Background and objectives

North Bank is a two kilometre stretch of Brisbane’s CBD riverfront from the William Jolly Bridge to the Goodwill Bridge.

The objectives for the development of North Bank were to revitalise the riverfront and to reconnect the CBD and the people of Brisbane with the river.

The following facilities were specified as core public infrastructure for North Bank:

• a riverfront promenade
• road and bikeway enhancements
• pedestrian links to, from and through North Bank
• access to site from the intersection of Margaret and William Streets
• site landscaping
• Riverside Expressway facilities
• City Cat terminals
• tourist vessel terminals
• site utilities
• coach and taxi set down areas
• a pontoon for government use.

The project was based on the principles of environmental and economic sustainability and was to be delivered at no cost to Queenslanders. The cost of the proposed core public facilities and infrastructure for North Bank was to be met by the private sector through the development of retail, entertainment, commercial and/or residential facilities.

In 2007, after a competitive bidding process, Multiplex Limited (which subsequently became Brookfield Multiplex) was selected as the preferred developer for the first stage of the North Bank Redevelopment.

In November 2007, the government approved the revised concept design, subject to resolution of a number of key technical issues including flooding, traffic impacts and the future maintenance of the Riverside Expressway.

The revised concept design generated continued public debate and concern regarding the shape and nature of the project. In response to these concerns, the government announced an Enquiry by Design process, which was held in June 2008. A full report providing further details of these ideas and design guidelines for the development of North Bank was released for public comment on 27 August 2008.

Almost 2,300 responses were received at the close of public submissions on 24 September 2008, with 93% of respondents not supporting the proposed development in its current form.

The government has listened to this concern, and announced on 19 October 2008 announced that North Bank will not proceed.

The government is now undertaking a safety audit of the area.

The safety audit is assessing the features and conditions of the public spaces with a view to ensuring a safe environment for users including pedestrians, cyclists, City Cat and car park patrons. The safety audit is reviewing safety measures such as improved lighting, security cameras, signage and maps, and fencing and barriers.

Recommendations arising from the safety audit will be available from April 2009.