Switching On the Valley: My Major Makeover for Brisbane’s Urban Playground

Vicki Is The Valley

Fortitude Valley will be revitalised under our new plan to deliver thousands of new homes and support the continued transformation of this inner-city lifestyle precinct, and, as this plan is the starting point, I want Brisbane residents and businesses to share their ideas and help us shape the future of the Valley.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s and my Fortitude Valley Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan will allow additional height in a dedicated area which will support more homes sooner and economic revitalisation while boosting lifestyle opportunities.

Almost 28,000 people work in the Valley and about 11,500 already call it home.

I’m proud it boasts the highest number of live music venues of any precinct in Australia, cementing our reputation as one of the country’s leading cultural and entertainment destinations.

With the current neighbourhood plan now 15 years old, the updated plan will respond to significant growth and changes in the area.

It will focus on creating mixed-use communities that bring together new homes, retail, entertainment, cultural experiences and more connected public spaces.

The Fortitude Valley area is already a vibrant well-connected area close to transport, jobs and lifestyle opportunities and this plan will build on these strengths.

A key feature of the plan is to strengthen connections to nearby Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues.

Improved walking and cycling links, better wayfinding and upgraded public spaces will make it easier and safer for people to move through and experience the precinct, supporting tourism, investment and a stronger economy.

These updates will reinforce Fortitude Valley’s role as a vibrant mixed-use precinct with a thriving day-and-night-time economy anchored by live music, entertainment, retail and hospitality.

They will also ensure the precinct is ready to welcome increased visitation during the Brisbane 2032 Games and beyond.

The focus area includes land surrounding Fortitude Valley Station and sections of Wickham Street, Ann Street and Brunswick Street.

Building heights currently range from eight storeys in the Warner Street and James Street area, 20 storeys in the Valley Gateway, and up to 30 storeys in the Valley Heart. The updated plan will consider greater building heights in some locations to support well-designed urban renewal.

The first round of community consultation will help determine the height limit ranges for the area.

This approach focuses on growing up, not out, and is a key part of our anti-sprawl plan, allowing more homes in the inner-city while protecting our suburban bushland.

Brisbane residents and business owners will be encouraged to share their ideas on how they’d like the Valley to evolve during an initial feedback period starting in December.

TIMELINE:

• Community engagement is planned from 8 December 2025 to 15 February 2026.
• Release of draft precinct plan for community feedback – 2026
• Review feedback and finalise plan – 2026-27
• Council and Queensland Government approval and adoption into City Plan – 2027

“Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities and we’re committed to supporting the delivery of more homes sooner while protecting our incredible lifestyle.,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“More than 600 people are moving to our city every week, which is adding to housing supply pressures, exacerbated by labour shortages and construction costs.

“Fortitude Valley is already close to transport, jobs and entertainment, and with major Brisbane 2032 venues nearby, it’s the right place to welcome more people to live near where they work and play.

“This new plan will unlock new housing, boost entertainment options and further activate one of our most vibrant inner-city precincts.

“By enabling new homes and backing the Valley’s live music and creative industries, we’re strengthening its day-and-night-time economy and protecting the character that makes this precinct unique.”

“This plan strikes the right balance between delivering more homes sooner and ensuring the Valley remains a great place to live, work and play,” said Civic Cabinet Chair for City Planning Cr Adam Allan

“The Schrinner Council is delivering a clear, sensible and forward-looking plan that provides more homes, more jobs, and more lifestyle opportunities now and into the future.

“The Valley Chamber of Commerce was established in 1985 to support the Fortitude Valley business community to connect likeminded people together and enhance the thriving B2B community,” said Valley Chamber of Commerce President Lynley Welsh

“Fortitude Valley is in need of clear revitalization of growth in business and residential developments and opportunities in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The new plan showcases clarity in sustainable growth across multiple sectors – housing, business and thriving entertainment precincts.

“The Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes and fully supports this plan by the Schrinner Council and ensure a lasting, sustainable legacy for generations to come.”