The Queensland Government is calling for proposals to develop “one of Brisbane’s last remaining riverside industrial sites”, currently home to the Visy glass recycling and manufacturing facility.
According to a media statement from Prime Minister David Crisafulli and Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie, the government's vision for the 7.1-hectare South Bank site is to develop a “world-class mixed-use precinct” comprising over 4,000 homes, waterfront promenades, entertainment spaces, event spaces and community spaces.
The site was purchased by the government in 2022 with the idea of it hosting an international broadcast center for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, described by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner as “South Bank 2.0”. However, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA)'s 100-day review questioned the financial and technical feasibility of the proposal given the risk of flooding.
The GIICA report from March this year states: “The Visy site is a valuable piece of real estate in the heart of Brisbane. If not used for the International Broadcast Centre, the site could provide opportunities for a range of operational uses for the Games or as a temporary venue for competitions… Ultimately, it is expected that the site will be redeveloped after the Games to create a high quality, mixed-use area complemented by open space and community facilities.”
Development controls on the site will be influenced by a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) for the Kulrilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, which first came into effect in October 2023 and was renewed by Bleijie earlier this month. The TLPI is intended to streamline planning approvals and allow unlimited building heights up to the flight path cap of 274 meters.
Crisafulli said: “We are unlocking one of the last golden stretches of riverfront to create a world-class historic district that all Queenslanders can be proud of. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to reshape Brisbane's inner city and deliver lasting benefits.”
Schrinner added: “More than 5,000 new homes are already planned for the Kurilpa precinct in Brisbane’s south and this builds on our plan to transform this area into one of Brisbane’s most livable communities.”
“Our plan means we are able to build new homes in an area where more people want to live, while protecting the character of Brisbane’s suburbs.”
The site is one of several government-owned properties earmarked for residential development with a view to building one million homes by 2044.
Expressions of interest from developers and investors can be made online. Once submissions are received, Economic Development Queensland will shortlist proposals and work with applicants individually or as a consortium to convert the proposals into construction contracts.