The symbolic heart of Brisbane could be completely reimagined under a plan floated by the Schrinner LNP council.
Proposals to “revitalise” King George Square will be accepted through a public tender process, with the Pig ‘N’ Whistle pub lease expiring at the end of this year.
A revamp could be as limited as just replacing the venue and upgrading its direct surroundings, or comprise a complete overhaul of the entire space through private investment.
Council documents says King George Square may be enhanced to support a 24-hour economy, with upgraded dining and new event and broadcast infrastructure.
“[It’s] one of our city’s most prominent public spaces and we want to keep partnering with the private sector to create more to see and do without ratepayers footing the bill,” arts chair Vicki Howard said in a statement.
“City Hall and King George Square will remain in public hands while experienced operators will continue to bring hospitality, entertainment, events and experiences to the precinct.”
Council documents say a tenancy of 20 years or longer would likely be offered to allow private groups to justify significant investment in the space.
The Labor opposition on council said King George Square needed to be upgraded, but was scathing of the decision to invite for-profit companies to draw up plans.
It said council should have first gone to residents for their views on what the square needed.
“They’ve put the cart before the horse by asking the private market for their ideas before asking the community what they want to see in our civic heart first,” leader Jared Cassidy said in a statement.
“This will be another massive, missed opportunity for Brisbane.”
Cassidy called for greenery, shade and water features to be reinstalled in the square. All three were removed as part of a major 2009 redevelopment.
Independent Nicole Johnston was similarly critical.
“The Lord Mayor’s latest proposal to commercialise valuable CBD public space is a cynical money grab,” she said.
“What’s next … more giant screens pumping out costly ads and neon billboards hanging off City Hall?”
Greens councillor Trina Massey added to the opposition, saying the LNP was wrong to go to private businesses for ideas first instead of ratepayers.
“King George Square is a public square, not just an asset on a balance sheet and it wasn’t always a grey space,” she said.
“Before we talk about monetising more of our public spaces, we should be talking to Brisbane residents about what they want King George Square to be.
“Is there an appetite for more trees, greenery, shade, seating and places to gather? I think we should ask the people of Brisbane first.”
Councillor Seal Chong Wah, who also represents the Greens, said The LNP was prioritising profit over its constituents.
“This space is used by rough sleepers with no other safe option, now the LNP might kick them out for commercial redevelopment,” she said.
“The LNP have turned their back on real solutions to solve the housing crisis.”
The LNP questioned how an alternative administration would fund a revamp.
“A major renovation of King George Square would cost ratepayers tens of millions of dollars and we’re not prepared to spend that money when there are more important priorities across the suburbs,” Howard added.
“While Labor wants ratepayers to fund another major renovation of King George Square, we would rather invest that money in better roads, parks, public transport and community facilities.
“It’s a choice between spending tens of millions of ratepayer dollars renovating King George Square or continuing to harness private investment while investing in the suburbs.”
Depending on the tender, the upgraded precinct could also take in City Hall.
King George Square was built in 1930. It has undergone multiple overhauls over its nearly 100-year history.
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