For generations, locals and visitors alike will have probably used King George Square as a meeting place in our city.
While many fond memories will have been made over the years, there have been many changes to the look and feel of King George Square.
Brisbane Now has spent some time looking at the history, and some of the stories behind those memories, of King George Square and Brisbane Labor’s plan to return the square back to the people and its former glory.
The square was originally named Albert Square until 1930 when the significant transformation in honour of the reign of King George V saw it become King George Square as we know it today.
In the 1960s, green space and a large fountain were added, and King George Square became a meeting and gathering place where community events, rallies and cultural celebrations were held.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, a plan to ‘modernise’ King George Square was met with public outcry and the design by the architect of the Sydney Opera House Jan Utzon was seen as being too far from the historical origins of the Square.
In response to the outcry from the public, Brisbane City Council went back to the drawing board and decided on a new design which they said was an incorporation of the original design with some elements of contemporary architecture.
Many argue that the King George Square of today lacks heart and has just become a concrete thoroughfare. It’s no longer a meeting and gathering place where people can relax and spend time anymore.
Brisbane Labor has recently announced a rejuvenation of King George Square as part of it’s Climate Resilient City policy.
Leader of the Opposition in Council Jared Cassidy explained some of the changes that are impacting people’s ability to enjoy King George Square.
“The current LNP Lord Mayor and Council have essentially put King George Square up for sale to the highest bidder.”
“The amount of commercialisation is out of control. From fashion parades to luxury car shows, the LNP only see dollar signs when they think of King George Square” Councillor Cassidy said.
“Brisbane Labor’s plan would see the Square return to its former glory, with trees, water features and much needed shade added.”
“Along with this plan to transform King George Square, our policy would also ensure other iconic public spaces like Victoria Park and Mt Coot-tha are protected as well.”
