Brisbane city centre master plan

In 2014 we partnered with Brisbane City Council to create a bold vision for an ‘Open City’ – open for business, open to an outdoor lifestyle, and open for all to enjoy. The Master Plan set a long-term framework to transform the Brisbane CBD and inner-city precincts into a more connected, accessible and vibrant heart of the city, strengthening the city's position as a leading destination in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

Our team led the preparation of the Master Plan and Implementation Plan in which we undertook a background economics study and developed transformative project ideas for Council’s Ideas Fiesta.

The plan centred on five strategies:

1. economic development
2. public realm
3. built form
4. social and cultural life
5. transport

From these came 10 City Making Moves and 31 Transformative Projects to guide public and private investment.

A defining moment in the creation of the Brisbane City Centre Master Plan was the Ideas Fiesta - a city-wide program designed to spark conversation, creativity, and collaboration about Brisbane’s future.

More than 1,200 secondary and university students explored transformative areas of the city centre as part of their coursework, with the best concepts showcased in the Ideas Gallery at King George Square. Council also invited leading Brisbane and interstate design teams to prepare bold, aspirational proposals for 17 key areas, inspiring fresh thinking about what the city could become.

The Fiesta extended well beyond design studios. Council partnered with community organisations and local businesses to deliver 17 public events - from street picnics and laneway activations to guided walks, film screenings, and exhibitions - giving people the chance to share ideas while experiencing the city in new ways.

Industry engagement was equally strong, with 10 targeted workshops and forums generating insights for specific precincts. In total, 16,427 people took part in the Ideas Fiesta, leaving a wealth of ideas and energy that helped shape the masterplan and set the tone for Brisbane’s transformation.

The masterplan was designed with people at its core. By targeting better connectivity, high-quality public spaces and sustainability, it sets out to create a city that works for everyone.

Prioritising walkability, cycling, and public transport has made the city centre more accessible and enjoyable, encouraging active lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars. These changes not only improve day-to-day experiences for residents, workers, and visitors, but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.

Through these commitments, the masterplan ensures Brisbane’s growth is matched by a city that is vibrant, inclusive, and built for people - now and into the future.

More than a decade on, over 80% of the 2014 Master Plan has been delivered or is underway, including landmark projects such as Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, Howard Smith Wharves and the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. Our work has also shaped the internationally recognised Buildings that Breathe Design Guide, helping define Brisbane’s distinctive subtropical character.

These achievements have strengthened the city’s liveability and global profile, laying the foundation for the next phase of planning ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Brisbane’s transformation is far from complete - the coming years will see new public spaces, improved connections, and initiatives that enhance the experience for residents, workers and visitors alike.

This is about more than preparing for a major event. It’s about shaping a city that is resilient, competitive and welcoming for decades to come. Guided by the masterplan, ongoing investment and innovation will ensure Brisbane continues to thrive, leaving a legacy that reflects its unique character and positions it as a leading city on the world stage.