Brisbane’s City Beach to be extended as part of South Bank Parklands overhaul

Brisbane’s iconic South Bank Parklands is set for a significant transformation with the announcement of a new masterplan aimed at extending the city beach and enhancing connectivity throughout the precinct.

The overhaul, revealed alongside the Connected Precincts Program, seeks to integrate the 42-hectare area with Brisbane’s walkable spine, stretching from Suncorp Stadium to The Gabba.

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South Bank, a site steeped in history, hosted Expo ’88 before its conversion into public parklands, which opened in 1992. The masterplan aims to preserve the beloved aspects of South Bank while preparing it for the future, particularly ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, emphasized the plan’s role in maintaining South Bank’s status as Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural hub, attracting around 14 million visitors annually.

“The Future South Bank Master Plan provides a vision to further enhance the heart of Brisbane as a connected and liveable space,” said Grace. “For more than 30 years, South Bank Parklands has been Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. We know that people want more greenery and shade, enhanced connections to surrounding areas like the CBD, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and The Gabba, and more active transport opportunities—this plan delivers that and more.”

Public consultation has played a crucial role in shaping the masterplan, with South Bank Corporation chair Susan Forrester highlighting that 89% of respondents supported the long-term vision. The feedback emphasized the importance of greening the precinct, improving accessibility, and enhancing connectivity to other key areas in Brisbane. “The masterplan sets the stage for the long-term evolution of the South Bank precinct, ensuring it continues to meet the expectations of international and interstate visitors, residents, and businesses,” Forrester said.

The masterplan is a central component of the Connected Precincts Program, which aims to boost the performance and connectivity of 11 inner-city state-significant precincts, including the Gabba, the Cultural Centre, Kurilpa, Roma Street, and others. These precincts are home to some of Queensland’s most transformative investments, such as Cross River Rail, Queen’s Wharf, and the Brisbane Arena.

While the timeline for the project is still undetermined, and the future of the South Bank 2.0 site at West End remains in planning, the vision for a rejuvenated South Bank is clear. Grace underscored the broader ambition: “We want locals and visitors of all abilities to explore our great state and we want people to be able to do that seamlessly.”

With the masterplan in place, Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands is poised to offer an even more vibrant, green, and connected experience, solidifying its place as a cherished destination for years to come.

Images via The Urban Developer

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