This New Initiative Is Giving Out Free Coffees and Cheap Lunches for Going to the CBD on Fridays

Before 2020 hit, anyone who found themselves in the Brisbane CBD on a Friday was bound to have plenty of company. But after a year of lockdowns, social-distancing measures and modifying routines in response to the pandemic, the city centre isn't the thriving hub of activity it once was when the working week comes to an end.

To bring more folks back into the city — and to get them to spend more money to support the CBD's businesses while they're there — the Property Council of Australia has unveiled a new initiative. Called Fridays in the City, it kicks off today, Friday, May 21, and runs through until Friday, June 25. And if you're a nine-to-five worker, it means that you can get excited about free coffees, cheap lunches, rooftop exercise classes and more.

Different activities and offers are available in different parts of the inner city, so you're likely to find something that appeals to you. If spending as little cash on a meal or drinks as possible tempts your tastebuds (and your wallet), the Myer Centre is doing $2 deals from 12–3pm, while Vapiano is slinging a $15 special that includes either a pasta bake or pizza foldover and a soft drink until 5pm. Aquila Caffe Bar is dishing up $30 pizza and jug combos, and Grape Therapy is serving up free olives and chips with every drink purchase between 4–5pm.

Fancy a free coffee? Nespresso will be handing them out in the Wintergarden, but only one specific Friday — between 12–4pm on Friday, May 28. But, because office buildings are also taking part in the initiative, workers at some CBD addresses will be able to score free cuppas and snacks onsite every week — at 40 Tank Street, 85 George Street, 343 Albert Street, 61 Mary Street, Brisbane Square, 69 Ann Street, 275 George Street, 32 Turbot Street and 175 Eagle Street.

A heap of other specific buildings are hosting various giveaways and events in their lobbies, too, including Waterfront Place and Eagle Street Pier. At 100 Creek Street and Central Plaza, there'll be games and live music — and at 111 Eagle Street and Riverside Centre, free gelato and popcorn will be available on certain dates in June.

Some of the Fridays in the City deals and freebies are only on offer to workers in those buildings, so you might turn up and find a surprise. Other events are open to everyone, such as Goodlife's free 11.30am and 12.30pm fitness classes in Post Office Square, plus Glowing Yoga's rooftop class atop the Wintergarden on June 18. For the full list, head to the initiative's website.

Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons

Announcing the campaign, Property Council Queensland Deputy Executive Director Jen Williams said that it's all about helping boost foot traffic on "the best day of the working week". She continued: "People are more relaxed, and workers are more likely to go shopping, knock off early for a drink, or meet up with friends for dinner at a restaurant after work. However, since the pandemic Fridays haven't been the same. According to the Property Council's office occupancy data, people tend to opt to work from home on Mondays and Fridays, meaning the CBD is noticeably quieter than during the middle of the week."

The Property Council launched a similar initiative in Melbourne earlier this month, called FOMO Fridays.

Fridays in the City runs each Friday between May 21–June 25. For further details, head to the initiative's website.

Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.