A massive collection of more than 300 street art pieces has transformed a space in the Brisbane CBD into a major cultural hub for the global premiere of a new Banksy exhibition.
The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” Chapter 2 has officially launched at Uptown on Queen Street Mall, marking a significant milestone for the city’s art scene. Spanning 1,550 square metres, this new chapter is twice the size of the 2023 edition and presents the most expansive collection of the artist’s work ever staged. The exhibition features over 100 original artworks, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the mind of the elusive creator.
Organisers describe the event as a “museum-quality experience” that captures the raw energy of street art. The collection includes iconic favourites such as Cinderella at Dismaland, London Zoo, and the Ice Cream Van. These works sit alongside never-before-seen pieces, creating a narrative that explores the wit and defiance for which Banksy is known.
Beyond traditional canvases, the exhibition offers a multi-sensory journey designed to engage audiences of all ages. Visitors can expect immersive installations, digital mapping, and sculptures that bring the art to life. A standout feature is the cutting-edge hologram display, which adds a futuristic dimension to the artist’s satirical vision.
The show aims to challenge and provoke thought on topics such as politics, culture, and human rights. By combining these themes with high-tech displays, the exhibition provides a fresh perspective on the artist’s influence as a cultural icon.
To make the event accessible to the wider community, organisers have introduced special pricing for the school holidays. Families can purchase a discounted bundle at $25 per person, while a “New Year, New Rules” promotion offers a Duo Pass for $29 per person for a limited time.
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. Tickets for the general public start from $39 for adults and $27 for children. The visit typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes, allowing ample time to explore the vast collection.
Queen Street Mall will have a new reason to visit this December as Koko Black returns to Brisbane with a boutique in the heart of the city. The Melbourne-born chocolatier is set to open its 22nd national store on Friday 5 December.
Ahead of the launch, Koko Black has rolled out a citywide promotional campaign. Starting 29 November, the Koko Cruiser, a mobile chocolate-sampling van, began making its way through Brisbane, handing out free handcrafted treats. The Cruiser will make its final stop at Queen Street Mall in the lead-up to the store’s grand opening.
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The new boutique will offer Koko Black’s full range of chocolates, with products crafted in Australia according to the brand’s standards and without artificial additives. Shoppers can expect a selection of pralines, truffles, chocolate bars and seasonal favourites — arriving just in time for the Christmas gift season.
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On opening day, early visitors stand to benefit from opening-week incentives. The first 100 customers will be eligible for a $200 shopping spree. In addition, shoppers will receive free pralines and have the option to personalise selected gift boxes and chocolate bars, a feature the brand is offering as part of its Queensland return.
The return to Queensland reflects steady demand in the state, even during the period without a physical store. Before the reopening, more than 20 percent of Koko Black’s online customers were based in Queensland, underlining the strength of local digital demand. The launch of this store represents a strategic expansion and celebration of a loyal customer base that remained connected through online ordering.
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Founded in Melbourne’s historic Royal Arcade in 2003, Koko Black has built a strong reputation nationally for artisanal chocolates, presenting itself as a luxury, Australian-made brand. The new Brisbane boutique continues that growth trajectory and brings the brand’s signature craftsmanship to the city centre once again.
For Fortitude Valley residents and those frequenting the CBD, the store adds a new drawcard during what is typically a busy retail period. With Queen Street Mall already seeing increased foot traffic from seasonal shoppers, the boutique offers an attractive option for gift hunters, festive indulgence seekers, or anyone after a moment of chocolate-laden delight between errands.
Whether locals are rediscovering the brand or trying it for the first time, the opening of Koko Black at Queen Street Mall on 5 December invites Brisbane to enjoy handcrafted chocolate in a new city setting. Residents and visitors alike may even catch a sample from the Koko Cruiser before they ever step into the store.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Porex Porex/Google Maps
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
Photo credit: Moises Vasquez/Google Maps
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
Photo credit: Michael Lindenboy/Google Maps
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.
Photo credit: Vu Dang/Google Maps
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.
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.
A landmark Brisbane building is set to gain a new tenant, with Australian fashion brand Country Road submitting plans for a flagship store in the historic Bank of New South Wales building at 33 Queen Street.
The heritage-listed site, constructed between 1928 and 1930, occupies a prime position at the upper end of Queen Street Mall, on the corner of George Street.
The move comes after an extensive 18-month search for the perfect location. A spokesperson for Country Road described the new store as a significant investment in Brisbane’s retail landscape.
Proposed 3D View of Country’s Flagship Store (Photo credit: Folar Architecture/ Brisbane PD Online)
A spokesperson for the brand stated that the new location would play a key role in strengthening the brand’s presence in Brisbane’s central business district, aligning with its emphasis on classic fashion and community engagement.
Last month, Country Road lodged a development application (A006701880) seeking approval for key modifications to the site. The proposed works involve alterations to the building’s façade along Queen Street Mall, the removal and storage of internal heritage elements, and the installation of a modern shop fit-out, including an internal staircase.
The plans aim to facilitate the adaptive reuse of the ground floor and mezzanine levels, transforming them into a retail space with a new entry foyer.
The application also seeks council approval for a Development Permit to carry out building work, including modifications to the façade and the removal or demolition of certain heritage components.
Photo credit: LH VN/Google Maps
According to planners, the proposed works will “achieve adaptive reuse of an underutilised heritage building in a highly sought-after inner-city location whilst celebrating the heritage value and fabric that remains intact.”
Country Road’s arrival at 33 Queen Street signals a new chapter for the historic site, ensuring it remains an active and vibrant part of Brisbane’s retail precinct while honouring its architectural legacy.
LEGO, the popular Danish toy manufacturer, has set its sights on opening a store in Brisbane’s CBD and could potentially establish a shop within the Queen Street Mall precinct.
The toymaker reportedly plans to expand its operations in Australia and New Zealand with at least 20 more outlets.
LEGO has existing nine stores in the region, including two in Queensland at the QIC’s Robina Town Centre in Gold Coast and Westfield Chermside north of Brisbane CBD. Two more LEGO outlets are expected to open in Perth and Canberra within the year.
The news comes as LEGO isn’t the only global brand planning to open at Queen Street Mall. Samsung, South Korea’s electronic brand leader, Sephora, France’s famous beauty products brand, and Longines, the Swiss quality watchmaker, are also keen on moving into the CBD site.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Queen Street Mall, which spans 40,000 square metres of space for 700 different retailers, has had a number of vacancies due to the pandemic lockdowns but property experts said signs of recovery are slowly manifesting in the precinct, especially after Brisbane secured the 2032 Olympics.
Internation retailers want a prime spot in Brisbane CBD as it has drawn attention because of the upcoming Olympics as well as its management of the COVID-19 transmissions compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Colliers showed continued interest and confidence from retailers, especially for clothing, footwear, personal accessory brands.
