Pubs encouraged to build hotel rooms ahead of 2032 Olympics

Suburban pubs in Brisbane are being encouraged to bring back old-school nightspots.

The council’s initiative is part of an effort to increase short-stay rooms ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Planning regulations are to be changed to make it easier for pub owners to build new hotel rooms and conference facilities.

“We’re going back to the future,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner told the council chamber Tuesday afternoon.

“There was a time when every local bar was also a place to stay.

“These can be built much faster and much more affordably than inner-city high-rises… so we will encourage the industry to step up.”

Brisbane’s approx. 21,000 hotel rooms in 2023Thousands have been built since then.

Redevelopment of 20 suburban bars could increase that number by about 1,600, according to the mayor’s office.

Some councilors questioned the announcement and independent Nicole Johnston said it could cause major difficulties.