Rethinking Brisbane’s Victoria Barracks between Roma Street and Suncorp Stadium.

Rethinking Brisbane’s Victoria Barracks between Roma Street and Suncorp Stadium.Credit:Nine

For years,the site has been eyed off by Brisbane officials and planners as the missing link between Roma Street train station and Suncorp Stadium. Its landmark buildings and open spaces could become cultural and tourist drawcards,in an area that also includes the Roma Street Parkland andplanned Brisbane Arena venue.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles has backed calls to revitalise the site.

“Development of the Barracks could see a connection to Roma Street Parkland which would improve connectivity from Suncorp to the new Cross River Rail station and Brisbane Arena,” Miles said.

How we got here

Theredevelopment of Suncorp Stadium came without a dedicated pedestrian link for people travelling by train to Roma Street station. One proposal was to funnel pedestrians through the barracks – an option also flagged with the Roma Street Parkland development – however the Department of Defence refused to relinquish the site.

Brisbane’s Victoria Barracks has long been considered for its heritage tourism,parkland and retail potential.

Brisbane’s Victoria Barracks has long been considered for its heritage tourism,parkland and retail potential.Credit:Tony Moore

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Defence now considers parts of the barracks unsafe and has,for the first time,contemplated it being transformed intoan arts centre with boutique accommodation – a far cry from its military past.

Documents obtained by this masthead under freedom of information laws show Defence was warned “the buildings will continue to degrade and fall into disrepair even while being maintained in their current state”.

Defence remains tight-lipped on the future of the barracks,pending the outcome of the property audit,but wants to rationalise its national estate to focus on other priorities.

What they said

Confirmation of the Defence audit has fuelled interest in the future of the barracks,particularly when theplanned Roma Street station and adjacent 17,000-seat Brisbane Arena have yet to take shape.

With Miles on board,Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner suggested the three levels of government work on a long-term plan for the barracks.

Australian planning firm Architectus is one of several to sketch out how Victoria Barracks (right) could be part of an inner-city renewal.

Australian planning firm Architectus is one of several to sketch out how Victoria Barracks (right) could be part of an inner-city renewal.Credit:Architecturus

Schrinner said the barracks was a “critical point” between Suncorp Stadium and Roma Street and should be put to better use.

“Having something ready for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games makes sense,” Schrinner said.

“In terms of providing a great heritage legacy and preserving that heritage,let’s sit down and work out how to plan that precinct and how that precinct fits into the surrounding area.”

Federal Labor MP Graham Perrett,who is on the Olympic organising committee and recently visited the barracks as chair of the federal public works committee,agreed the barracks was “fading”.

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“I see this historical site as certainly having a story to tell,and I am personally interested in making sure it is a better-used site,” Perrett said.

The site is next to The Barracks,an old police establishment converted into a thriving restaurant,retail and cinema centre,with the historic buildings given more prominence.

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