Plans have been submitted by developers to tear down and rebuild the interior of the Wintergarden shopping centre located in Brisbane. This initiative aims to establish a pedestrian pathway linking Elizabeth Street to the Queen Street Mall.
The development proposal is currently awaiting approval from the Brisbane City Council. IFM, the developer behind the project, has outlined intentions to replace the current “fragmented” design of the shopping centre with a more cohesive two-level retail space.
The new layout is designed to enhance pedestrian access between Elizabeth Street and the mall, while also featuring alterations to the front of the building. This includes the removal of the well-known butterfly screen and the restoration of the original brick facade that lies behind it.
A new storefront is planned to be constructed along Elizabeth Street, positioned beneath the InterContinental Hotel. The hotel lobby will have direct access to the newly designed arcade, although the hotel towers themselves will remain unchanged.
In its proposal to the Brisbane City Council, the developer asserts that the project will boost foot traffic in the area. IFM stated, “The proposed development aims to rejuvenate the existing retail space under the InterContinental Hotel, reinforcing the Queen Street Mall’s status as Brisbane’s premier shopping destination.”
The developer also highlighted that the new design would not only enhance the long-term viability of the site but also provide substantial economic advantages, transforming the surrounding retail area into a lively mixed-use hub.
Retail analyst Catherine Michael noted that the Wintergarden once flourished as a popular shopping venue, but has experienced a significant decline in visitor numbers over the years. She recalled a previous attempt to redevelop the site in 2012, emphasizing that it still has not returned to its former prominence from the 1980s and 90s.
“The impact of COVID-19 was substantial, and the area has not regained the vibrancy it once had,” Ms. Michael remarked. “When it first opened in 1982, especially with the Commonwealth Games approaching, it was a stylish and modern shopping destination.”
Nonetheless, Ms. Michael expressed hope that the proposed design, which prioritizes walkability, will attract shoppers back to this section of the city.
