Queen Street Mall expansion to open next month

The first stage in a major expansion of the Queen Street Mall pedestrian area is due to be completed before the end of this year.

The CBD retail and dining hub will run a further 230 metres along Albert Street between Elizabeth Street and Mary Street, with a new public plaza linking to the underground Cross River Rail station currently under construction.

“This will complete the transformation that will redefine and potentially shift the heart of Brisbane’s CBD,” city planning chair Adam Allan told councillors on Tuesday afternoon.

The Queen Street Mall will expand along Albert Street to Mary Street as part of Cross River Rail-related urban renewal. Credit: Brisbane City Council

Two new footpath dining sections will open in December between Elizabeth Street and Charlotte Street, with additional retail and dining expansions completed next year over several stages.

Councillor Allan said it was part of a long-term plan to provide a direct walkable link between Roma Street Parkland and the City Botanic Gardens.

“The expectation is Albert Street station will serve 75,000 commuters a day, so a very significant number of people … that will be a major boom for the businesses in that area,” he said.

Councillor and city planning chair Adam Allan said the expansion would “potentially shift the heart of Brisbane’s CBD”. Credit: Brisbane City Council

“We know that Queen Street Mall is a major economic engine for the city, and it is a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike – the Albert Street extension will enhance that offering.”

The pedestrian-focused project has previously been referred to by Cross River Rail as the “Green Spine”, but Brisbane City Council said on Tuesday it would be considered an expansion of the Queen Street Mall precinct.

Businesses along the strip will be incorporated into the Queen Street Mall Central Area Plan next financial year.

The work will be carried out over three stages, starting December and finishing in 2026. Credit: Brisbane City Council

Maps show cars will still be able to pass along Elizabeth Street, Charlotte Street and Mary Street.

Queen Street Mall was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982, and has been expanded several times since including in 1999 and 2007.

In July this year, almost a quarter of a million people passed through the mall every day, according to council estimates.

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