Brisbane is the new world city. A city where billions of dollars of world-class private and public infrastructure has bolstered and diversified the economy. Brisbane has well and truly shaken off its perception as ‘a big country town’.
Its journey was pivotal in securing the confidence of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), leading to the city’s selection as the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
New transport networks, innovative workplace precincts and the reinvigoration of suburbs with dining, shopping and contemporary residential living residential are attracting influential property developers, tech, health and education leaders and others shaping a new Brisbane.
Making it easier to travel around SEQ
Key infrastructure projects, such as the Brisbane Metro and Cross River Rail, have been instrumental in improving the city’s public transport network, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity.
Brisbane Airport Expansion ($1.3bn)
Making Brisbane a true World City are runway additions allowing the city to host larger, long-haul airliners.
The new parallel runway and associated infrastructure expansion aims to increase capacity, improve efficiency, and cater to future growth in passenger and freight traffic.
The Brisbane Metro ($1.2bn)
The high-frequency, high-capacity public transport system is designed to reduce congestion and connect key areas across the city, including dedicated busways and new metro vehicles.
Cross River Rail ($5.4bn)
The heavy rail network will improve Brisbane’s public transport network, featuring a new 10.2 km rail line with twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and city centre, four new underground stations, and upgrades to existing stations. Government estimates indicate it will save commuters as much as 15 minutes in travel times north and south of the CBD.
Improved infrastructure brings Brisbane closer to the rest of Australia and the world and delivers greater efficiencies for operators on the ground. Bromley Real Estate’s team works with clients to maximise the opportunities of infrastructure, strengthening their businesses at the same time.
A diversified economy
Brisbane, and wider Queensland’s, evolution has been driven by the diversification of its economy. Brisbane and is now home to global leaders in:
- Advanced manufacturing: Aerospace and Defence
- Biofutures: Biochemicals and Biofuels
- Biomedical and Health: Precision medical products and biopharmaceutical
- Food and agribusiness: Agtech, future foods and plant-based proteins, aquaculture
- Mining and resources: New economy minerals, mining equipment, technology and services (METS)
- New Energy and Hydrogen: Solar and wind, batteries, hydrogen
- Urban development and infrastructure: Construction, smarter infrastructure
Bromley Real Estate’s sales and leasing specialists have worked with many businesses in these emerging industries to find workplaces that support their functional needs and strategic plans. Whether it is a factory in Berrinba to help business scale production or a medical suite close to a research facility, Bromley Real Estate have matched business owners with landlords in transactions that have helped shape Brisbane.
A growing population
Brisbane and South East Queensland have experienced significant population growth. In recent times, Covid-19 has been the driver for a bigger Brisbane and surrounding regions. ABS data showed Queensland’s population was around 5.65m residents in 2024, with Brisbane accounting for just under half of that figure. In 2032, when Brisbane hosts the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, the state’s population is forecast to rise to 6.14m, with Brisbane accounting for more than half of the increase.
World-class attractions
Brisbane’s potential on the world stage has seen it attract multi-billion-dollar improvements.
The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the next game changing event for Brisbane. Putting the river-city under the world’s spotlight, it will open business relationships, government agreements and other important economic initiatives that have created legacies in other host cities.
It’s about far more than swimming pools and running tracks: it’s about legacy infrastructure that contributes to the story of Brisbane.
Brisbane Live Entertainment Arena ($2.5bn)
A state-of-the-art entertainment precinct planned for Roma Street, featuring a 17,000-seat arena for concerts, sports, and other major events, boosting the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane ($3.6 bn)
Set in the CBD, overlooking the Brisbane River to Southbank, the landmark integrated resort comprises hotel rooms, apartments, retail spaces, dining and bars and public areas, enhancing tourism and economic activity.
Partnering with owners and investors to capitalise on change
For commercial and residential real estate investors and business owners, the next decade will be transformative for Brisbane. With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching quickly, now is the time for plans to be implemented to capitalise on Brisbane’s rise as the new World City.
Under construction and future infrastructure projects, increasing population and a diversified economy make it ripe for investment and business ventures.
Over more than 40 years, the team behind Bromley Real Estate has been influential in helping clients capitalise on major economic milestones in the city. Reach out to the team today to find out how your plans can be enhanced, side by side, with Brisbane’s journey.
