Brisbane Could Be Getting a New Public Space Above Roma Street Station

New York did it. Melbourne did too. And now Brisbane might be joining the fold. We're talking about taking the wasted space above ugly train lines and turning it into something much more exciting — a brand new entertainment precinct, for instance.

If developers AEG-Ogden get their Brisbane Live project off the ground, that's exactly what will happen to the high-use transport corridor adjacent to Roma Street Station and the Roma Street Parklands. In the city's answer to Madison Square Garden and Federation Square, the former will be torn down and replaced, and the latter will gain an extra 12 hectares of public space, including a water-based section. New hotels, apartment towers, cultural facilities and a 17,000-seat live performance arena will also help liven up the area.

Given that large inner-city venues are noticeably lacking in the Queensland capital, it's the last part of the proposal that should get most locals excited. The new venue will supposedly host everything from major acts to sporting events, and put an end to the annoying trek out to Boondall to see high-profile gigs. Plus, it'll also boast a 4000-capacity club, multiplex cinemas, restaurants and bars, as well as a giant screen and amphitheatre catering for around 15,000 people.

And don't forget, convenient public transport options are all part of the package. That's the great thing about building this kind of development on top of a bus and railway station: part of the infrastructure already exists.

So if all goes to plan, we could be saying goodbye to the current unattractive eyesore most Brisbanites avoid if they can help it, and be welcoming the kind of place you just might spend a whole lot of time at in the future. Well, that's if it garners state government approval, of course. The plans are currently under consideration, but you can get a sneak peak of just what could be in store courtesy of online flyovers available on the project website.

Via Brisbane Development.