate development, even to the point
of pursuing owners of catalyst sites.

During planning, URB identified suitable sites for

affordable housing, using $8 million of Commonwealth
Government funding to deliver demonstration projects
including the multi-award winning Church Street Public
Housing Project. More recently, URB has targeted
government land holdings, working with developers
and Brisbane Housing Company to deliver mixed-use
housing projects such as the landmark sustainable
development Green Square in Fortitude Valley.

The Colonial Sugar Refining Company, for example,

was initially disinterested in redeveloping its 1893 main
refinery building in New Farm which originally stored
and processed sugar cane from all over Queensland.
Now, the heritage-listed building houses loft-style

More than 700 new affordable dwelling units now

provide homes at below-market rates to low-income
earners. These developments are of the highest
quality, scooping national awards for their design
and construction.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

ut with
the old,
:: , ::

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

in with the old...

and new

:: ::
What was once home to a bus depot and Coca-Cola bottling plant in Brisbanes Fortitude
Valley is now a thriving retail and commercial cluster, specialising in high-end home
furnishings, design and youth fashion outlets.
Amidst depreciating land values, vacant heritage
buildings, retail chain stores moving out to the suburbs
and significant retail and commercial vacancies,
Brisbane City Council saw potential for the area
through its Urban Renewal Brisbane program.
URBs master planning helped to identify Fortitude
Valleys northern entrance as a prime location for new
retail and commercial developments. Surrounded by
busy roads and lacking river views, these sites held
little attraction for residential development, but URB
believed retailers and businesses could benefit from
the high visual exposure and large lot sizes. The site
also boasted a prime location on the CBD fringe with
excellent transport services.
Master plans served to ignite the conversion of
these industrial areas to vibrant high-density,

35
232

mixed-use developments, and specified

environmentally sustainable urban design standards
to ensure their future market appeal.
URB also managed the redevelopment of key
Brisbane City Council landholdings to create a
distinctive gateway to the city.
Today, James Street, Citygate and Emporium are
major cosmopolitan, commercial and entertainment
destinations underpinned by a vibrant caf culture.
New music, design, art, fashion and multimedia
clusters now jostle for place alongside state-of-the-art
business complexes and luxury car showrooms.
Economic activity is thriving with Fortitude Valleys
workforce increasing by 70 per cent since urban
renewal began in 1991.

,
(Emporium)
35
232
.

The mixed-use
development, Emporium
was once home to a bus
depot but now comprises
35 speciality stores and
232 apartments.

Fortitude Valley has become the place to be for

young professionals with imagination and ambition.
Thanks to the high-quality living and working environments
brought about through the work of URB, the area has become
a magnet for knowledge workers and creative industries.
Once Brisbanes retail nucleus and the main
employment centre for local communities, Fortitude
Valley had deteriorated into a tired collection of empty
shop fronts, run-down commercial premises and
seedy nightclubs by the time URB began revitalising
Brisbanes inner northeast.

10

In 2005, the Valley was designated as the nations

first dedicated entertainment precinct, which saw
restrictions on live music volumes relaxed and
regulations introduced requiring apartments to be
noise insulated.

While the Valley, as it is affectionately known,

remained a colourful incubator for live music talent,
hosting venues such as the Tivoli, Waterloo Hotel and
Jubilee Hotel, its wider appeal was limited. For many,
the Valley was just too unsafe and unsavoury.

URB also facilitated Brisbane City Councils $17 million

refurbishment of Brisbanes first municipal power
station, Brisbane Powerhouse, into a live arts precinct,
and a major refit of two historical commercial buildings
into Australias first integrated creative arts space,
the Judith Wright Centre.

URB introduced strategies to strengthen the Valleys

long-established function as the citys cultural hub and
revive the local nightlife. Emphasis was placed on art
and sculpture in public spaces.

Public safety in entertainment precincts was

addressed through crime sensitive design and by
encouraging outdoor dining, markets, live music and
mixed-used development.

Brisbane City Council Neighbourhood Planning

and Development Assessment Chair Councillor
Amanda Cooper, says securing the long-term future
of the music scene without exposing residents to
unreasonable levels of amplified music noise was a
core focus of URBs renewal efforts.

These efforts have paid off. The Valleys status as one

of the nations most important breeding grounds for
original music has now been cemented. In 2007,
US Billboard magazine named Brisbane as one of five
international music hotspots, a direct reflection of the
Valleys growing influence on the global music scene.

The Valley has nurtured some of the nations most

talented artists and performers and we wanted
to ensure future music icons were given the same
opportunity to cultivate their talents. Music and arts
precincts all over the world have grappled with the
challenge of balancing residents needs with those
of the entertainment industry, at times leading to
ingenious solutions.

The Valley has become the place of choice for the

revelry of youth, the avant-garde and devotees of
festivals, quirky flea markets and a smorgasbord of
East-meets-West eateries. Its also attracting a new
wave of professional consulting firms seeking a
high-energy, inner-city location for their employees.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Fortitude Valleys
revamped Chinatown
Mall is a hub of activity
drawing in both locals
and visitors.

enewal
powers a
new generation

:: ::

12

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Twenty years after Brisbanes first power station closed its doors, a $17 million
redevelopment by Brisbane City Council saw it reopen as an iconic Brisbane destination,
renowned for its industrial design and dynamic entertainment offerings.
Aptly named Brisbane Powerhouse, the
redevelopment is a cultural hub of creativity that
boasts two theatres, rehearsal rooms, office space,
dance studios, a restaurant, caf bar, function facilities
and a large forecourt for outdoor activities.
A prominent example of art deco industrial design of
its era, the power station was identified as historically
significant during URBs master planning process for
the inner north-east. By strategically blending old
with new, and fusing past and present architectural
philosophies, a creative balance between heritage
conservation and contemporary design was achieved.
Designed by architect Peter Roy in collaboration with
URB, Brisbane Powerhouse combines bold industrial

structures, raw textures and graffiti walls with

contemporary performance, entertainment and social
spaces. The design preserves the twin histories of the
old powerhouse as an industrial site, the engine of
the city, and as the derelict building, where people
found refuge, staged parties and scarred the walls
with pictorials of their lives.
Brisbane Powerhouse is still evolving but has already
cemented its role as a multi-purpose facility critical to
the cultural life of the city. It also hosts seasonal, fresh
produce markets every weekend, taking advantage of
the sites enviable riverside location and proximity to
one of Brisbanes favourite parks.

(Powerhouse)

.

The Powerhouse retains

evidence of the buildings
colourful past in its
modern design, and is
now widely regarded as
one of Brisbanes key
cultural destinations.

URB redefined Brisbanes inner north-east without

destroying the fabric of existing communities or
the areas industrial heritage.
Quaint timber and tin cottages sit happily alongside
award-winning, medium-rise apartments, and once
idle factories, warehouses and wharves now stand tall
in the landscape, reconnected with a new age and a
new generation.

Teneriffes historic woolstores: revamped for

living, retailing and business premises

The inner north-eastern suburbs are home to some of

Brisbanes oldest, most impressive heritage buildings.
URB saw these grand and robust buildings as major
assets for the future community and their reuse as
essential to retaining the character of new precincts.

the 1920s Queensland State Canning Factory in

Teneriffe: rejuvenated as the centrepiece of
The Cannery, a village-style complex of apartments

an 1880s gasometer frame: retained as the central

feature of Newstead Riverparks plaza

Inner-city development need not be at the expense

of a citys history. In fact, new development should
highlight and preserve heritage elements,
Councillor Amanda Cooper says.

the former McWhirters: revitalised as a lively retail

and residential complex

the 1893 Colonial Sugar Refinery main refinery

building: converted into loft apartments as part
of Cutters Landing residential precinct

Fortitude Valley Post Office: transformed into the

GPO Hotel, a stylish restaurant and bar

the former Sun Newspapers building in Fortitude

Valley: converted into the Sun Apartments.

URB worked closely with developers and the heritage

units of Brisbane City Council and the Queensland
Government to deliver high-quality conversions that
retained their heritage value.
Master plans were created for each of the suburbs
to ensure new buildings were compatible with the
established built form, while encouraging innovation
in design. The result is a series of unique living spaces
distinguishable for their harmonious blending of old
and new.

14

Key heritage redevelopments include:

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

GPO

GPO



.

GPO

The GPO Hotel, formerly

the Fortitude Valley Post
Office, shows how sensitive
design can protect
heritage buildings while
breathing new life into the
inner city.

istorical
landmarks
the place to live

:: ::
Teneriffe Wharves, a catalyst project of URB, was the first residential complex
constructed along the Teneriffe waterfront. This historical mixed-use redevelopment
comprises 383 apartments, businesses, restaurants, cafes, a public plaza and a significant
riverfront promenade. The riverfront, once inaccessible and unappealing, is now a
valuable asset enjoyed by the wider community.
The 1926 Mactaggarts Woolstore was a similar catalyst
project that inspired the redevelopment of the largest
collection of portside woolstores in Australia.
Built between the early 1900s and 1950s, the Teneriffe
Woolstores are an historical reminder of the decades
when wool was Queenslands most profitable export.
In the 1970s, major port activities were forced
either down or upstream, resulting in the demise
of the woolstores.

16

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

The Mactaggarts Woolstore was converted into

155 residential apartments, with an open air atrium
through the centre of the building. The strict heritage
controls requiring retention of original facades have
ensured the woolstore precinct remains an iconic
feature of Brisbane.

Photograph: Mercantile Wharf, Teneriffe (1955), John Oxley Library

1900

( )


( ).

1900

Once a major centre

for Queenslands wool
industry in the early 1900s
(left), the woolstores are
now a highly sought-after
residential address.

:: ::

URB helped Brisbane turn back to face and embrace its river. Much maligned and
polluted, the Brisbane River had only just begun to garner public attention in the early
90s. URB harnessed this interest with an ambitious strategy to reconnect Brisbane with
its river.
Brisbanes defining natural characteristic has always
been its river. It dominates the city and has shaped
settlement patterns since the 1820s. Mention Brisbane
today and visitors will picture the snaking river,
overlooked by forested hills dotted with historic timber
homes and glittering high rises.
After World Expo 88, development in the CBD began
to open up river sections hidden behind buildings,
car parks and wooden wharves. This was rapturously
received, sparking further development interest in
riverfront sites.
URB seized upon this enthusiasm.
Bevan Lynch, Urban Futures Brisbane Board Chairperson
describes this time.
When I started practicing architecture in the City
of Brisbane in the early seventies there was little to
distinguish Brisbane from other cities around the world
that were experiencing growth, Lynch says.

18

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

The Citys greatest asset, its river, was largely ignored

and certainly not utilised to positively contribute to the
lifestyle of the city. Brisbane was once an important
shipping port for South East Queensland, but the
relocation of port facilities had left large areas of
disused infrastructure dominating river frontages in
and near to the city centre.
By the eighties, the river was still Brisbanes great
divide, splitting the city in two and limiting both the
expansion of the CBD and redevelopment interest in
the inner city.
URB drove change along the inner reaches of
the Brisbane River through a series of plans that
embedded river-focused strategies into localityspecific outcomes. Early directions were set by URBs
Riverside Study (1992) which explored ways to give the
entire riverfront back to the people of Brisbane and
called for a return to river-based transport.

This daring proposal ignited the imagination of

the city. Developers of new high-density residential and
mixed-use precincts partnered with URB to construct an
incredible network of riverfront bikeways, promenades,
public parks and natural spaces, sparking a flurry of
development interest in Brisbanes riverside suburbs.
Construction of the Goodwill and Kurilpa pedestrian
and cycling bridges gave residents new avenues to
experience the river and when Brisbane City Councils
high-speed CityCat ferry service started up the river
quickly became integral to the citys transit system.
The contemporary rediscovery of the Brisbane River
has seen a huge amount of urban renewal in the former
industrial areas close to the city centre, says Lynch.
Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, Bulimba, South
Brisbane and West End have become some of the
citys most sought after residential addresses and this
river focus continues through URBs work in Milton,
Toowong, Auchenflower, Taringa and St Lucia.

Brisbane has moved irreversibly from a big country

town to its current self-declared status as Australias
New World City. The confidence this declaration
requires is underpinned by Brisbanes reconnection
with its river.
Cruising down the Brisbane River on one of Brisbane
City Councils 18 CityCats or nine CityFerries is now
an essential experience for residents and visitors
alike, with recent figures showing around 1.54 million
trips are made each quarter. Investments in riverside
pathways, bridges and public transport are also
bringing economic benefits, enabling the expansion of
the CBD across the river into South Brisbane.
Today, the Brisbane River stands proud as a symbol
of Brisbanes reinvention. Having turned its back on
the river for so long, Brisbane now defines itself as
the River City.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

19

new
commUte

:: ::

Each day, a growing number of workers swap their cars for a healthy
bike ride or walk to work along the network of pedestrian and
cycling paths. The numbers are staggering. In one section alone,
the Bicentennial Bikeway, pedestrian and cyclist numbers have
more than tripled since 1991 to over 5000 per day.

20

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Riverside paths have become a critical component

of Brisbanes transit network. Linking inner-city
neighbourhoods with the CBD, they provide easy
access to workplaces, cultural destinations and
green spaces.

Brisbane City Council in the recovery and rebuilding

process, reflecting a growing awareness of the rivers
role as the lifeblood of the city. The process of urban
revitalisation along the Brisbane River over the last
20 years has helped foster this positive reconnection.

Between 1991 and 2011, more than 14 kilometres of

RiverWalk were delivered by URB and its development
partners, connecting Newstead in the north, through
the city centre to Toowong and West End in the south.
This has enabled residents to quite literally walk,
run or cycle on water, enhancing their relationship
with Brisbanes iconic river.

Despite the damage caused to the RiverWalk in the

January flood, there remains a strong network of
bikeways and riverside walkways in Brisbane that
are popular with residents and visitors alike.

During the January 2011 flood event a large section of

Brisbanes floating RiverWalk was damaged. Following
these floods the community rallied to support

14

(RiverWalk)

14

.

km

Brisbanes RiverWalk
provides thousands of
pedestrians and cyclists
with 14 kilometres of
riverside access.

URB saw the river as a connecting spine between

large public areas and smaller, more intimate spaces,
needed to enrich new inner-city communities. Through time,
this vision has been realised. Riverside docks and piers,
once a hive of industry, have now become places for
people and the network of urban spaces grows daily.
Living in densely populated neighbourhoods
often means trading off green spaces for inner-city
convenience. This is not so in Brisbanes new
riverside communities.
As larger sites were redeveloped, the sizeable and
hugely popular riverside spaces of New Farm Park,
South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane City Botanic
Gardens were bolstered by new public recreational
spaces and pocket parks. Contributions from smaller
developments were assembled to purchase new parks
and older parks were given a facelift through exciting
master plans and capital works projects.
The refurbishment of the Brisbane Powerhouse
provided an opportunity for an extra 1.5 hectares of
prime riverside land to be added to the park network,
which will be further enhanced through the new Howard
Smith Wharves and Newstead Park redevelopments.
The importance of urban spaces to inner-city
communities cannot be overstated given the smaller
areas of private open space in higher-density
neighbourhoods.
Public spaces beyond the balcony become peoples
backyards. They are vital for well-being and quality
of life, Councillor Amanda Cooper says.

22

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

URBs determination to knit together a green web,

consisting of big parks, sports and recreational spaces,
pocket parks and boulevard treatments all linking to
the river, has remained a constant driver throughout
its 20 years of renewal activity.
URB has ensured every new riverside development,
large or small, has a landscape element and where
possible, green spaces. Local streets have been
greened, footpaths widened and seating added,
opening up new opportunities for riverside recreation.
Views from the river have also been considered.
When Australias largest collection of portside
woolstores was progressively redeveloped,
URB ensured that surrounding development was
low-rise to preserve views of the historic buildings
from the river itself.
Today, new local plans set height limits on riverside
developments and designate public access areas
around the waterfront. Developments must also
consider the river in their orientation and design.

,


.

Urban renewal has

reconnected people to
the river and delivered a
green web of parks and
open spaces.

harf
redevelopment
balances
inner-city
growth

::
::

24

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

One of Brisbanes last, undeveloped riverfront

locations is about to undergo a facelift.
A stones throw from Fortitude Valley and the CBD,
the 3.52 hectare Howard Smith Wharves site will be
redeveloped as a vibrant public space, providing
local residents and workers with community facilities,
commercial space and cultural facilities, as well as
offering panoramic views of the Brisbane River and
Story Bridge.
Eighty per cent of the currently disused, derelict land
will also be retained as accessible, public open space.
Upon completion, the public open space will host
cultural events and activities, while new low-rise
buildings will house restaurants, shops and galleries.

( )
.


.

Due to the recent Brisbane floods and damage to the

floating RiverWalk, Councils parklands development,
originally planned as part of the Howard Smith Wharves
Restoration Project, has been put on hold.
Constructed in the 1930s in conjunction with the Story
Bridge, the Howard Smith Wharves previously played a
major role in the states exporting industry. Five original
World War II air raid shelters still stand today and these
will be retained and used as shops, restaurants and
community spaces.
To highlight and retain the heritage value of the
wharves, interpretive signage will be installed to
explain the maritime history of the site and the
geological values of the cliffs.

Howard Smith Wharves

(left) now and an artists
impression of the
proposed park which will
create a new riverside
destination for the people
of Brisbane.

Once seen as a constraint, the Brisbane River now forms the

backbone of Brisbanes urban renewal efforts. Its an investment
attractor, with most of Brisbanes contemporary high-density
housing within walking distance.
Viewed from the water, the river is a showcase for
exemplar residential development.
The early developments of Waterline at Bulimba,
Cutters Landing at New Farm and Mariners Reach,
Mactaggarts Woolstore and the Catalina Apartments
at Newstead set new standards in quality design and
construction in Brisbane. Today riverfront development
remains at the forefront of architectural style.
Pradellas luxurious new riverfront complexes Flow
and Waters Edge in cosmopolitan West End are the
citys latest offerings, with work also well underway
on Meritons ground-breaking Soleil and Infinity
Apartments. At 74 and 77 levels respectively, these
ultra-high rise developments will take CBD residential
living to new heights.
Expansive river views and unparalleled lifestyle
amenities are also on offer at Mirvacs Waterfront, part
of the 17 hectare Newstead Riverpark urban renewal
site currently under construction. Waterfront consists
of six precincts Pier, Park, Lake, Shore, Sky and

26

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Waterloo linked by tree-lined Skyring Terrace,

which ultimately will form a high street similar to those
found in many big cities. Waterfront adjoins FKP Property
Groups flagship mixed-use development, Gasworks.
On completion, Waterfront will comprise approximately
650 residences, extensive parklands and a boutique
quarter of quality cafes, restaurants and retail outlets in
a mixed-use development. Half of the development will
be set aside as open space for public use.
Mirvac has played a pivotal role in the transformation
of the riverfront, partnering with URB to provide
signature residential projects, high-quality public
spaces and outstanding community facilities to
waterfront communities.
Responsible for Waterline and the old CSR Sugar
Mill at Cutters Landing, Mirvac also developed the
Queensland Tennis Centre and adjoining residential
precinct, Tennyson Reach, and the industrial
Hornibrook site in Bulimba, which has become the
prestigious Waterline, Bulimba development.

(Mirvacs Waterfront)
( )
(Cutters Landing)
( )

.

Mirvacs

Mirvacs Waterfront
development (left) and
Cutters Landing (below)
have delivered new
apartments and public
walkways on the edge of
the river.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

27

ndUstrial
wasteland
to Urban oasis

::
::

Brisbanes largest urban renewal project, the 17 hectare Newstead Riverpark,

will see the creation of a contemporary commercial and residential hub from
a derelict industrial site a new suburb within a suburb.
Jointly developed by FKP Property Group and Mirvac,
Newstead Riverpark will accommodate over 1000
residential dwellings when complete, complemented
by five hectares of new parks, a one-hectare lake, and
a network of pedestrian and cycling pathways, with a
pedestrian arc spanning the lake.

Councils commitment to creating an inclusive and

accessible city.
Construction of this new urban village is well underway
with the completion of Waterfront and the six-star
energy-efficient Greenstar Energex office building
in 2010.

Originally developed for industrial uses in the 1880s,

the site was home of the Brisbane Gas Company
until the 1990s. The renewal project will celebrate
the legacy of the gasworks, with the heritage-listed
gasometer to become a central focus of the new
development, soaring above a public piazza.
Part of the development also takes its name from the
historical significance of the site, with FKP Property
Groups Gasworks to comprise a mix of residential
and commercial development, including shops and
restaurants, set to attract shopping enthusiasts and
food lovers from across the city.
The development will be connected to Brisbanes
existing riverside precincts through CityGlider
and CityCat services, continuing Brisbane City

28

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Photograph: Gasworks (1949), John Oxley Library

1880-1990
(
)
(
) .

18801990

The original home of the

Brisbane Gas Company
from the 1880s to 1990s
(left) and the recently built
Waterfront apartments.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

29

G
new world city
:: ::

Brisbane has awoken from its country town slumber to become a dynamic
global city. URBs visionary inner-city renewal plans have been instrumental
in this evolution.
Fifteen years after URB began its transformational
work in Brisbanes inner north-east, the city found
itself poised on the brink of an even greater change.

growth precincts, covering more than 1000 hectares,

were also generated, together with detailed,
accompanying statutory Neighbourhood Plans.

Interstate migrants, mostly from the southern states,

had been streaming into South East Queensland for
more than two decades, helping to earn it the title of
Australias fastest growing region. The regions first
statutory plan set ambitious targets for infill residential
development, with Brisbane City targeted for an
additional 156,000 new dwellings over 20 years.

Alison Quinn, Urban Renewal Brisbane Chairperson

says public and private sector endorsement of URBs
plan for the CBD has led to unparalleled investments
in public infrastructure and continuing commercial
growth, despite the recent global financial crisis.

URB was charged with planning for much of this growth.

In 2006, URB released a comprehensive 20 year
vision for the CBD, the City Centre Master Plan.
Long-term Renewal Strategies for 12 inner-city

30

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

The City Centre Master Plan presented a vision of the

CBD as a place to live, learn and play, not just work.
It recommended more green bridges, shady
boulevards, mid-block pedestrian links and bikeways
to transform the CBD into a walkable, pedestrianfriendly centre and opening up the heart of the CBD
to greater development.

The City Centre Master Plan abolished maximum

building heights in the CBD core and identified
12 signature projects to tangibly demonstrate URBs
vision and showcase exemplary design. Many of these
signature projects have now been delivered.

Urban Futures Brisbane Board Chairperson

Bevan Lynch says URBs current planning is enabling
Brisbanes CBD development to expand beyond
the traditional confines set by the river and
surrounding topography.

Due to high land costs, the master plan sought

creative ways of enhancing the public realm such as
upgrading existing squares and malls and unlocking the
potential of forgotten spaces and back alleys. This work
is already reshaping the public domain, says Quinn.

The South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood

Plan, for example, provides the framework to allow
significant commercial development to jump across
the river to take advantage of this areas proximity
to the central business district and the South Bank
cultural precinct, with brilliant direct connection to an
emerging residential renewal area in the old industrial
areas of West End.

The City Centre Master Plan was awarded the nations

most prestigious planning award by the Planning
Institute of Australia within a year of its release. In the
ensuing years, high-quality commercial clusters have
begun mushrooming in key precincts such as Albert
Street and George Streets North Quarter.
Research now shows that demand for CBD space is
projected to increase beyond expectations as local
businesses expand and international businesses seek
sites upon which to establish operations.

Developers and their architects will be challenged to

deliver contemporary design responses which define
how new world buildings integrate with and respect
the urban relevance of the protected character
buildings they adjoin.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

31

outh Brisbane
Riverside a hot spot
::
::

An eclectic, inner-city riverside community supporting a diverse and

growing population. This is the vision for the South Brisbane Riverside area,
and through Councils Urban Renewal program, this vision is firmly on its
way to becoming a reality.

32

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Located near the Queensland Performing Arts

Centre and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA),
South Brisbane Riverside is a unique part of the
inner city that is already developing into one of the
citys prime residential and commercial locations.
Urban Futures Brisbane Board Chairperson Bevan
Lynch says URBs renewal activities have encouraged
high-quality new residential and commercial
development into previously industrial areas.
This has allowed the existing character residential
areas to be retained whilst offering an opportunity
for more people to live and work in South Brisbane
Riverside, says Lynch.
The Kurilpa area in South Brisbane Riverside will
deliver an important precinct in Brisbanes history as it
allows the CBD to expand across the river.

, ,

.

The completion of the Go Between and Kurilpa

Bridges has immeasurably improved accessibility to
the area and in combination with the recently adopted
South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood Plan, this
vibrant precinct within the City of Brisbane has increased
its appeal for residents and visitors alike.
With capacity for an additional 25,000 residents by
2031, renewal in the area is vital in meeting South
East Queenslands growth targets. The focal point for
growth and revitalisation in South Brisbane will be the
Kurilpa Precinct, which is located at the bend in the
river and frames the cultural district.
The Kurilpa Precinct will encourage high-density,
mixed-use development and will support the Brisbane
CBD as a Primary Activity Centre in South East
Queensland under the Queensland Governments
Regional Plan.

The South Brisbane

Riverside area is continuing
to evolve into a vibrant
cultural destination and a
popular place to live, work
and play.

Brisbane has become a recognised leader in sustainable,

subtropical design, with local architecture professionals
leveraging their expertise to break into the growing
markets of Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
URBs advocacy of innovative, climate responsive
design has been embraced by the development
sector, with subtropical design elements such as
sustainable orientation, cantilevered balconies,
cross-ventilation, filtered light, water harvesting
and outdoor living spaces becoming commonplace.
Stylish and open public spaces now fill the inner city,
reflecting the unique subtropical architectural
style that has become synonymous with the city.
Private spaces blend seamlessly with public,
integrating new developments into the urban fabric
with unparalleled expertise.
Lecturer, educator and commentator on modern
cities, Vancouver-based Gordon Price says Brisbanes
mixing of restored heritage buildings with the best in
emergent subtropical design is one of the citys most
appealing aspects.
The examples of this interplay are abundant:
a glass canopy that covers an historic intersection,
a flight of stairs where exuberance plays off the
dignity of a nearby church, a left-over space between
modernist buildings that becomes a gathering place,
a streetscape with an eccentric rhythm of new and old.
Brisbane is a place where human-scaled planning and
a priority on the public realm are combined with style
in architecture and lifestyle, Price says.

34

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Brisbane does colour so well. Of course it really

helps to have lush subtropical flora to work with.
But Brisbane goes further: the subtropical light makes
the crisp play of colours solid planes of blue, red and
yellow pop out.
An Independent Design Advisory Panel provides
URB with incisive advice on the aesthetics, functional
planning, sustainability and heritage aspects of
all proposed major developments considered
strategically important to Brisbanes growth. As well
as lifting design standards, this has stimulated new
ways of thinking about how the city functions and is
experienced by visitors and communities.
Price considers South Brisbane to be the best example
of Brisbanes newly-formed architectural style.
In addition to being a showcase for the Citys cultural
infrastructure, it is a laboratory for subtropical design
and the integration of public spaces, from beaches to
bars. Its where a response to climate is integrated with
high design.
The most satisfying way that subtropical Brisbane
responds is simply by making the walls disappear,
creating an ambiguity between private and public.

(Lytton Road)


.

Subtropical design
on Lytton Road takes
advantage of Brisbanes
climate and outdoor
lifestyle.

ORGOTTEN SPACES

:: ::

(Jacobs
Ladder)


.

Jacobs Ladder has

been transformed from
a dilapidated stairway to
a vibrant and attractive
connection between the
CBD Spring Hill.

Find new liFe

The CBD has become a place of discovery, with rich, engaging and interactive pedestrian,
retail and commercial experiences and a plethora of new public spaces, thanks to key
Brisbane City Council investments in forgotten small spaces, byways and neglected laneways.
URBs City Centre Master Plan identified these sites
as ripe for renewal and millions of dollars have
already been invested by Brisbane City Council in
their redevelopment.

In transforming Jacobs Ladder, URB improved

pedestrian access and safety while creating a new
destination for workers and visitors to the city.
By expanding the public space, installing artwork
and upgrading the stairs that provide a critical link
between the city centre and Spring Hill, Jacobs
Ladder has become a feature of the modernisation
of the CBD.

Little Roma Street, a neglected space

underneath a busy flyover, was resurrected as a
subtropical urban oasis, featuring state-of-the-art
stormwater harvesting.

Activated laneways and arcades have spawned

niche retail and commercial enterprises such as
Brisbanes first small bar, The Laneway, which
perches over Spencer Lane. Together with the
renovated King George Square, these revived
public spaces now host a coordinated year-round
calendar of cultural events.

Revitalised areas include Market Street, King George

Square, Jacobs Ladder, Little Roma Street and two
CBD lanes, Burnett Lane and Spencer Lane.

Consisting of a small public space, street trees and

unique street art, the Market Street revitalisation
created an outdoor, pedestrian-friendly meeting
place which today hosts a fresh produce market
and live jazz.

The rejuvenation of one of Brisbanes most wellknown areas, King George Square, produced
a space that celebrates its historic role as the
ceremonial and civic heart of Brisbane, integrated
with a new transit hub.

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

37

Robust and genuine community consultation is shaping

communities experiencing or identified for high population
growth within five kilometres of the CBD.
Brisbane City Councils strategic-level growth plans
direct intense development away from Brisbanes leafy
suburbs and historic neighbourhoods, concentrating
it into growth precincts along transport lines, around
major shopping centres and within the inner city.
URB is working with these inner-city communities to
sustainably manage their growth.
Alison Quinn says that protecting local heritage and
character while creating self-contained communities is
at the heart of URBs renewal strategies.
URB leads local communities through four stages
during the planning process preparing a vision;
identifying issues, options and development scenarios;
drafting the renewal strategy; and developing the
statutory Neighbourhood Plan, says Quinn.

*URBs Community Engagement Framework won the 2008 Award

for Planning Excellence in Urban Planning Achievement from the
Planning Institute of Australia (QLD).

38

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

This award-winning* community engagement

process ensures communities can inform and drive
broad development directions, participate in key
decisions and give feedback on draft documents.
The result is better outcomes on the ground and
a streamlined approval process for development.
Many projects within URBs Neighbourhood Plan
areas become code assessable which limits public
submissions to planning stages and provides more
certainty to developers and the wider community.
URBs community engagement strategy is efficient
and focused, allowing Brisbane City Council to
swiftly plan for rapid growth and respond to new
development pressures in the city. This will become
even more important as available greenfield and
brownfield sites diminish and development becomes
focused on more challenging infill sites.

Consulting and engaging

with local communities
is an integral part of
Brisbane City Councils
planning process.

ocal
REJUVENATION
:: ::

Close to the city centre with excellent public transport options, Woolloongabba is a
suburb rich with history and immense potential.
Just two kilometres outside Brisbanes CBD,
Woolloongabba grew up around its excellent road,
rail and tramway links and by the late 1800s had
become a hub of business and industrial activity.
It also had an active social scene, thanks to local
hotels and entertainment venues.
All this changed when the railway depot closed
and construction on the South East Freeway began.
Traffic began bypassing Woolloongabba and local
roads became one-way operations to make freeway
access easier.
As a result, Woolloongabba became a somewhat
forgotten place.
The expansion and upgrading of the iconic Gabba
sporting venue and construction of the South East
Busway put the location back on the citys mental
map but more was needed for true revitalisation.

40

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

Today, URBs Neighbourhood Plan is paving the way

for Woolloongabba to evolve into a higher-density,
mixed-use community that exemplifies inner-city
sustainability. Redevelopment in Woolloongabba
will accommodate extensive living, employment,
shopping, entertainment and commercial activities,
with new public spaces to balance this growth.
Brisbane City Councils rejuvenation of the Logan Road
Antiques precinct, a key catalyst project, has already
been completed. Streetscape upgrades enhanced
the heritage retail strip between Ipswich Road and
Jurgens Street with the historic brick buildings and
landscaped boulevard proving the perfect setting for
new cosmopolitan restaurants and retail outlets.
With a combination of subtropical, versatile and
sustainable design, Woolloongabba will continue
to flourish over the coming years.

,

.

The Woolloongabba
antiques precinct and
streetscaping have given
the area a new lease on
life and are helping
to bring people back
into the suburb.

rban renewal:
focus areas for
the future

:: : ::
URB was originally established to address inner-city decay, obsolete industrial sites and
areas that were drained of vitality. Today, the process of inner-city revitalisation is far more
complex, with the focus firmly on growth precincts within established neighbourhoods.
TOOMBUL
NUNDAH

URB is working with local communities to address

the contemporary challenges they face and achieve
urban consolidation in a manner that provides for
quality of environment and a sustainable quantity
of development.

ALBION

SPECIAL
ENTERTAINMENT
PRECINCT

ICB

Highlights of URBs plans for renewal areas are

outlined on the accompanying map.

33

31

27

18

17

1
16
FORTITUDE
VALLEY

6
MILTON
STATION

26
34

21

22

23
CITY
CENTRE
30

TOOWONG
AUCHENFLOWER

NEW FARM 12

14

15

10
11
20

SOUTH BRISBANE
RIVERSIDE
13

KANGAROO
POINT
SOUTH

25
WOOLLOONGABBA

TARINGA ST LUCIA

EASTERN CORRIDOR

42

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

NEWSTEAD
TENERIFFE
WATERFRONT

19

32

29
24

5
7
3

28

ALBION

SPECIAL
ENTERTAINMENT
PRECINCT

ICB
33

31

27

18

17

1
16
FORTITUDE
VALLEY

28
6

MILTON
STATION
21

34

23
26
CITY
CENTRE
22
30

TOOWONG
AUCHENFLOWER

NEW FARM 12

NEWSTEAD
TENERIFFE
WATERFRONT

19
14

15

10

32

29
24

5
7
3

11
20

SOUTH BRISBANE
RIVERSIDE
13

KANGAROO
POINT
SOUTH

25
WOOLLOONGABBA

TARINGA ST LUCIA

EASTERN CORRIDOR

SITES oF INTEREST
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Church Street public housing

Teneriffe Apartments
Teneriffe Village
Mariners Reach
Teneriffe Wharves
Central Brunswick
The Cannery
Centro on James Street
Cathedral Place
Brisbane Powerhouse
River Gallery Apartments
Freshwater Apartments

13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

Goodwill Bridge
Cutters Landing
Floating Riverwalk
Fortitude Valley
Entertainment Precinct
Green Square
Emporium
One Macquarie
Market Street
Kurilpa Bridge
Northern Quarter
Jacobs Ladder

24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.

Albert Lane
Woolloongabba Antiques Precinct
Little Roma Street
HQ
Chinatown Mall
King George Square
Burnett Lane
Newstead Riverpark
Spencer Lane
Inner City Bypass
Go Between Bridge

ALBIoN (107ha)
consolidates Albion Village as a retail, restaurant
and entertainment precinct oriented around
public transport
builds on the current mix of land uses and
character values to provide a more diverse range
of employment, residential uses, entertainment,
recreation opportunities and services
Key catalyst project Lever Street revitalisation

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (251ha)

continues Brisbanes transformation into a
New World City of international significance
creates a vibrant mixed-use city centre
with compact, high-density building forms
and high-quality streets, laneways and
small spaces
Key catalyst project King George Square
upgrade (completed)

EASTERN CoRRIDoR (255ha)

establishes a series of six defined precincts
offering a variety of transit-oriented development
opportunities along the Eastern Busway
delivers strong integration between landuse and
transit through the unique joint development of
the Renewal Strategy by Brisbane City Council
and the Queensland Government
Key catalyst project Coorparoo Creek Park

44

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

FoRTITUDE VALLEy (128ha)

reinforces Fortitude Valley as a major
entertainment, cultural, tourism, retail
and business centre
creates a design framework that supports
growth and enables landmark buildings
alongside heritage
Key catalyst project Chinatown Mall
Upgrade (completed)

KANGARoo PoINT SoUTh (87ha)

focuses growth along main road corridors such
as Main Street and Vulture Street and helps to
rejuvenate existing commercial areas
provides for increased residential activity to allow
growth in the area while protecting the majority
of existing character housing
Key catalyst project Raymond Park improvements

MILToN STATIoN (18ha)

establishes a high-density, transit-oriented
community around the Milton train station
where people can live and work in close
proximity to public transport
facilitates opportunities for residential and
commercial growth through increased
densities and building heights
Key catalyst project New urban common
on railway terrace

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

45

NEW FARM AND TENERIFFE hILL (262ha)

preserves New Farms characteristic diversity
of built form and unique village feel
revitalises the derelict Howard Smith Wharves
as a major public space with complementary
uses that activate the site
Key catalyst project Howard Smith
Wharves redevelopment

NEWSTEAD AND TENERIFFE (103ha)

continues the successful renewal of this former
industrial area into a mixed-used community that
complements the character of the converted
woolstores and the former sugar refinery site
Key catalyst project Waterfront Park and Brisbane
Powerhouse (completed)

SoUTh BRISBANE RIVERSIDE (292ha)

facilitates growth and renewal in and around
former industrial areas to support a growing
mixed-use community
continues the transformation of South Brisbane
into an emerging employment locality and
cultural district of international renown
Key catalyst project Fish Lane revitalisation

46

Urban Renewal Brisbane // 20 year celebrations

TARINGA-ST LUCIA (407ha)

focuses growth in Taringa Village and Guyatt Park Precincts
to create vibrant community hubs close to public transport
ensures that redevelopment delivers public realm
improvements such as plaza spaces and dedicated
pedestrian pathways for the benefit of the broader
community
Key catalyst project St Lucia Peninsula Active Transport
Corridor improvements

TooMBUL-NUNDAh (108ha)
capitalises on the economic opportunities offered by proximity
to Brisbanes CBD, the Domestic and International Airports and
Australia Trade Coast
reinvigorates the Nundah Village to provide a vibrant,
walkable centre that services the local community and
offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle
encourages renewal around Toombul Railway Station to maximise
transport opportunities and improve pedestrian connections
Key catalyst project consolidated clubhouse facility in
Oxenham Park

TooWoNG-AUChENFLoWER (110ha)
allows for a significant increase in density around Toowong
Railway Station to encourage more offices, shops and
residential uses to activate the centre
encourages the development of a new medical-based
centre around Auchenflower Railway Station
promotes better public access to the Brisbane River
Key catalyst project Toowong Town Square

WooLLooNGABBA CENTRE (53ha)

focuses on promoting high-density, mixed-use development
that takes advantage of its outstanding inner-city location
and access to public transport
provides for an intensively developed core area containing
a mixed-use character and a new central civic space
Key catalyst project Logan Road Antiques Precinct upgrade
(completed)

Brisbane City Council

Information
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001

Printed on recycled paper

N2011-02783
Brisbane City Council 2011

For more information

visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
or call (07) 3403 8888