Brisbane’s popular South Bank precinct is poised for a major revitalisation, with the Queensland Government announcing it will develop a new master plan for the area.

Originally a meeting place for traditional landowners, the Turrbal and Jagera people, South Bank was transformed to become the home of World Expo ’88 and has gone on to become an urban cultural precinct.

Now, the state government, along with the South Bank Corporation, will create a plan to revamp the 42-hectare precinct, in order to better serve the almost 14 million people that visit South Bank each year.

Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said it is important that the area evolves to meet the needs of the community.

“The new master plan will be for and by the community,” she said.

“It will be informed by public consultation and will harness the knowledge of planning and design experts, local First Nations groups, the people who live and work in the precinct and visitors alike.

“We will also work with key stakeholders including Brisbane City Council, Business South Bank and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to ensure we get this right.”

Funded by the South Bank Corporation, the master plan will take about two years to develop and a draft plan will be made available for public and stakeholder consultation.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the revitalised precinct will be an economic and tourism driver for Brisbane.

“We want South Bank to remain one of the most vibrant urban cultural precincts in the country, so it’s time to secure the future of one of Queensland’s most beloved assets by planning what this space will look and feel like over the next 30 years,” he said.