Brisbane’s Riverstage is on the lookout for a long-term custodian to upgrade and future-proof the inner-city music venue.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said an expression of interest campaign would open later this month (September 22) to find an experienced venue operator to take over the running of the Brisbane City Council-owned asset in the City Botanic Gardens.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said venue operators would be asked to submit options to transform the area with new and improved facilities along with state-of-the-art sound management.
He said while Riverstage would remain owned by Council and available for community events, the new operators would be granted a long-term lease in exchange for significant investment in the venue.
“The new operating model will ensure the Riverstage is upgraded while Council funds are invested in building better roads, improving public transport and upgrading parks.”
Lord Mayor Schrinner said Riverstage was built in 1989 and had attracted a range of local and international artists including Powderfinger, Lorde, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, with 38 events held in the past financial year, attracting around 245,000 people.
“The partnership will future-proof the Riverstage ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the city will need more world-class venues that showcases our vibrant music and cultural scene.
“Brisbane now has the unique opportunity to have both a new indoor arena with the Gabba Arena and a new outdoor arena with an upgraded Riverstage by 2032.”
Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan said an upgraded Riverstage would strengthen the city’s reputation as a world-class events city.
“This is an incredible investment opportunity for the right partner that will attract major international acts, create more chances for homegrown talent, and deliver millions of dollars into Brisbane’s economy each year,” Mr Ryan said.
“Our State of the City Report showed there is more than $11 billion in experience economy infrastructure is in the pipeline, and this sector is soaring.
“In the lead up to Brisbane 2032, the Riverstage upgrade is another marker of Brisbane’s growth and a signal to investors that our city is one of the most exciting places in Australia to invest in culture, creativity and lifestyle.”
The Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen Williams said the location of the Riverstage was second to none, and with new public and active transport connections servicing the venue, it was now more accessible than ever.
“While much-loved and well-patronised, the Riverstage itself is in dire need of an upgrade to provide a better user experience and ensure it is accessible year-round,” Ms Willams said.
“With the majority of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues located within the inner-city, there will be increased demand for venues such as Riverstage to showcase the city’s arts, culture and live music scene to locals and visitors alike.”
She said Brisbane’s Riverstage was a wonderful story of the legacy created for the city through hosting Expo ’88.
“While its connection to Expo ’88 is lesser known than South Bank’s, the original, temporary Riverstage formed a central component in Brisbane showcasing its local talent and live music scene to the world during the six months of Expo ’88.
“Expo sparked Brisbane’s passion for outdoor dining and entertainment, and the importance of an inner-city, live music venue was acknowledged when the Riverstage found its permanent home in the Botanic Gardens in 1989.”
