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Sono Lumo Festival Set to Illuminate Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook

Sono Lumo is returning to Brisbane CBD as a free ten-day light and sound festival transforming Queen’s Wharf into an immersive Christmas experience.

Background of the Brisbane CBD Event

Sono Lumo will return to Queen’s Wharf for a ten-day season from 10–14 December and 17–21 December 2025. The festival was previously staged at the same riverfront location and will once again operate as a free public event with food and beverages available for purchase.

The program will cover several precinct spaces, including Queen’s Wharf Plaza and The Landing along the riverfront.

Steampunk Theme and Main Features in Brisbane CBD

The 2025 edition features a steampunk-inspired setting centred on a mechanical timepiece driving the event’s Christmas story. The theme draws from Victorian-era invention blended with futuristic design across the precinct’s lighting and soundscape.

Three main eight-minute shows will take place each night at 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The Star Brisbane facade will carry projections, fireworks, snow effects and animated visuals. Brisbane musician Tom Thum created the original soundtrack for the shows and will perform live on opening night on 10 December.

DJs will remix classic carols into electro-swing sets at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to walk through installations across George Street Steps, Queen’s Wharf Plaza and The Landing, with lighting, laser effects and projected scenes.

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane — *Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook*

Feature Zones and Visitor Experience

The Festive Foundry in the DPI courtyard will be marked by a large airship balloon positioned above a feature bar serving themed cocktails. Spirit Works Square will include food trucks, light projections and ongoing activity throughout the night.

The Commissariat building will display animated scenes with mechanical airships, toys and cog-driven reindeers. Another zone, known as The Underpass, will include shifting beams of colour and lighting effects set to remixed festive tracks.

Christmas festival — *Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook*

Event Operations and Accessibility

Sono Lumo will operate from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening, with lighting displays most visible after dark. Public toilets, temporary seating and signage will be available across the site. Hydration stations and water bubblers will be set up throughout the precinct, and the event will run as a cashless venue.

The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane are wheelchair accessible, offering lifts and accessible movement routes. No road closures are planned, although traffic control will be in place on the cycle path to allow pedestrian access to The Landing. Any changes due to severe weather will be announced through The Star Brisbane website.

Tom Thum — *Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook*

Community Interest

Comments on social media show local enthusiasm for the festival’s return, with visitors planning to attend during hotel stays, night-time walks and other seasonal outings.

Outlook

Sono Lumo will again present a large-scale festive program in Brisbane CBD, offering lighting displays, themed zones and nightly entertainment across Queen’s Wharf over ten December nights.

Published 24-Nov-2025

Albert Street Pedestrian Upgrade Advances in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Cross RIver Rail

The planned expansion of Queen Street Mall is moving ahead in the Brisbane CBD, extending pedestrian-only access along Albert Street as part of broader works linked to the new Albert Street station.

Background and Earlier Upgrades in the Brisbane CBD

Queen Street Mall is undergoing its first major expansion in 15 years, with works extending the pedestrian precinct along Albert Street from Elizabeth Street to Mary Street. The project aligns with long-term plans outlined in the Brisbane City Centre Master Plan, which identified Albert Street as a future green spine linking Roma Street Parkland to the City Botanic Gardens.

The mall, originally opened in 1982 and later upgraded in 1999 and 2007, continues to record strong foot traffic, with October figures averaging more than 220,000 pedestrians each day and July reaching above 248,000.

station precinct — *Photo Credit: Cross RIver Rail*

Staged Expansion Across Albert Street

The renewal will be delivered in phases. The first section is scheduled to open next month, introducing new outdoor dining space between Elizabeth Street and partway to Charlotte Street. The remaining works between Elizabeth and Charlotte streets will follow early next year, with the final stage from Charlotte to Mary streets scheduled to begin late next year. A further stage is set for late 2026.

The staged openings integrate with the construction of a new public plaza above the future Albert Street underground station, featuring tree-lined areas and new seating. The station structure includes a 153-tonne canopy, with escalator installation already completed underground.

Queen Street Mall — *Photo Credit: Cross RIver Rail*

Retail Shifts and Precinct Challenges

The expansion comes at a time of significant change within the Brisbane CBD retail landscape. Several major tenancies have exited the precinct, including the closure of a multi-level international retailer on Queen Street Mall. Other sites, such as the Wintergarden complex, remain in transition as redevelopment plans continue to progress slowly.

The former Myer Centre, now operating as Uptown, is undergoing repositioning after Myer’s departure in 2023. Although Myer has indicated an interest in returning in a smaller format, no confirmed tenancy has been announced. Operators in the precinct have observed that many pedestrian movements through the mall are pass-through rather than destination visits, contributing to shorter dwell times.

Brisbane CBD mall expansion — *Photo Credit: Cross RIver Rail*

Complementary Projects Shaping the Brisbane CBD

The upgrade is supported by a pipeline of surrounding developments, including Griffith University’s conversion of the former Treasury Building into a new CBD campus and the rebranding of the Hilton Brisbane as an InterContinental hotel. Other nearby projects include ISPT’s planned redevelopment of the Wintergarden, Charter Hall’s proposal for the former St George Bank corner site, and ongoing revitalisation at Uptown.

Transport Improvements and Broader Network Changes

New travel patterns across the Brisbane CBD are emerging alongside the project. According to recent data, travel times between Queen Street and South Bank bus stations have become more than 40 per cent faster following network changes and the opening of the Adelaide Street tunnel, which reduced congestion on Victoria Bridge by 30 per cent. TransLink reports more than 23 million trips on the city’s new bus network since June.

Community Sentiment and Precinct Activity

Community and business interest remains centred on how the expanded mall will influence retail behaviour in the area. While the council highlights increasing pedestrian activity and lifestyle precinct growth, operators note that strong foot movement does not always translate into retail engagement.

The staged program, including new dining and activation areas, aims to encourage longer stays and support the public-realm transition around the future station plaza.

Next Steps

The Queen Street Mall expansion marks a significant phase in reshaping the Brisbane CBD. As construction continues into 2025 and further into 2026, the long-term performance of the precinct will depend on how future retail, hospitality and development projects fill emerging gaps and support ongoing activation.

The completed works are expected to strengthen the pedestrian link between Roma Street Parkland and the City Botanic Gardens once the Albert Street station opens.

Published 19-Nov-2025

Singaporean Group Acquires George Williams Hotel in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: George Hotel Brisbane

A Singaporean family’s investment arm has purchased the George Williams Hotel in Brisbane CBD, ending nearly three decades of ownership by YMCA Queensland.

Background and Earlier Ownership

The hotel stands at the corner of George and Turbot streets in Brisbane CBD. YMCA Queensland acquired the building in 1996 for $2.6 million and operated it as part of its hospitality portfolio, directing proceeds toward youth and community programs. Over the years, the organisation expanded its focus on affordable housing and community developments in areas with high demand.

Details of the Transaction in Brisbane CBD

The sale, announced in early November 2025, saw High Street Holdings, the investment arm of Singapore-based JD Properties, purchase the property for about $34–$34.2 million. CBRE Hotels’ Wayne Bunz and Hayley Manvell managed the off-market Expression of Interest campaign. The buyer entered exclusive negotiations eight days into the process, reflecting strong interest in centrally located hotel assets.

Hotel Features and Recent Upgrades

The eight-storey, four-star hotel contains 102 rooms on a 680 sqm freehold site. More than $1.2 million in refurbishments were recently completed, including upgrades to two guestroom floors. The property includes a leased restaurant, meeting facilities, and on-site parking. Its location is close to Queen Street Mall, the Queen’s Wharf Casino precinct, South Bank, and Roma Street Station.

Portfolio Growth and Planned Changes

High Street Holdings already holds several Australian hotels, including Rydges Perth Kings Square, Rydges North Sydney, and Kennigo Hotel Brisbane. The newly acquired property will undergo a repositioning program and has been rebranded as George Hotel Brisbane. The group views the hotel as a strategic addition to a tightly held market.

George Williams Hotel — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Market Interest and Sector Trends

The transaction follows increased competition for Brisbane hotel assets, including the recent sale of Soho Brisbane. Industry commentary notes that limited new hotel supply and strong underlying demand continue to attract interest from domestic and international investors. Market expectations have also been influenced by the city’s build-up toward the 2032 Olympics.

Outlook

With the rebranding underway, High Street Holdings plans to enhance the hotel’s operational performance and market presence. The purchase strengthens its expanding Australian portfolio and highlights continued interest in Brisbane’s hotel sector.

Published 18-Nov-2025

Former Bank Turns Into a University of Queensland Campus

Photo Credit: BVN

The University of Queensland has breathed new life into one of Brisbane CBD’s most distinguished heritage buildings, transforming the state-listed former bank at 308 Queen Street into a contemporary campus for postgraduate students and alumni.

The university purchased the 19th-century banking chambers and its adjoining tower at 88 Creek Street in 2019, establishing UQ’s first official city campus. The adaptive reuse project preserves the building’s grand architectural heritage while creating flexible, modern learning environments.

According to the project architects BVN, the campus comprises three distinct types of spaces: teaching suites, creative suites, and engagement areas designed to accommodate everything from individual study to large-scale industry events.UQ Brisbane City — BVN

The ground floor atrium serves as the campus heart, featuring two key areas. The Long Room provides space for independent and collaborative work, while the Main Lounge offers a premium environment for networking and events. The restored marble floors and reinstated glass dome ceiling with bronze structure create an impressive setting for the university community.

Jennifer Karlson, Vice President of Advancement and Community Engagement at UQ, described the project as “more than a building” but rather “a living legacy” that blends tradition, innovation and community engagement.

Historic rooms surrounding the dome across two floors now function as creative suites for postgraduate students from the architecture and business schools. The larger floor plates in the modern tower annex accommodate adaptable teaching suites with retractable whiteboards that preserve natural light and views when not in use.

The restoration work, undertaken with heritage consultant Architectus Conrad Gargett, took a minimal-interference approach. An underfloor services network delivers power, data, air conditioning and audiovisual capabilities without compromising the heritage fabric. Original fireplaces, windows, doors and plasterwork were carefully restored, with new bronze and brass insertions introduced for modern services.

The design incorporates references to the site’s Indigenous history. Hoop pines, known as Araucaria cunninghamii, once towered over this location. The interior design echoes these lost giants through pinecone patterns cast in perforated brass light fittings. Staircase rugs feature artwork by First Nations artist Tamika Grant-Iramu, while custom carpets throughout the creative suites reference local flora.

BVN principal Brian Donovan said the campus is “genuinely being used as another communal space in the city” by diverse groups, which he considers a measure of success.

The project received recognition from the Australian Institute of Architects, with the jury citation praising the “seamless marriage of modernity and heritage” that enriches UQ’s reputation for innovation while setting new standards for academic environments.

The campus now serves postgraduate students while providing a central hub for UQ’s alumni network, creating what the university describes as “a new forum of exchange” bringing together students, graduates and industry professionals in Brisbane’s CBD.

Published 12-November-2025

Wendy’s Opens Second Australian Store in Brisbane’s City Centre

Photo Credit: Wendys Burger AU/ Facebook

American fast-food giant Wendy’s has launched its “global-first” immersive flagship restaurant in the Brisbane CBD, a two-level eatery featuring work from local artists.

Dozens of eager fast-food fans lined up on Albert St on Wednesday morning, waiting for the 9 a.m. start of service for one of the world’s largest burger chains. As music began to play, one local resident in the queue could not hold back his excitement, dropping his bags to bust out some breakdancing moves for the delighted crowd. He continued his celebration inside, declaring the new restaurant “fabulous” and a world away from Kansas.

The restaurant, named ‘Haus of Wendy’ as a playful nod to its bold design, is more than just another burger joint. It is a “global-first” for the American company, described as an immersive flagship location. To give it a strong local flavour, the design leans on the work of Brisbane artists.

Located off the Queen Street Mall and overlooking King George Square, the eatery is placed right in the middle of the city’s fast-food hub, near its main rivals. The building features a funky and colourful fit-out with red and blue dominating the decor. It has an open-air ground floor and a large lower level, with space for 130 diners.

Known for its square burger patties, the chain states it uses fresh, not processed, beef and chicken. Some menu items have a local touch, including a cheese sauce made on the Gold Coast and its popular Frosty dessert, which is made from grass-fed dairy. In its first week, the Brisbane restaurant expects to serve three tonnes of Frosty, almost 25,000 beef patties, and about two tonnes of fries.

This is the second Wendy’s to begin service in Australia, following a Surfers Paradise location that started earlier in the year. The Brisbane opening signals the next step in the brand’s ambitious plan to establish 200 restaurants across Australia over the next decade.

Published Date 28-October-2025

Rock Legends Metallica Team Up With Lifeblood to Boost Blood Donations

Photo Credit: Lifeblood

Brisbane locals have a unique opportunity to combine their civic duty with rock memorabilia next month, as legendary band Metallica partners with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for a special blood donation drive.

The collaboration coincides with Metallica’s upcoming Brisbane performance on 12 November at Suncorp Stadium as part of their M72 World Tour. Brisbane blood donors who give at the Edward Street donor centre between 5-11 November will receive a limited-edition Metallica t-shirt designed by the band’s iconic artist SQUINDO.

Photo Credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

The exclusive Brisbane t-shirt features the band’s lyric “A Sea of Hearts Beat As One” within a blood drop design, along with Australian elements specifically for local fans. To receive the merchandise, donors must be enrolled in Lifeblood’s loyalty program, Lifeblood Gifts, either before donating or sign up when they arrive.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone, highlighted the timing of the partnership amid increased demand for blood products. The organisation requires more than 1.7 million donations annually to meet hospital needs, with 100,000 new donors needed each year due to growing population demands.

The Brisbane initiative forms part of a broader Australian tour collaboration between Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, and Lifeblood. Similar drives are occurring in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, timed around each tour stop.

This partnership builds on Metallica’s global philanthropic efforts, including their work with the American Red Cross during their recent US tour, which generated more than 2,000 blood and platelet donations. Since establishing All Within My Hands in 2017, the foundation has raised over $20 million for community initiatives.

Each blood donation can save up to three lives, supporting cancer patients, new mothers, trauma victims and surgical patients. The Brisbane Donor Centre is located at 288 Edward Street in the CBD.

For Brisbane residents with tattoos, recent policy changes mean plasma donations are accepted immediately after tattoos from licensed Australian parlours, while blood and platelet donations require just a one-week wait.

Donations can be booked through lifeblood.com.au/metallica or by calling 13 14 95.

Published 29-September-2025

Riverstage Upgrade Plans in Brisbane CBD Move Forward

Photo Credit: BCC

Riverstage in Brisbane CBD is set for a multimillion-dollar upgrade, with private operators invited from 22 September 2025 to invest under a long-term lease arrangement.

Background and Context

Riverstage, located behind the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, opened in 1989 as part of Brisbane’s cultural legacy following Expo ’88. It has since hosted leading local and international performers including Powderfinger, Lorde, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims. In the past financial year, 38 events drew about 245,000 attendees.

Riverstage upgrade — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Planned Upgrade

Council confirmed on 2 September 2025 that an expression of interest campaign will open on 22 September 2025. The process will seek proposals from experienced operators to deliver significant investment in Riverstage. The venue will remain in public ownership while being leased to a private partner for operation.

Planned upgrades include new and improved facilities and advanced sound management systems designed to address noise impacts. The upgrade is being positioned as part of Brisbane’s preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the city will require more world-class venues.

Industry Interest

Construction leader Scott Hutchinson, who helped develop Fortitude Music Hall, has expressed interest in taking on the project. Earlier this year, he suggested a $50 million investment could deliver a roof over the stage area, soundproofing to minimise noise reaching surrounding areas, and a cover for around 3,000 people at the front of the venue. He also raised issues such as resident noise complaints and ticket resellers using bots to secure large portions of tickets, leading to quick sell-outs for major acts.

Riverstage Brisbane — *Photo Credi: Google Maps*

Public-Private Model

The funding approach follows a model in which private investment is exchanged for a long-term lease. This arrangement has been promoted as a way of upgrading facilities without direct cost to residents, while allowing public funds to focus on transport, parks and road projects.

Community and Cultural Impact

Industry organisations have welcomed the upgrade. Economic and cultural leaders said it would attract international acts, create more opportunities for local performers, and strengthen Brisbane’s standing as an events destination. They noted Riverstage’s role as a lasting cultural venue since Expo ’88 and emphasised that investment is needed to make it more accessible and suitable year-round.

Looking Ahead

By 2032, Brisbane is expected to have both a new indoor arena at the Gabba and an upgraded Riverstage, enhancing the city’s capacity to host large-scale entertainment and cultural events. The outcome of the expressions of interest process later this year will determine the future operator and the scope of the redevelopment.

Published 13-Sep-2025

Overnight Charity Walk Launches in Brisbane CBD to Aid Sick Children

A new overnight charity walk has been launched in Brisbane CBD, aiming to raise funds for children’s health services through a 42-kilometre event.

Walk for Support Begins in Brisbane CBD

An overnight walking marathon called All Night Long is set to take place in Brisbane CBD, bringing together Queenslanders to support children facing serious illness. The event spans 42 kilometres and is scheduled for Saturday, 25 October 2025.

This initiative marks the first collaboration between Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland and the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The event aims to support medical care, equipment, family accommodation, and vital hospital services for sick kids across the state.

Background and Purpose

In the last financial year, more than 78,000 children received care at Queensland Children’s Hospital. According to campaign organisers, the walk is designed to reflect the long and exhausting experiences that many families endure during treatment.

The event will begin at Brisbane’s Parliament House and pass through multiple key locations including New Farm Park and Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane. Participants will walk through the night, finishing in the early hours of the following morning.

charity walk Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Structure and Participation

The walking course will include five designated experience stops across the city. Walkers may register as individuals or in teams. A dedicated All Night Long team will include staff, ambassadors, and community figures. Entry costs $60, with the target of drawing more than 1,300 walkers.

Funds raised will support both organisations, contributing to ongoing services such as family accommodation close to hospitals and the funding of essential medical research and hospital equipment.

sick kids fundraiser — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Community Engagement and Fundraising

Community members have already begun donating, with contributions ranging from small amounts to over $100 per person. Public involvement continues to grow as participants train and fundraise in the lead-up to the October event.

Campaign materials include official shirts, walker belts, drink bottles, and flashing lanyards, with additional items provided to those who reach fundraising milestones.

Next Steps

The All Night Long marathon is positioned as a symbolic and practical show of solidarity with families navigating childhood illness. Organisers encourage Queenslanders to register, support, or donate as the event approaches. Brisbane CBD is expected to be a key backdrop for what may become a recurring statewide fundraiser.

Published 15-July-2025

Emmanuel City Mission to Tackle Homelessness at Night with New Funding

Photo Credit: Emmanuel City Mission/ Facebook

Emmanuel City Mission is set to provide crucial overnight sanctuary for people sleeping rough in Brisbane after receiving a significant $500,000 funding gift from Brisbane City Council’s 2025-26 budget.

A New Phase of Care.

The grant will allow the organisation to expand its operations from a day shelter into a night-time refuge. Operations manager Tim Noonan explained that the mission’s goal is to provide safety and sanctuary for people who have nowhere else to turn after dark. He stated that Brisbane’s streets are a dangerous and undignified place at night, making it difficult for people to move forward with their lives without the ability to rest in safety.

The plan is to begin the new service around September, starting with one night a week on Wednesdays. The mission intends to incrementally increase its overnight operating hours until it can offer a safe place for people seven days a week.

Addressing a Growing Need

The need for expanded services is clear, with demand on the centre growing substantially. Yesterday, 1 July, marked the first anniversary of the mission’s move to its larger Cordelia Street premises. In that time, the number of people it helps each day has more than doubled, jumping from 120 to 260. Mr Noonan suggested this sharp rise indicates how essential their services have become.

Currently, Emmanuel City Mission provides over 1,000 hot meals, 150 toiletry packs, and 100 loads of laundry every week. The new funding directly addresses a critical gap, as Mr Noonan noted there are no other services capable of taking up to 100 people off the streets each night and giving them a safe place to go.

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Council and Community Partnership

The substantial grant strengthens a working relationship between the mission and Council. Mr Noonan said this partnership was particularly effective during the response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, when the mission remained open as other services closed. He noted that Council worked “hand in glove” with them, offering support and funding for the additional costs incurred during the weather event.

He acknowledged the strong support from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and local Central Ward councillor Vicki Howard. The funding is part of Council’s commitment to helping break the cycle of homelessness in Brisbane, providing support one meal, one shower, and one safe night at a time. Mr Noonan also credited the local South Brisbane parish and parish priest Fr William Iuliano for making their work possible.

Published Date 06-July-2025

Wendy’s Plans Flagship Restaurant in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: DA/A006796196

US fast-food chain Wendy’s has lodged plans to establish a flagship restaurant in Brisbane CBD, proposing upgrades to a prominent site at Adelaide and Albert streets.

Wendy’s Expansion Plan in Brisbane CBD

Wendy’s has submitted a development application to BCC for a flagship food and drink outlet at the corner of Adelaide and Albert streets. The site, previously occupied by Bupa, is set for internal fit-out and façade upgrades.

Wendy’s Australia — *Photo Credit: DA/A006796196*

Background of Wendy’s Return

Wendy’s first entered the Australian market in 1982, with its initial store in Melbourne. The chain exited three years later but returned in early 2025, opening a store at Surfers Paradise. This Brisbane CBD project would mark Wendy’s second Queensland outlet as part of its plan to open 200 stores nationwide by 2034.

Development Features and Design

The proposal outlines alterations to the existing two-storey building. Plans include operable windows, internal-facing planters, kinetic tile panels for façade movement, and integrated lighting. The ground floor will feature an ordering counter, while dining space will be located on the first floor. The design aims to create a continuous and active street frontage along Queen Street Mall.

Competitive Landscape in Brisbane CBD

The proposed site will place Wendy’s within close proximity—about 120 metres—to competitors such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Hungry Jack’s. The development reflects broader trends of US burger chains entering the Australian market, where other brands such as Five Guys and Carl’s Jr have seen limited city presence.

fast food — *Photo Credit: DA/A006796196*

Next Steps

The application was lodged through the RiskSMART code assessable pathway, indicating alignment with BCC guidelines and a low-risk profile. No changes are proposed to building height, site cover, or parking, and no street trees will be affected.

Published 5-July-2025