Thirty years since South Bank hosted World Expo ’88, the Palaszczuk Government and South Bank Corporation will develop a new master plan to revitalise the ‘people’s place’ for the next 30 years and beyond.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she has fond memories of working at and enjoying World Expo ‘88.
"This is about creating new memories and ensuring South Bank stays the exciting, vibrant addition to our state that it has been for 30 years," she said.
Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said South Bank was an iconic destination and the government would prepare a master plan for the precinct to ensure it will continue to be enjoyed by future Queenslanders.
"It is clear South Bank remains a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike, but it’s important that the area continues to evolve and meet the needs of the community," Ms Trad said.
"The new master plan will be for and by the community. It will be informed by public consultation and will harness the knowledge of planning and design experts, local First Nations groups, the people who live and work in the precinct and visitors alike.
"We will also work with key stakeholders including Brisbane City Council, Business South Bank and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to ensure we get this right."
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister responsible for South Bank Corporation, Cameron Dick said the iconic 42-hectare South Bank precinct couldn’t merely keep pace with Brisbane’s evolution, it had to help drive it, and a new master plan was the first step towards achieving that.
"We want South Bank to remain one of the most vibrant urban cultural precincts in the country, so it’s time to secure the future of one of Queensland’s most beloved assets by planning what this space will look and feel like over the next 30 years," he said.
"The new master plan will build on what visitors love, while adhering to South Bank’s key values and maintaining the fundamental and iconic elements of the precinct.
"The end result will be something truly special – an economic and tourism driver that will further strengthen Brisbane’s flourishing reputation as a must-visit global destination."
South Bank Corporation Chair Dr Catherin Bull AM said the South Bank precinct was a model for urban renewal around the world.
"South Bank strikes an enviable balance between commercial, educational, cultural, recreational and civic activities. Importantly, it also balances built and open space," Dr Bull said.
"We can’t rest on our laurels, though – we need to plan for South Bank’s future, so the entire precinct not only maintains its energy and unique flavour, but keeps, cares for and grows the many aspects people so clearly love."
The new master plan will take about two years to develop, and a draft plan will be made available for public and stakeholder consultation. The master plan will be funded by South Bank Corporation.
"We encourage everyone who is interested in the future of South Bank to visit futuresouthbank.com.au," Dr Bull said.
Around 14 million people visited South Bank last year – more than double the 6 million visitors to the parkland in 2004.
More than 8000 people worked across the site in the 2016-17 financial year, helping to deliver $906 million in gross regional product for the state and a turnover of $1.7 billion for the precinct.
More than 15 million people visited South Bank during Expo ‘88 (April to October 1988).
History
South Bank has continually evolved – first as a meeting place for traditional landowners, the Turrbal and Jagera people, then as an early colonial port and bustling industrial zone.
The site was transformed to become the home of World Expo ’88 and has gone on to become a vibrant urban cultural precinct enjoyed by millions of people each year.
Expo ‘88
At the conclusion of Expo ’88, the Queensland Government made the decision to retain South Bank under government ownership to create this unique precinct.
The South Bank Corporation Act was passed in 1989, and the newly formed South Bank Corporation began work transforming the site into the amazing place it is today. In 1992, the parklands officially opened to the public.
Heritage
All heritage listed venues and structures will be protected for future generations.
While there will be some changes, iconic elements of the precinct like Streets Beach, the Grand Arbour and Clem Jones Promenade, the site’s connection to World Expo ’88, its green space, and the unique Queensland feel of South Bank, will remain.
