Queen Street Mall Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Wintergarden Redevelopment Plans Submitted as Brisbane CBD Landmark Set for Major Overhaul

Photo Credit: IFM Investors/DA A007057493

A long-awaited redevelopment of Brisbane’s Wintergarden precinct has moved a step closer, with plans lodged to transform the ageing Queen Street Mall complex while removing one of its most recognisable architectural features.

A development application (DA A007057493) has been lodged with Brisbane City Council for the Wintergarden and adjoining InterContinental Brisbane precinct, outlining extensive upgrades to the retail areas beneath the hotel and improvements to pedestrian connections between Queen Street Mall and Elizabeth Street.

The proposal, designed by global architecture practice Woods Bagot, includes a redesigned retail gallery across two levels, new escalators and lifts, changes to internal layouts and upgraded public spaces. The retail wing between Tattersall’s Arcade and the Embassy Hotel is proposed to remain largely unchanged, while the InterContinental’s Elizabeth Street entrance and porte cochère would also be refurbished. The hotel tower itself is not included in the application.

Butterfly Façade Set To Disappear

One of the most noticeable changes would be the removal of Wintergarden’s distinctive butterfly façade.

Installed in 2012, the sculptural frontage stretches about 86 metres across Queen Street Mall and features approximately 24,000 LED lights. The artwork was created by Melbourne-based architecture firm Studio 505 in collaboration with Canadian lighting designer Bruce Ramus.

Under the redevelopment plans, the butterfly installation would be removed, with the underlying façade proposed to be restored.

*Photo Credit: IFM Investors*/*DA A007057493*

From Retail Destination To Underused Space

Wintergarden opened in 1982 ahead of the Brisbane Commonwealth Games with 92 specialty stores and one of Brisbane’s earliest enclosed food courts, quickly becoming a popular destination for shoppers, diners and city workers.

In recent years, however, large sections of the complex have become vacant as retail activity shifted across the CBD. Several major tenants remain, including Strike Bowling, Goodlife Health Clubs, Zara, M.J. Bale, Sheike and Mecca Maxima, but many shopfronts are no longer occupied.

The changing fortunes of the centre have stood in contrast to other busy retail and dining precincts across Brisbane’s CBD.

New Owners Driving Revitalisation

The redevelopment follows the acquisition of the precinct by IFM Investors from property funds manager ISPT.

The proposal continues work previously undertaken for the site by Woods Bagot under its former ownership. Earlier concepts for the precinct envisioned a broader mixed-use destination featuring revitalised retail, improved pedestrian links, landscaped public areas and expanded hospitality offerings.

While the current development application focuses on the existing retail podium and hotel arrival experience, it marks the first formal stage of a broader effort to revitalise one of Brisbane CBD’s best-known commercial addresses.

If approved, the project would modernise the ageing precinct while retaining key parts of the existing complex and strengthening its connection to the surrounding Queen Street Mall.

Published 10-July-2026

Fortitude Valley Goes Digital for Brisbane’s Massive Pokémon GO City Safari

Photo Credit: Pokemon Go

Thousands of local gamers and visiting Pokémon trainers are preparing to transform the bustling streets of Fortitude Valley into a massive digital hunting ground for the upcoming Pokémon GO City Safari.

A Citywide Community Adventure

pokemon go — *Photo Credit:* *Pokemon Go*

The event will run on Saturday, 26 September, and Sunday, 27 September, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. AEST. While players will explore vibrant neighbourhoods across the city, the official City Safari hub will be set up at the Queen Street Mall. This central spot is designed as a meeting place for the local community to connect, share tips, and collect free merchandise like Pikachu visors and exclusive sticker packs while supplies last.

Interactive Exploration and Rewards

The core of the weekend is the GO Stamp Rally, which encourages players to visit iconic locations around the city. By spinning specific PokéStops, participants collect digital stamps and earn chances to catch an Eevee wearing a special explorer hat. The design of the stamps will even change depending on how long a player presses their screen, making every collection unique. Gamers with tickets will also get access to special research tasks, helping the in-game character Professor Willow investigate the area.

Rare Creatures and Gameplay Boosts

Throughout the weekend, special creatures will appear across Brisbane, including Mudbray, known as the donkey Pokémon. Ticket holders will enjoy several gameplay boosts between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on their chosen day.

Lure modules will last for four hours, and the party play feature will get an extended duration to keep friends connected. Players can complete up to five special trades each day at half the usual stardust cost. There is also a higher chance of finding shiny variants, and buddy Pokémon might dig up an exclusive tiny compass souvenir.

Customising the Safari Experience

Getting involved is a straightforward process through the game’s app. Players simply open the main menu, navigate to the events tab, and select the Brisbane City Safari to secure their spot. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are generally non-refundable. Dedicated community members who have reached the “Great Friends” status or higher in the game can even purchase tickets as gifts for their local squad.

For those wanting to maximise their weekend, optional upgrades are available for purchase. The raid lover add-on grants up to 12 free raid passes daily, along with extra experience points and candy rewards. The egg-thusiast upgrade cuts egg hatch distances in half while boosting hatch rewards like stardust. Finally, players can buy an extra day pass to keep the adventure going across both Saturday and Sunday.

Published Date 29-June-2026

‘Conquering Breast Cancer’ Documentary Coming to Brisbane City Cinemas

Brisbane City moviegoers will have the opportunity to see a powerful new Australian documentary this month, with Conquering Breast Cancer screening at Event Cinemas Uptown in Queen Street Mall. The feature film combines inspiring survivor stories with expert medical insights as it explores the ongoing fight against one of Australia’s most common cancers.

Presented beginning 10 June by filmmaker Sue Collins and produced by impact filmmakers Mike Hill and Sue Collins, the feature-length documentary combines expert medical insight with the personal experiences of survivors, advocates and researchers working to reduce the impact of breast cancer in Australia.

Among those featured are Olympic legend and breast cancer advocate Raelene Boyle AM, MBE, First Nations survivor and mountaineer Kristal Kinsela, male breast cancer survivor and former professional basketballer Paul Maley, and podcaster Dr Charlotte Tottman. The film also includes insights from leading experts including Professor Bruce Mann, Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips and Associate Professor Christine Chaffer.

conquering breast cancer documentary — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

More Than 20,000 Australians Diagnosed Every Year

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer overall.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Around 56 people receive a diagnosis every day, while more than 3,300 Australians lose their lives to the disease annually — the equivalent of approximately nine deaths every day.

While the majority of cases occur in women over 50, breast cancer also affects younger Australians. Around 1,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection across all age groups.

The Survivors, Advocates and Experts Behind the Film

Rather than focusing solely on statistics, Conquering Breast Cancer tells the stories of Australians whose lives have been changed by the disease.

The documentary follows survivors, patient advocates and researchers from across the country, exploring everything from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, recurrence, genetic risk and the emotional impact breast cancer can have on individuals and families.

breast cancer patient — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The film also highlights the experiences of people living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as Australians making difficult decisions around preventative treatment after discovering they are at high genetic risk of developing the disease.

Early Detection Remains One of the Strongest Defences

A central theme throughout the documentary is the importance of prevention and early detection.

Medical experts featured in the film discuss advances in screening technologies, personalised risk assessment, targeted therapies and clinical trials that are helping improve outcomes for patients.

While Australia has achieved five-year survival rates of more than 90 per cent, the filmmakers argue that breast cancer is far from solved and that ongoing investment in research, screening programs and access to treatment remains essential.

The documentary also examines how researchers are working towards reducing recurrence rates and improving long-term outcomes for those who have already undergone treatment.

researchers working on breast cancer improvements — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The Growing Impact on Australian Families and Communities

Beyond the personal toll, breast cancer continues to have a significant impact on communities across Australia.

More than 160,000 Australians are currently living after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis within the past decade. Research has also shown the disease carries substantial social and economic costs, affecting workforce participation, family wellbeing and quality of life.

breast cancer warriors and supporters — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The filmmakers hope the documentary will encourage more Australians to understand their personal risk, participate in recommended screening programs and support ongoing efforts to improve prevention, treatment and research.

As the third instalment in the Conquering Cancer documentary series, Conquering Breast Cancer aims to start conversations, challenge complacency and highlight both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.

For more information and session times, visit ConqueringBreastCancer.com.au.

Published 9-June-2026

Disney Fans, Get Ready: Australia’s Biggest Disney Pop-Up Is Coming to Brisbane

@disneystoreau/Instagram

An official Disney Store pop-up is opening at Wintergarden on Queen Street Mall, bringing what the brand describes as its biggest pop-up experience in Australia to date.

The store will operate from 4 July to 27 September at Shop QSM 103, 209 Queen Street Mall, stocking collectibles, toys and apparel inspired by a wide range of Disney and Pixar characters. It arrives during Pixar’s 40th anniversary year, with the studio having been founded in 1986, and the range will include dedicated anniversary product lines alongside the broader Disney offering.

The first 50 people through the door when the store opens at 9am on 4 July will receive a free gift.

What’s on the shelves

The range goes well beyond the standard souvenir fare. Brisbane-exclusive collective cards, designed specifically for this city and not available anywhere else, are one of the headline offerings. Disney Store Japan ranges will also be stocked, bringing product lines that rarely surface in Australian retail.

*Photo Credit: @disneystoreau/Instagram*

Christmas in July will be represented through ornaments of beloved characters, and a dedicated pin collector event runs on 8 July, focused on Disney’s beloved animals and featuring exclusive pins available only in London, Dublin and Brisbane. Tickets for the pin event are sold separately.

Stock refreshes weekly throughout the run, which means a visit in July and another in September are likely to turn up very different shelves.

Planning your visit

Those who visited Brisbane’s previous Disney Store pop-up will remember the queues. This one is described as the largest iteration yet, and the Queen Street Mall location gives it one of the highest foot traffic spots in Queensland retail. Weekday visits are the practical choice for anyone who wants to browse without pressure.

Weekend mornings, especially in the school holiday period around early July, are likely to be a different experience entirely.

The store is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 6pm, Friday from 9am-9pm, Saturday from 9am-6pm, and Sunday from 10am-5pm. The Disney Store pop-up at Wintergarden, Shop QSM 103, 209 Queen Street Mall runs 4 July to 27 September. Further details are available at here.

Published 4-June-2026

Free Meals in Brisbane City: Thousands of Lasagnes to Be Given Away

Photo Credit: The Dinner Ladies/Facebook

A Sydney-based meal delivery company is set to hand out free lasagnes in Brisbane City, offering locals a taste of its best-selling dish as it grows its presence in Queensland

Brisbane City is set to see thousands of free meals handed out in the CBD, with a Sydney-based meal delivery company bringing its popular lasagne giveaway directly to local streets.

The promotion, run by The Dinner Ladies, will take place across key Brisbane City locations over three afternoons from 25 March to 27 March, with giveaways scheduled at Queen Street Mall and King George Square. The company’s founders, Sophie Gilliatt and Katherine Westwood, are expected to travel from Sydney to personally distribute the meals and meet locals.

A Sydney Business Targets Brisbane City Growth

The Dinner Ladies started as a small home-cooking operation in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs in 2017 and has since expanded into a national business delivering tens of thousands of meals each week. While it remains based in New South Wales, the company has grown its reach into Queensland, where it began deliveries in 2022.

Brisbane City has become a key part of that expansion. Company data indicates Queensland now makes up a growing share of its total orders, positioning the state as one of its fastest-developing markets. The upcoming giveaway in the CBD reflects that shift, as the business looks to strengthen its connection with local customers.

Why Offer Free Meals?

The company is using the giveaway to introduce more people to its ready-made meals, with a focus on its Classic Beef Lasagne, which has been its top-selling product nationally for several years.

*Photo Credit: The Dinner Ladies/Facebook*

It describes the campaign as a way to thank Brisbane customers while also encouraging new households to try its service. The business aims to show how its frozen, ready-to-heat options can help with everyday dinner planning.

The campaign also encourages locals to stay connected with the brand for future offers and updates, supporting its longer-term growth in the region.

From Sydney Base to National Delivery

Despite its expansion, The Dinner Ladies continues to operate from Sydney, with its registered address in Matraville in the city’s southeast. From there, it manages production and delivery across multiple states, including Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT.

The business produces more than 40,000 meals each week, focusing on snap-frozen dishes designed to maintain quality while offering convenience to busy households.

Published 25-March-2026

Birkenstock Opens First Queensland Store In Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Birkenstock/LinkedIn

Birkenstock has opened its first Queensland store in Brisbane CBD, establishing a retail presence inside the heritage-listed Brisbane Arcade.

Brisbane CBD Location Inside Historic Arcade

The new Brisbane CBD Birkenstock store is located at Brisbane Arcade, 117 Adelaide Street. The Arcade has been heritage-listed since 1924 and has long housed fashion retailers and artisan jewellers.

Photo Credit: Birkenstock/LinkedIn

The brand stated the location aligns with its longstanding focus on craftsmanship. The opening marks Birkenstock’s first official store in Queensland.

According to company information, the Brisbane CBD site operates as a partner store. The addition brings the brand’s total store count to four across Australia’s east coast. The Sydney store is also listed as a partner store, while two other locations are operated directly by the company.

Photo Credit: Birkenstock/LinkedIn

Media Launch And Public Activation

The store opening was marked by a media evening held earlier in February 2026. Invited guests were given a preview of the retail space, with archived Birkenstock pieces displayed as part of the event.

A two-day public activation followed at Queen Street Mall. The activation included a branded claw machine and complimentary refreshments. Visitors were also offered vouchers, foot care products and tote bags during the promotion.

Photo Credit: Birkenstock/LinkedIn

Acquisition Background And National Expansion

The Brisbane CBD Birkenstock opening follows the acquisition of Birkenstock Australia Pty. Ltd., the brand’s long-standing distributor. The transaction was finalised by the end of October 2025.

Birkenstock Australia has operated since the 1990s and employs around 60 staff. For the financial year ending June 30, 2025, the business recorded annual revenue of $88.6 million. The company is headquartered in Melbourne, operates an online store, and maintains a distribution network of more than 300 business-to-business partners.

The Brisbane CBD store opening continues Birkenstock’s expansion across Australia, extending the brand’s direct retail footprint into Queensland.

Published 27-Feb-2026

World Premiere: New Banksy Exhibition Transforms Brisbane CBD into Global Art Hub

Photo Credit: Art of Banksy

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.

A Record-Breaking Showcase

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.

Multi-Sensory Experience

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.

Community Offers and Details

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.

Published Date 15-December-2026

New Koko Black Boutique Arrives in Queen Street Mall

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.

Read: Mystery of the Orange Door Solved: SES Turns Heads in Queen Street Mall

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read: Inside Above: The New Rooftop Bar Bringing Middle Eastern Flavours to Fortitude Valley

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.

Published 27-November-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

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