Draft Brisbane City Centre Master Plan 2013
Summary of submissions, 17 September-25 October 2013
Introduction
In April 2013, Council hosted the Ideas Fiesta to encourage the Brisbane community and the property industry to explore the future of the city centre through a
three-week long program of events across the Central Business District (CBD), supported by social media. The fiesta featured 17 community events, 10 industry
forums and showcased 17 transformative ideas from well-known Brisbane architects and designers. More than 16,400 people attended fiesta events, 1200
students participated and more than 1.2 million social media views were generated. The ideas and feedback received during the fiesta directly influenced the
directions of the draft CCMP and helped Council to identify priorities for future delivery.
In September 2013, Brisbane City Council launched the Draft Brisbane City Centre Master Plan 2013 (draft CCMP). This plan delivers a coordinated strategy
supported by a number of implementation projects for the future of Brisbane’s city centre. The draft CCMP has been developed to guide future development
and investment in our city centre over the next 20 years. The projects and initiatives of the draft CCMP were identified after significant community consultation
as well as contributions from design teams and the property industry.
Summary of consultation on draft CCMP
Council sought a final round of feedback from the community on the draft CCMP between 17 September and 25 October 2013. Council received 27 submissions
during this period. Consultation was supported by media releases, an email to subscribers, ‘pole-wrap’ posters around the CBD, industry events and talk-to-aplanner kiosks at the Big City BBQ and Brisbane Open House events. In addition, key stakeholders provided a high level of support and endorsement for the
draft CCMP. The key themes of the feedback received during the consultation period are:

strong support for the draft CCMP’s strategies and projects

support for the Kangaroo Point Bridge and pedestrian and cyclist bridges

support for the ‘city boulevards’ city-making move and the general revitalisation and enhancement of key streets to improve pedestrian amenity

desire for more cyclist-oriented initiatives in the city centre

desire for improved public transport and cheaper/free public transport services across Brisbane.
Summary of feedback
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
General
1
Generally support the draft CCMP strategies and
projects.
Noted.
2, 10, 12, 14,
16, 18, 20, 23,
27
2
Generally oppose the draft CCMP strategies and
initiatives.
Noted.
5
3
Generally do not support
buildings/infrastructure/bridges encroaching in the
river’s space.
Noted.
1
4
Planning for the city centre should consider measures
to reduce business and lifestyle costs.
The draft CCMP’s five strategies (economic, public realm, built form, social and
cultural and transport) are intended to balance the different factors influencing
our lifestyle. The draft CCMP is a planning blueprint for the city centre whereby
projects and initiatives seek to improve access to transport and services,
enhance lifestyle factors and promote business growth and employment.
Where it can, the draft CCMP endeavours to promote measures that might
reduce costs for instance through the use of Environmental Upgrade
Agreements to promote the modernisation of old building stock, improve
energy efficiency and keep associated costs low.
10
5
Brisbane needs to emphasise its connections with
sister cities.
Brisbane’s relationship with sister cities is reflected in the Brisbane Vision 2031,
Council’s long-term community plan for the city that details aspirations for the
city’s future. Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs unit
regularly collaborates with Brisbane’s international sister cities.
Council is committed to advancing Brisbane’s place in Asia and the world,
building mutually beneficial relationships with other cities, and promoting
Brisbane as Australia’s New World City. Networking with other leading global
cities allows Brisbane to exchange best practice ideas and experiences,
informing future thinking on delivering economic growth and providing effective
and efficient local services for the community.
17
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
6
Cities should strive to be sustainable, for instance
through waste management, bicycle facilities and
green buildings.
The draft CCMP strives for a balance between economic, social, built form,
public realm and transport outcomes. Sustainable initiatives will be investigated
in detail through the individual projects identified in the master plan.
Council’s policies and initiatives on sustainability have a citywide relevance and
are not only applicable to Brisbane’s city centre. Council has worked with the
community to establish the Brisbane Vision 2031, which is a long-term
community plan for the city that details aspirations for the city’s future. The
vision is underpinned by sustainability principles guiding Council’s planning.
Broadly, the main priorities outlined under the Brisbane Vision 2031 include
maintaining our quality of life and ensuring Brisbane has the services and
infrastructure to meet future liveability and sustainability challenges. For more
information visit Council’s website and search for ‘Brisbane Vision’.
As an organisation Council is also taking action to manage waste and reduce
carbon emissions, for instance through the bushland acquisition program, the 2
million trees project and by setting a target of becoming a carbon neutral
organisation by 2031. For more information on Council’s targets and
achievements as an organisation as well as policies and initiatives for the
broader community, visit Council’s website and search for ‘Our Clean, Green
City’.
Other aspects are being progressed through the draft new City Plan, including
requirements for bicycle facilities in new developments and prescriptions
around building design to ensure building efficiency is maximised in Brisbane’s
subtropical climate (such as awnings, adjustable screens, pergolas, green walls
and planting). For more information on this project visit Council’s website and
search for ‘draft new City Plan’.
17
7
Insufficient consultation has taken place on the draft
CCMP.
Council undertook consultation to inform the draft CCMP during the Ideas Fiesta
in April and May 2013. During this time, more than 16,400 people were directly
engaged at the fiesta’s 27 events, the transformative projects received more
than a million views on social media and thousands of items of feedback were
received through the various channels available (i.e. via social media, email, post
and in person at fiesta events). Refer to the Ideas Fiesta wrap-up report on
Council’s website for more information.
25
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
More recently, the draft CCMP was available for public comment for more than
five weeks, between 17 September and 25 October 2013. Consultation was
supported by media releases, ‘pole-wrap’ posters around the CBD, industry
events and talk-to-a-planner kiosks. Refer to page two of this submission
summary document.
8
The South Brisbane/West End area does not have a
proportionate number of projects compared to the
CBD.
The focus of the draft CCMP is the CBD area. Parts of South Brisbane are
identified as important to supporting the function of the CBD such as the Kurilpa
Riverfront Renewal precinct. This precinct is currently undergoing a separate
renewal process. For more information on this project visit Council’s website
and search for ‘Kurilpa Riverfront Renewal’.
25
9
Extend the CBD non-smoking zone.
The Queensland Government is responsible for legislation governing smoking in
public places. The Queen Street Mall smoking ban was an initiative of Council
and required legislative support from the Queensland Government.
14
10
Council should consider including property along Eagle
Terrace in planning for the city centre.
Council has determined this area is significant in planning for the city centre and
will be considered in the development of the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan.
24
11
Do not support a casino.
Casino licences are regulated by the Queensland Government. You can contact
the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation for more information.
17
12
All transformative projects should be subject to costbenefit analysis and released for public comment prior
to selection of final design.
As projects identified in the CCMP progress, they will be subject to more
detailed investigations including analysis into costs and benefits prior to
delivery. Community feedback is important to Council and community and
stakeholder consultation will be an integral part of the design and delivery
process.
Council is currently in the initial planning phases for the Albert Street and
Kangaroo Point Bridge priority projects, both of which will be scoped
appropriately and involve public consultation at a future stage. Engagement for
the Albert Street project involves discussions with owners and traders and
consultation with the broader public at the 2014 BrisAsia festival.
25
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
A bridge at Kangaroo Point has been included in Council and Queensland
Government plans for a number of years. Most recently, an indicative location
for the bridge is identified in the Queensland Government’s Connecting SEQ
2010 plan and Council’s draft new City Plan. These documents also provide
other indicative future bridge locations in Brisbane. Refer to these documents
for more information on proposed bridges outside of the city centre.
The function of the Kangaroo Point Bridge will be subject to future investigations
and stakeholder consultation. A key component of the bridge will be to integrate
with a future bus interchange at Kangaroo Point. Later design stages will also
consider integration with public spaces and the pedestrian and cycle network at
bridge landing points.
3, 4, 5, 23
Pedestrianisation of city streets is a key focus throughout the draft CCMP. Most
CBD streets will need to fulfil a range of functions, simultaneously
accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, service vehicles, public transport and
private transport. Ensuring a cohesive balance between these sometimes
competing uses is a key factor underpinning the draft CCMP. Further
opportunities for streetscape improvements, such as kerbside allocation and
rationalisation, will be explored through individual projects and when drafting
the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan.
5, 7, 14, 17, 19
Bridges
13
Support the Kangaroo Point Bridge.
14
Do not support the Kangaroo Point Bridge.
15
The pedestrian and cyclist bridge should be located
between Mowbray Park and New Farm.
16
Generally support more cross-river bridges.
17
The Kangaroo Point Bridge should investigate a bus
function. Public transport should be invested in before
a bridge.
18
Need to ensure a good bicycle/pedestrian connection
from proposed Kangaroo Point Bridge onto the Story
Bridge.
15, 26
11
14
7
23
Pedestrians and cyclists
19
Support more initiatives to improve pedestrian
experience and navigation along the city centre’s
streets and in key spaces, including:

shade, greenery, awnings

synchronised pedestrian crossings

improved amenity along key routes, i.e.
to/from major transit centres.
20
Support the ‘city boulevards’ initiative.
7, 16, 23
21
Traffic should be excluded from key streets in the CBD,
including:
5
22

Albert Street

Roma Street.
Support more cyclist-oriented initiatives in the master
plan, such as:
The draft CCMP recognises that the city centre’s streets need to be planned to
balance a range of functions and transport modes, including cyclists. The draft
5, 6, 19, 23
Item Feedback
no.
 End-of-trip facilities (publicly/privately
provided)
 bicycle ‘spines’ along key streets
 dedicated bicycle lanes.
23
Continue to improve signage, accessibility and legibility
of information and services for all people, including
seniors and people with disabilities.
Comment
Submissions
CCMP’s transport strategy has identified initiatives to connect routes and
improve navigation around the city for cyclists and pedestrians, for instance
through the Kangaroo Point Bridge and the city centre to Fortitude Valley cycle
connection. The draft CCMP is intended to be a high-level document and further
opportunities for cycling will be explored through individual projects. These
project specific opportunities will be investigated in conjunction with Council’s
ongoing bikeways planning.
Council’s draft new City Plan also includes requirements for bicycle parking and
end-of-trip facilities in many new developments. For more information on this
project visit Council’s website and search for ‘draft new City Plan’.
Council is committed to improving accessibility of information and services and
has a number of ongoing and future initiatives to support this commitment,
including the Brisbane Access and Inclusion Plan 2012-2017 and the Seniors’
Strategy 2012-2017. These plans outline ways in which Council will improve
accessibility of services and information for seniors and people with disabilities.
More information on these plans and proposed projects can be found through a
search on Council’s website.
Council has also recently delivered foreign language way-finding signage in the
CBD to make it easier for tourists and residents to navigate around the city.
The CCMP will explore further opportunities to improve services and increase
information and signage around the CBD when undertaking planning and
implementing individual projects.
14, 17
Priority projects
24
Generally support the six priority projects.
Noted.
4
25
Support the Edward Street project.
Noted.
2
26
Support the Albert Street ‘green spine’ project.
Noted.
7, 17
27
Include the Roma Street Station project as a five-year
priority project.
The priority projects were identified in consultation with residents, members of
the business community and the property industry. It is acknowledged other
projects identified in the draft CCMP could commence in the next five years, due
to an initiative of the private sector or because a change of circumstances may
9
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
allow Council or the Queensland Government to focus resources on alternative
projects. The implementation priorities for the city centre are intended to be
reviewed on a regular basis.
28
Support revitalisation of Queens Wharf and William
Street precinct to improve the CBD interface with the
river.
Noted.
7, 16
29
Do not support major commercial development, such
as a hotel, on the Howard Smith Wharves site (but
could support other commercial uses).
The Howard Smith Wharves amendment to the New Farm and Teneriffe Hill
Local Plan underwent statutory consultation from February-April 2013. For more
information on the amendment visit Council’s website and search for ‘Howard
Smith Wharves amendment’.
In summary, the draft plan amendment does not specify a hotel on the site but
allows for a range of activities in this location including a range of commercial
uses. The draft plan provisions require new development to respect heritage
and maximise land for public purposes.
8
30
Planning in the Queens Wharf and William Street
precinct should consider/incorporate:
The Queens Wharf and William Street precinct is currently a Queensland
Government-led project. Council will provide input into this project as required.
Please contact the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and
Planning for more information at this stage.
16

the area north of George Street

integration within the precinct and with the
broader CBD

allowing retail/entertainment uses only

small-scale spaces not large open spaces.
Public and private transport
31
Discourage private transport into the city, suggest
through removing the requirement for car parks in
developments and congestion charging.
Pedestrian and public transport focused initiatives are fundamental to the draft
5
CCMP and are designed to accommodate expected increases in pedestrians and
public transport patrons in Brisbane. The draft CCMP envisages public and active
transport modes as attractive alternatives into the future.
Many people will continue to need private transport to move to and from the
city centre. The draft CCMP strives for integrated transport solutions that support
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
the various modes of transport requiring access within the CBD.
Car parking rates are established on a city-wide basis through Brisbane’s planning
scheme, Brisbane City Plan 2000, and will undergo review as part of the draft
new City Plan process.
32
Desire for free/cheaper public transport, including:
 additional free ferry services
 free bus services for seniors.
33
Improve and promote public transport, including:





The Queensland Government’s TransLink division is responsible for managing
7, 13, 14
fares for public transport services in Queensland. TransLink has some initiatives
to reduce the cost of public transport travel, such as off-peak discounts and free
travel entitlements.
The CityHopper is a free ferry service provided by Council and was introduced to
revitalise what was known as the Inner-City Ferry service, which had been
underutilised. The aim of introducing this free service was to stimulate economic
development and activity in the inner-city precinct. There are currently no plans
to further remove or reduce fares on other highly utilised ferry and CityCat
services.
Council recognises the important contributions that seniors make to our city and
is working to support seniors’ participation in Brisbane through the Seniors’
Strategy 2012-2017. This strategy includes affordable transport initiatives, such
as the Council Cabs program. Through this strategy Council has also committed to
advocating to the Queensland and Australian Governments for better public
transport initiatives and services for seniors. For more information on the
strategy please visit Council’s website and search for ‘Seniors’ Strategy 20122017’.
The Queensland Government’s TransLink division is the lead entity for public
5, 7, 14, 17, 19
transport planning in Queensland. Council will continue to advocate on behalf of
light rail/subway/improved heavy rail
the Brisbane community and will work with TransLink to improve public transport
the availability and legibility of information
services and infrastructure in Brisbane.
clearer signage at stations
The Queensland Government is working with Council to deliver the Underground
a dedicated bus bridge (i.e. Victoria Bridge)
Bus and Train project, which is an integrated bus and train public transport
a more efficient ticketing system (including for solution that will involve a 5.4 kilometre north-south tunnel from Dutton Park to
Victoria Park. The Queensland Government anticipates work will begin in 2015.
tourists)
For more information contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Item Feedback
no.
34
‘Grand arrivals’ at transit centres should not be a
priority. Focus on experience outside the station
instead.
Comment
The draft CCMP identifies the need for improvements to and around Roma Street
Station and Central Station. These proposed projects include improvements to
the streetscape and surrounding public areas to increase legibility and amenity.
The CCMP notes that when these proposed projects undergo planning and
implementation, improvements to the streetscape and surrounding public areas
to increase legibility and amenity will be investigated.
As part of the proposed Roma Street Station project, Roma Street will be
transformed into a subtropical city boulevard supplementing the fig trees with
further landscaping and street activation. The Queensland Government’s
Underground Bus and Train project is also proposed to connect in with Roma
Street Station and opportunities to improve entry plazas and accessibility
through the site will be investigated as part of this project.
The proposed Central Station project will involve upgraded entrances and new
entry plazas to improve space and legibility for pedestrians.
Submissions
17
Built form/architecture
35
The ‘urban verandah zone’ concept is not explained
well and should not result in increased tower and
podium setbacks.
The ‘urban verandah zone’ concept refers to the use of balconies, apertures,
landscaping and awnings to achieve layered and permeable building facades.
This concept will be investigated in further detail during the City Centre
Neighbourhood Plan process.
16
36
Support removal of tangential rectangle if no negative
impact on residual value of Transferrable Site Areas.
Alternatives to the tangential rectangle will be explored in further detail through
the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan process.
16
37
Building heights above 274 metres will encroach into
prescribed airspace and cannot be supported. The
CCMP should not assume building heights can be
increased.
Council will continue to advocate for increased building heights in the city centre
to promote efficient use of land and a strong economy. Council acknowledges
that this outcome is subject to discussions and agreement with Brisbane Airport
Corporation and the Australian Government.
18, 21, 25
38
New architecture should be elegant and new
development should showcase existing heritage and
character buildings. Brisbane’s heritage should be
promoted.
Protection of heritage and character in Brisbane is regulated through Brisbane
City Plan 2000 (currently undergoing revision through the draft new City Plan
process) and the Queensland Government’s heritage register.
The draft CCMP has a strong focus on built form and architecture through the
built form strategy and the ‘distinctive architecture’ city-making move.
17
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
Council has also recently developed a series of self-guided ‘heritage trails’,
including a ‘Classic City Centre Heritage Trail’ intended to promote heritage sites
and anecdotes from Brisbane’s past. For more information visit Council’s
website and enter the search term ‘heritage trails’.
39
Support Environmental Upgrade Agreements outlined
in the built form strategy.
Noted.
22
‘24/7 event city’ and ‘creative economy’ initiatives
40
Extend retail operating hours in the CBD.
The draft CCMP envisions the future city centre as a 24/7 event city and notes
the potential for increased trading hours. While trading hours are governed by
the Queensland Government, Council will continue to work with the Queensland
Government to ensure appropriate trading hour legislation for Brisbane CBD
businesses.
7
41
Support a creative focus and more events and
activation in the city, including:
The draft CCMP recognises the potential for Brisbane to expand its focus on
creative industries and accommodate a range of event spaces and activation
programs. Initiatives are outlined in the social and cultural strategy and through
the projects identified under the ‘24/7 event city’ and ‘creative economy’ citymaking moves.
Council has also recently launched the Creative Brisbane Creative Economy
2013-22 strategy, which aims to strengthen Brisbane’s role as a vibrant creative
hub.
Council is also currently facilitating a range of activation outcomes across the
city through the ‘Vibrant Laneways’ program, which was an initiative of the 2006
CCMP. The ‘Vibrant City’ program will continue this initiative under the new
draft CCMP.
17, 20

a network of small-scale spaces

temporary and permanent events

pop-up activities

community projects.
42
Brisbane needs a shared space to support emerging
artist/companies from creative industries.
20
43
Brisbane lacks sufficient major performing arts spaces,
including theatres and dedicated open space for largescale festivals.
44
Collaborate more with major universities around the
world to achieve a ‘creative economy’.
The draft CCMP identifies a range of proposed projects to be implemented by
Council, government, industry, businesses, community groups and education
institutions. It is intended that through partnerships with local, national and
international education institutions a range of these projects can be realised.
7
45
Improve transport to and from Riverstage for event
staff.
The draft CCMP recognises the importance of this area and includes both the
Riverstage and City Botanic Gardens as two proposed future projects.
20
20
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
For the Riverstage to continue to evolve into a world-class event space,
improved access and site integration will be important and these factors will be
further considered during early planning phases for the project.
City Centre Neighbourhood Plan
46
Do not support underground car parking as the cost is
onerous for developers.
Underground car parking is an essential design component in a dense inner-city
area. Car parking rates are established on a citywide basis through Council’s
planning scheme.
16
47
Reconsider alignment of laneways and cross-block
links.
Cross-block links will be investigated further when drafting the City Centre
Neighbourhood Plan and the exact alignment will be determined on a case-bycase basis through the development assessment process.
16
48
Support removal of Major Office Building and Strategic
Redevelopment Area designations.
Alternatives to the existing Major Office Building and Strategic Redevelopment
Area designations will be explored in further detail through the City Centre
Neighbourhood Plan process.
16
49
Do not support widened footpaths through private
land dedications.
The draft new City Plan proposes that required footway widths be dealt with on
a city-wide basis through a ‘streetscape hierarchy’ overlay. The City Centre
Neighbourhood Plan process will also consider potential footway widths in the
city centre. Streetscape improvements will continue to be delivered by both
Council and the private sector. Private development will deliver improvements
through the development assessment process.
The city centre will experience a significant increase in pedestrians over the next
20 years, resulting in part from increased density through new developments.
New developments will, where appropriate, be expected to contribute to
improving the capacity of footpaths to ensure that increased pedestrian traffic
can be accommodated.
16
Council has committed to commencing delivery of the six priority projects in the
next five years. These projects were determined in consultation with key
stakeholders, government and the community. The process for identifying
projects for delivery will be flexible to accommodate changes in resources,
25
Funding
50
The draft CCMP should ensure proposed funding
models and sources for all projects are outlined in the
document. This model should include more clarity on
short, medium and long-term delivery timeframes.
Item Feedback
no.
Comment
Submissions
51
community needs, government and market drivers. Priorities will undergo
constant review to reflect these changing circumstances.
It is anticipated that the projects included in the draft CCMP will be delivered or
through partnerships between, Council, the Australian Government, the
Queensland Government, the private sector, community groups, education
institutions and others. These partnerships will influence funding for projects.
Council-funded projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis through
Council’s normal budget processes.
25
A number of the projects proposed in the draft CCMP
have also been previously included in the 2006 CCMP.
Funding should be focused on delivering the
outstanding 2006 CCMP projects.