Kurilpa Reimagined: Illuminating Pathways for a Sustainable Urban Future

Across Brisbane, once industrial inner-city land is emerging as the new frontier of redevelopment. This includes the Kurilpa peninsula, over which Brisbane City Council recently introduced a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI). A special and powerful planning tool, the Kurilpa TLPI overrides the usual city plan to unlock much higher density and fast-track development.

But here’s the challenge: this land is extremely flood-prone, and locals, concerned about overdevelopment, have mounted strong resistance. Can we really build thousands of homes here safely and sustainably? And if so, can we do it in a way that respects the community? Our project tackles these questions head-on.

In this project, we proposed an urban regeneration plan for the study area (see left) which was previously a glass factory. Through site visits with locals, we designed a plan that prioritises flood safety, social and affordable housing, and public spaces that bring people together. This is our vision for sustainable growth and urban renewal, illuminating a possible future for Kurilpa. What do you think—do our ideas feel right to you?