Over the years, numerous proposals and discussions have taken place to upgrade Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall, but the long-awaited revamp has yet to materialise. While city planners and business leaders have put forward ideas for revitalisation, little tangible progress has been made, leaving many questioning the future of this iconic retail precinct.
Read: After 35 Years, Myer to Leave Queen St Mall and Look For New Location
Among the proposed upgrades is the transformation of Wintergarden, a prominent retail hub in the heart of the mall. However, instead of progress, the past year has seen a steady exodus of tenants.
The announcement of plans for landscaped city lanes and enhanced connectivity between Elizabeth and Queen Streets, including the removal of Elizabeth Street’s car park ramps, coincided with a wave of retail departures from Wintergarden last year.
Retail Struggles and Decline
Since its opening in 1982, Queen Street Mall has undergone multiple changes, with the removal of several buildings and retail spaces over the years. However, in recent times, the decline has been more evident.
The closure of beloved establishments such as Pig ‘N’ Whistle pub and Milano Italian restaurant in 2023 has further dampened the mall’s vibrancy. The end of lockdowns, coupled with increasing living costs, has placed significant pressure on retailers, contributing to the precinct’s struggle.
Proposed Revitalisation Strategies
To breathe new life into the mall, Brisbane City architect Lucas Christopher has proposed several revitalisation strategies:
- Reintroducing Permanent Pods – To create a more engaging environment, Christopher suggests adding architecturally distinctive pods for retail, food, and drink. These should go beyond basic transactions to offer immersive and memorable experiences.
- Curating the Retail Mix – A carefully selected mix of tenants could boost the mall’s appeal. Christopher proposes prioritising experiential businesses over banks and telcos and encouraging late-night trading to attract a more diverse crowd.
- Developing Unique Retail Concepts – A council-private sector partnership could introduce creative retail and entertainment options. Ideas include a jacaranda-themed café, a breakfast pod, a public seating staircase, and a 24-hour restaurant and bar to foster a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.
“By reintroducing versatile 24-hour focused spaces like those suggested above, the mall could once again become a vibrant destination that blends retail with a sense of community and culture.” Christopher said.
Rather than vacant concrete slabs replacing once-thriving areas, Christopher suggested that the mall could be transformed into a space that fosters engagement and celebrates the diversity of Brisbane.
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As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the challenge remains for city planners and business leaders to turn these ideas into reality. Whether the Queen Street Mall revamp finally materialises or remains an unfulfilled promise is yet to be seen.
Published 14-February-2025
