City becoming ‘Asian-style metro’ with more apartments, less backyards
Brisbane’s backyard will be squeezed as suburban neighborhoods become more gated and the city finally sheds its sleepy tag to become a true 24-hour economy.
These were the key takeaways from a new report from a global consultancy, to be published this week, exploring how Brisbane is changing and what opportunities could be exploited from population growth and events such as the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
RSM 2026 Leading Cities – Brisbane The report found that the city was turning into “more of an Asian-style metro city”, with gated neighborhoods dominated by apartment blocks, village-style shops and professional services.
RSM Brisbane managing partner Steve Healey said the area’s rapid growth meant the “greater Brisbane community” was accelerating, with the proportion of detached housing falling from 60 per cent to 46 per cent over the next 20 years.
Just last week, Brisbane City Council approved plans to allow higher density in Wynnum, while also making proposals for high-rise buildings around Indooroopilly, Carindale and Nundah.
“Our population is moving toward apartment living in self-contained and localized areas,” Healey said.
“In many ways, we are moving towards a denser, mixed-use urban form with self-sufficient neighborhoods and street-level retail and services, as well as the development of more residential towers.
“This is something that appeals to young people and those who don’t want the lifestyle their parents lead.
“In addition, economic growth will create more opportunities for the 24-hour economy and lead to more efficient use of the river for recreation and entertainment.”
That resonated with Suburban Futures director Ross Elliott, who has long advocated for policies and funding to focus on Brisbane’s suburbs.
“Everything will be available locally so you won’t need to travel,” he said.
“I see this as a good thing – a stronger sense of ‘local’ community with stronger local connections.”
Mayor Adrian Schrinner said suburban regeneration was redefining the way people live, work and move in Brisbane.
“Once industrial neighborhoods like South Bank and New Farm have transformed into vibrant lifestyle destinations that create jobs and enhance local amenities,” he said.
“We will continue this city-shaping approach to provide more housing, dining and recreational opportunities across Brisbane.”
Brisbane City Council Labor opposition leader Jared Cassidy said the city needed to be “open-minded” about the challenges it faced but firm about what it wanted to achieve.
“True suburban regeneration, like the urban regeneration we saw in Brisbane in the 1990s, needs to be done with determined and strong leadership. Deliberate decisions have been made to develop public spaces, invest in the arts, create shopping centres, open up the river, build mega libraries and make council services more responsive,” he said.
“Modern suburban regeneration won’t solve this problem if it doesn’t just raise height limits and rezone land. A strong vision for liveable communities is crucial.”
“Brisbane has changed a lot in the last generation. We are a bigger, denser place. People’s expectations about homeownership are different now and big gardens are not for everyone. But the lifestyle we have lost in our backyards needs to be replaced in public spaces.”
In addition to Elliott, the RSM report benefited from expert input from Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper, Springfield City Group CEO Raynuha Sinnathamby, Data #3 strategy and innovation lead Matthew Gooden, Olympian Natalie Cook, University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry and Urbis managing partner James Tuma.
“Brisbane is uniquely positioned to accelerate its development as the world’s leading subtropical city, using the Games as a leverage point for transformation,” Tuma said.
“Above-trend investment in transport and mobility infrastructure, sports and wellness facilities, housing, open spaces and public space will change the shape of the city, change the way we move around and change the type of things we do for rest and entertainment.”
Healey said Brisbane had a compelling narrative for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games that went beyond population growth and great infrastructure.
“It’s also about a state of mind and a mix of lifestyle, attitudes and niche opportunities that combine very strongly,” he said.
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