If we follow the impact of Brisbane’s historic new apartment construction on city culture, there’s a good chance the Queensland capital could finally eliminate its ‘Dead After Dark’ persona. Will Brisbane be known in the future as a ‘Seven Day City’.
According to Matthew Gross, National Property Research managing director, it’s a possibility.
A Boost to Brisbane’s Culture and Reputation
The topic was on the agenda at a recent Urban Development Institute of Australia (QLD) meeting. Gross told attendees the surge in new housing within the 5 km border of the CBD and Brisbane’s healthy night time economy will play big roles in the city’s culture and reputation.
“A major benefit to Brisbane CBD and near city suburbs is that the quality of retailing, cafes, restaurants and night life will increase substantially. Brisbane will start to become a 7 day city.”
Gross sees vibrancy throughout the inner city being triggered by both better services and apartment development.
Infrastructure Will Drive Growth
“A lot of people go to Sydney and Melbourne and think wow this is fantastic. I think the key infrastructure we see coming in terms of Queens Wharf and all the projects happening across South Brisbane, West End (and the like) are really going to bring the city to life and it’s actually going to join the city together.”
At the meeting, QLD chief executive Marina Vit spoke of how important it will be for the Queensland Government to finally release the Southeast Queensland Regional Plan.
She believes the plan “significantly expands the urban footprint and ensures that land within the footprint is reflected in a timely way in local planning schemes is key.”
Break Down Brisbane’s Zones
Meanwhile, Gross sees the way Brisbane currently is split into zones.
“What we will see over the next five years is Brisbane transformed dramatically and it will become very much a seven day lifestyle city – and that’s even without Queens Wharf going ahead because we will have the volume of residents coming through that will support restaurants, cafes, lifestyle, and street life.”
Housing and Construction To Drive Brisbane’s Future
Brett Schimming, a chief executive with Construction Skills Queensland, added that the construction and housing industry is going to be one of the state’s most influential economic drivers in Brisbane’s future.
