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Mowbray Park in East Brisbane will be completely overhauled, with its car park moved and a new amphitheatre built.
Brisbane City Council announced on Tuesday plans had been finalised, with the contract to go to tender on October 7 and work to begin in the middle of next year.
New elements to be built include a village green, a bandstand, more lighting, shared pathways, and a terraced amphitheatre.
The car park will be moved towards Lytton Road to increase the amount of parkland with river views.
An existing croquet clubhouse will also be upgraded, along with the playground and picnic areas.
Nick Collyer, who lives directly across from the park, was sitting on the grass on Wednesday restoring the fuel tank from his Royal Enfield motorbike.
He said large numbers of people flocked to the park on weekends for barbecues, while parents often took small children to the playground during the week.
“I think it’s good, actually,” Collyer said of the upgrade.
“It’s going to be great to look out over grass instead of the car park, that will be nice.
“I think the rotunda’s also probably a good idea. I don’t know how much use it would get, but it’s pretty cool.”
Bill and Lucy Turner from Norman Park agreed and said a larger car park would be useful as it had become harder to take their grandchildren due to the shortage of parking.
They added all the public barbecues were often used on weekends, and there was demand for more.
“Upgrading and giving better amenities is always a good idea,” Bill said.
“We used to love coming here, but it’s so hard to park.”
Other residents who spoke to this masthead said the retention of green space was the most important element of the revamp.
Upgrades to the Mowbray Park ferry terminal were finished in December 2024, and the controversial removal of the former bowls club was completed a year later.
Before handing down its 2026 budget, the LNP council announced it would fund a new 1.2-kilometre cycling and pedestrian path connected to the park.
The cycleway will link existing paths at Deakin Street and Mowbray Park, creating a direct route into the city.
Councillor Tracy Davis, chair of the environment, parks and sustainability committee, announced at Tuesday’s City Hall meeting that the Mowbray Park overhaul was going to tender.
“For more than a century, Mowbray Park has been at the heart of the East Brisbane community,” she said.
“It’s hosted weddings, it’s hosted family gatherings, community events, and countless everyday moments, all against one of Brisbane’s most iconic riverfront backdrops.
“This upgrade builds on that legacy by creating even more opportunities for people to come together and to celebrate.”
An estimated cost for the overhaul was not confirmed.
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