Major Renewal Set to Transform Brisbane's Iconic Queen Street Mall

Brisbane's Queen Street Mall is set for its first major expansion in 15 years, with a significant upgrade to Albert Street forming part of the Cross River Rail project.

Brisbane City Council has confirmed the mall will soon stretch along Albert Street from Elizabeth to Mary streets, creating a new pedestrian-friendly precinct designed to highlight the city's outdoor lifestyle.

Stage one of the works will begin next month, with two new footpath dining areas opening between Elizabeth and Charlotte streets-delivering additional outdoor dining and entertainment spaces in time for summer.

Further stages will roll out in the months ahead, bringing new retail, dining and public activations between Elizabeth and Charlotte streets, followed by the final section between Charlotte and Mary streets.

The phased expansion forms part of a new public plaza being developed at the entrance to the upcoming Albert Street underground station. The plaza will feature a tree-lined walkway, expanded seating and new public spaces.

City Planning Chair Councillor Adam Allan said Queen Street Mall remains a vital economic and cultural hub.

"Queen Street Mall is one of our city's major economic powerhouses and a destination for both locals and visitors," Cr Allan said. "Expanding the mall into Albert Street means even more to see and do for the growing number of people returning to our CBD. We're committed to enhancing key destinations so they continue to reflect Brisbane's vibrant lifestyle."

The project is also a major step toward creating a seamless pedestrian link between Roma Street Parkland and the City Botanic Gardens.

With the new Albert Street Station nearing completion as part of the Cross River Rail project, both foot traffic and local business activity are expected to increase significantly.

Graeme Newton, CEO of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, said the new station is already reshaping the city.

"This will be the first new CBD train station in more than 120 years-not only helping people get home faster but also transforming the surrounding area," Mr Newton said. "Work is progressing well, with all escalators now installed underground and construction underway on the station's 153-tonne canopy. The Albert Street precinct is changing rapidly, and we thank the community and local businesses for their patience during this exciting transformation."

Queen Street Mall, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982 ahead of the Commonwealth Games, has undergone several redevelopments over the decades, including major upgrades in 1999 and 2007 and the additions of Burnett Lane in 2009 and Reddacliff Place in 2010.

Forty years on, it remains one of Australia's busiest pedestrian malls. Recent arrivals such as Country Road's new store in the heritage-listed Bank building and Wendy's on Adelaide Street have added to the mall's offerings.

In October, more than 220,000 people walked through the mall each day on average, with July recording the busiest month of the year, averaging more than 248,000 daily pedestrians.