The granite pavers of Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall weathered the footsteps of almost eight million pedestrians last month.
The Queensland capital’s main CBD thoroughfare benefited from a bumper month of activity in July, with city powerbrokers spruiking ongoing activity to keep the precinct energised.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Queen Street Mall was a major economic engine for the city and a must-visit destination for locals and visitors.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said major events drew almost 7.7 million people to Mall in July, with a wave of new investment set to drive more growth.
He said crowds surged during the British & Irish Lions Tour, with more than 256,000 people passing through the mall on Wednesday, July 2, the day of the warm-up match, and more than 741,000 visiting there during the first Test weekend from July 18 to 20.
“From sporting showdowns to cultural festivals and world-class performances, Brisbane’s packed events calendar is keeping the city vibrant and its economy strong.”
Lord Mayor Schrinner said the Mall was set to benefit further from a pipeline of major developments and investment that would further boost the precinct’s appeal.
He said pipeline projects expected to boost foot traffic in the Queen Street Mall included:
- Griffith University is converting the heritage listed Treasury Building into a new CBD campus.
- Country Road relocating to a new flagship store in the heritage-listed former Bank of New South Wales Building on Queen Street Mall.
- Global fast food restaurant chain Wendy’s plans to open a flagship restaurant in the CBD.
- The Hilton Hotel rebranding as the luxury Intercontinental Brisbane and will start a refurbishment program to enhance its offering.
- ISPT’s plans to redevelop the Wintergarden into a vibrant precinct ahead of the 2032 Games.
- Charter Hall’s plan to transform the former St George Bank site at the top of the Queen Street Mall into a modern tower with streetscape activation.
- The earmarked revitalisation of Uptown
Lord Mayor Schrinner said future events expected to boost foot traffic in the Queen Street Mall included:
- Second Ashes Test in Brisbane in December 2025.
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will perform in Brisbane for the first time ever in February 2026, with four performances.
- Riverfire and Brisbane Festival in September 2025.
- Major acts including Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Rufus Du Sol, and AC/DC.
He said the Mall’s growth was being backed by major transport upgrades improving access for residents and visitors.
“Brisbane Metro already offers 24/7 weekend services into the CBD, while Cross River Rail will deliver the new Albert Street station and public plaza in the future.
“CityCats also had their busiest month ever in July, with 681,519 passengers, with South Bank, Riverside and North Quay terminals topping the list.”
Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan said July was an extraordinary month for Brisbane.
“Major events brought people in, fired up the city and showcased what makes Brisbane so special,” Mr Ryan said.
“When global sporting blockbusters like the British and Irish Lions Tour hit town, Queen Street Mall becomes a showcase of Brisbane’s energy, vibrancy and warm hospitality,” he said.
“With billions in new investment and a world-class events calendar, we’re setting Queen Street Mall up to build even more momentum in the lead-up to, during, and beyond the 2032 Games.”
