AusLeisure

With Brisbane's South Bank having hosted World Expo ’88 three decades ago, the Queensland Government and South Bank Corporation now intend to develop a new masterplan to revitalise the ‘people’s place’ for the next 30 years and beyond.

Announcing the plan, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she has fond memories of working at and enjoying World Expo ‘88, recalling "this is about creating new memories and ensuring South Bank stays the exciting, vibrant addition to our state that it has been for 30 years.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said South Bank was an iconic destination and the government would prepare a master plan for the precinct to ensure it will continue to be enjoyed by future Queenslanders, advising "it is clear South Bank remains a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike, but it’s important that the area continues to evolve and meet the needs of the community,.

“The new master plan will be for and by the community. It will be informed by public consultation and will harness the knowledge of planning and design experts, local First Nations groups, the people who live and work in the precinct and visitors alike.

“We will also work with key stakeholders including Brisbane City Council, Business South Bank and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to ensure we get this right.”

Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister responsible for South Bank Corporation, Cameron Dick said the iconic 42-hectare South Bank precinct couldn’t merely keep pace with Brisbane’s evolution, it had to help drive it, and a new master plan was the first step towards achieving that.

Minister Dick stated “we want South Bank to remain one of the most vibrant urban cultural precincts in the country, so it’s time to secure the future of one of Queensland’s most beloved assets by planning what this space will look and feel like over the next 30 years,” he said.

“The new master plan will build on what visitors love, while adhering to South Bank’s key values and maintaining the fundamental and iconic elements of the precinct.

“The end result will be something truly special – an economic and tourism driver that will further strengthen Brisbane’s flourishing reputation as a must-visit global destination.”

South Bank Corporation Chair Dr Catherin Bull AM said the South Bank precinct was a model for urban renewal around the world.

“South Bank strikes an enviable balance between commercial, educational, cultural, recreational and civic activities. Importantly, it also balances built and open space,” Dr Bull said.

“We can’t rest on our laurels, though – we need to plan for South Bank’s future, so the entire precinct not only maintains its energy and unique flavour, but keeps, cares for and grows the many aspects people so clearly love.”

The new master plan will take about two years to develop, and a draft plan will be made available for public and stakeholder consultation. The master plan will be funded by South Bank Corporation.

Around 14 million people visited South Bank last year – more than double the 6 million visitors to the parkland in 2004.

More than 8000 people worked across the site in the 2016-17 financial year, helping to deliver $906 million in gross regional product for the state and a turnover of $1.7 billion for the precinct.

More than 15 million people visited South Bank during Expo ‘88 (April to October 1988).

History
South Bank has continually evolved – first as a meeting place for traditional landowners, the Turrbal and Jagera people, then as an early colonial port and bustling industrial zone.

The site was transformed to become the home of World Expo ’88 and has gone on to become a vibrant urban cultural precinct enjoyed by millions of people each year.

Expo ‘88
At the conclusion of Expo ’88, the Queensland Government made the decision to retain South Bank under government ownership to create this unique precinct.

The South Bank Corporation Act was passed in 1989, and the newly formed South Bank Corporation began work transforming the site into the amazing place it is today. In 1992, the parklands officially opened to the public.

Heritage
All heritage listed venues and structures will be protected for future generations.

While there will be some changes, iconic elements of the precinct like Streets Beach, the Grand Arbour (pictured above) and Clem Jones Promenade, the site’s connection to World Expo ’88, its green space, and the unique Queensland feel of South Bank, will remain.

Related Articles

3rd August 2018 - Plans lodged for new Brisbane Riverwalk

5th April 2018 - New riverside public green space for Brisbane’s South Bank

29th December 2017 - Temporary art space to enliven Brisbane’s South Bank

17th August 2016 - Brisbane South Bank Chief Executive Jeff Weigh to step down

31st October 2015 - South Bank’s brand new playground

22nd September 2014 - Free outdoor fitness classes return to Brisbane’s South Bank

1st April 2014 - Work begins on upgrading South Bank’s Streets Beach

5th October 2012 - Brisbane South Bank recognised as sustainability leader

15th February 2012 - Bligh announces plans for Brisbane South Bank expansion

1st September 2008 - Mega wheel opens at South Bank

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.