Mary Lane Will Be Brisbane's New Retail, Dining and Accommodation Precinct

It's been almost a decade since 111 Mary Street was anything other than a hole in the ground – and no, we're not exaggerating about either the state of the place or the timeframe. The previous structures on the property were torn down in 2008. Excavation started, only for the global financial crisis to stall the planned development. Days, months and years passed, and other proposed projects similarly failed to come to fruition. Thankfully, it seems that's all about to change.

At long last, one of the city's biggest eyesores is slated to transform into a brand new retail, dining and accommodation precinct named Mary Lane. While its moniker clearly capitalises upon Brisbane's current love of Melbourne-style nooks and crannies, the location is going high-end and high-rise, with Queensland's first Westin also included in the towering development.

The five-star luxury hotel will boast 299 guest rooms, a day spa and a resort-style swimming pool with a swim up bar. Sure, it won't open until 2018, but you can start dreaming about relaxing with poolside drinks now if you want to.

Restaurants, bars, cafes and stores will also feature inside the space that borders both Mary and Margaret Streets, as will residential apartments. Even if you can't afford to live there, prepare to say goodbye to a long-standing blight on the inner city, and hello to your new eating and shopping spot.

For more information about Mary Lane, visit their website.