DEVELOPMENT OF BULIMBA BARRACKS APPROVED
14 May 2025
The Development Applications have been approved for the long-awaited transformation of Brisbane's Bulimba Barracks site. The renovation will include the adaptive reuse of the heritage WW2 fabrication shed and the addition of a riverside pavilion and community spaces.
Greenlit by the Brisbane City Council, the Buchan-designed plans for the Shayher Group development include a boutique supermarket, retail and hospitality venues plus multi-use public spaces.
Buchan senior associate Lynn Van Dievoort is leading the project and says the underutilised site presents a fantastic opportunity thanks to its size, proximity to the city and waterside location in a premium suburb. The characterful fabrication shed, which dates to World War Two, will become the community heart and establish a strong identity for the precinct. Van Dievoort says it was important to respect the shed's heritage.
"The idea is to celebrate the existing building and give it a new life,” says Van Dievoort.
The design respects the shed's existing form, proportions and materials. The main entry faces north towards the river and accentuates the shed's distinctive, stepped contour. Glazing in the facade reveals the internal timber roof trusses and delivers light to the interior, whilst a new awning shades the forecourt connecting the shed to riverfront parklands. The west side of the shed will be a lively hospitality zone and community gathering space with an entry to the shed's internal food, beverage and retail tenancies. A boutique supermarket at the southern end will service the growing residential precinct.
Materially, the shed draws on the weatherboard, metal and flat sheet cladding of the original. Where possible, materials will be salvaged and re-used, including barn-style doors and structural timbers.
A proposed multi-residential complex will sit east of the fabrication shed. Between the residences and the shed, a landscaped pedestrian laneway will link directly to the river and host community gardens, play spaces and public art, with the potential for markets and events.
The riverfront parkland is undergoing extensive redevelopment to become a riverside walk. At its eastern end, Buchan has designed two new pavilions connected by a striking sculptural roof inspired by tree canopy.
"The site is connected to the water but hasn't been accessible because of the barracks. The development will open up the riverfront and provide a new offering to locals and visitors alike," says Van Dievoort.
