After a challenging few years, activity levels in Brisbane”s city centre are well on the way to recovery.
The impacts of COVID-19, freak weather events and hybrid work arrangements have all tested the city centre in 2022. However, the latest data highlights that activity has continued to increase throughout this year.
The Property Council”s Office Occupancy data illustrates a growing momentum for office workers returning to the city.
This uptick in activity is mirrored by data recorded by the Brisbane City Council.
Brisbane icon Queen Street Mall has enjoyed its highest consistent level of foot traffic since early 2020.
Source: Brisbane City Council
This trend looks set to continue with the city centre heading towards a bumper Christmas season and paints a positive picture for CBD businesses after an extended period of uncertainty and subdued activity.
Earlier this year the Property Council looked to build on the success of 2021″s Fridays in the City campaign with the Brisbane VIP initiative.
The competition, led by the Property Council of Australia and supported by the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, The Courier-Mail, and a variety of private sector stakeholders, aimed to bring workers and visitors back into the city centre following the drop in foot traffic caused by the COVID pandemic.
Throughout the month of March, the Brisbane VIP competition offered visitors to the city centre the chance to win one of four weekly ‘mini-VIP’ packages, or the chance to become Brisbane’s VIP by visiting 10 or more days throughout the month.
Amanda Watson was announced the Brisbane VIP and the delighted winner credited her win on her love for the city and face to face work.
“I love coming into the city for work, going to the cafes for lunch and seeing people in person rather than on the screen is great.” she said.
Winning the huge swag of restaurant and experience prizes Ms Watson says that “I”m stilling working through them all!” and that businesses “making their offices enticing to come back to” was essential to continuing to increase future activity levels.
The good work dsn”t stop in 2022, with momentum gathering rapidly in the lead-up to 2023.
Something for all city-grs to look forward to will by the Museum of Brisbane BAD Campaign “” which is set to bring a splash of colour to buildings around the CBD.
This BAD Campaign champions the movers and shakers of the Brisbane art and design sector putting a spotlight on our thriving cultural identity. Keep your eyes peeled in 2023!