Strategies and Projects

South Bank Corporation is involved in a variety of projects designed to meet the following objectives:

Creating a ‘great’ Grey Street

South Bank Corporation has a vision of creating a ‘great’ Grey Street which rivals renowned boulevards and famous streets throughout the world.

There has been significant private sector investment along Grey Street recently.  Its vitality and street presence is improved by the commercial office buildings constructed by Mirvac and Stockwell and a hotel and residential complex developed by Stockland.

The Corporation has also upgraded lighting and the surrounding streetscape to improve the amenity in the area.

Improving access and connectivity

Improving access to South Bank and its connection to adjoining areas is an ongoing priority for the Corporation.

Recent projects have included:

  • Southern entry improvements
    • $3.5 million upgrade completed in December 2004. 
    • The revamp involved the extension of the arbour to connect with Vulture Street and better defined traffic areas for all users including pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. 
    • It has greatly improved public access to South Bank from Woolloongabba and the Goodwill Bridge which is used by an average of 70,000 – 80,000 pedestrians and cyclists each week.
  • Grey and Glenelg Street intersection upgrade
    • Improves connections between the Parklands, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and Musgrave Park. 
    • Provides better pedestrian access on Glenelg Street by widening and partially covering footpaths, adding street trees and putting in bus shelters at a cost of $1.5 million. 
    • Includes upgrade of lighting on Grey Street.
  • Parking Guidance System
    • In September 2006 the Corporation launched the South Bank Parking Guidance System, which clearly illustrates the occupancy of the South Bank, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Cultural Centre car parks. 
    • The new signage is expected to reduce fuel consumption and driver frustration and lead to a 30% better usage of car parks.

Activating the Brisbane River

The Corporation is investigating the concept of providing berthing facilities in the river near Streets Beach and a 69-berth marina facility upstream, near Victoria Bridge.

Planning has begun on the casual berthing facilities, which will cater for up to 150 vessels.

This infrastructure is considered essential in achieving the Corporation’s goal of truly activating the river.

River activation is also achieved through events such as Riverfestival, outrigger and canoe events as well as free river cruises  that are offered on Australia Day and during Queensland Week.

Working towards sustainability

The Corporation has also successfully implemented several water saving initiatives as part of its water management plan including:

  • trialling waterless urinals
  • investigating the use of grey water on the gardens
  • installing low flow showerheads in shower cubicles throughout the parklands
  • installing dual flush toilets in the central toilet block
  • installing flow restrictors in all toilet block taps
  • introducing mulches with greater water retention properties

The Corporation is currently developing a new sustainability policy to ensure the principles of sustainability – social, environmental and economic factors – are considered in all decision-making.

By drawing on its involvement in the Place Leaders Association of Australia, as well other relevant industry associations, the Corporation is reviewing the sustainability of its water and energy management as well as putting measures in place to ensure all future developments within the precinct are sustainable.

Other strategies being investigated include:

  • collection and use of rainwater 
  • use of backwash water from the lagoon
  • use of spear pumps for irrigation, to get to the underground water basin
  • constant reviewing of irrigation programme
  • reviewing the use of plant species in landscaping to reduce water consumption

Public facilities

The South Bank Corporation invests time and money each year on maintaining facilities throughout South Bank and making sure they reflect the evolution of the precinct.

In 2007 a new interactive water play facility, Aquativity, opened at South Bank.

Click here to learn more about Aquativity.