Once defined by workshops and traffic-clogged roads, Stafford is emerging as a key site of urban transformation in Brisbane, with plans to reshape the suburb into a thriving, connected community built around Kedron Brook.
A New Vision for Brisbane’s North
A comprehensive redevelopment proposal led by Open Architecture Studio aims to turn Stafford’s overlooked industrial areas into a vibrant mixed-use precinct, blending homes, shops, green spaces, and community hubs. The plan proposes medium- and high-density housing, new dining and retail spaces, and social infrastructure designed to serve a growing population.
The suburb’s transformation centres on “turning Stafford to face the creek,” making Kedron Brook a focal point with new boardwalks, cafes, and public spaces overlooking the water.
The proposal covers a stretch of land about 1.3 kilometres long along the brook, bordered by Shand Street and Gamelin Crescent, incorporating key community assets such as Stafford City Shopping Centre, Bunnings Warehouse, Hoyts Cinemas, and local sports fields.
Plans include a Central Park-style green space, swimming lagoons, and a waterside amphitheatre. Developers cite urban renewal examples like Fish Lane, West Village, and Barangaroo in Sydney as inspiration for how Stafford could evolve.
Community Input and Future Planning
The redevelopment aligns closely with the ongoing Kedron Brook Vision and Master Plan, a city-led initiative that seeks public input to shape the future of the brook’s “middle catchment” and surrounding suburbs, including Stafford. The master plan focuses on improving access, enhancing green corridors, and integrating natural spaces with urban growth — goals that overlap with the priorities outlined in the Stafford proposal.
Residents have shown cautious optimism about the changes. Some see the redevelopment as a chance to improve housing diversity and create new public spaces. In contrast, others stress the need for investment in schools, transport, and infrastructure to support a larger population. City planners and developers agree that collaboration between landowners, Council, and the community will be essential for the plan to succeed.
Long-Term Transformation with Local Impact
Although the project is still in its early stages, developers believe the suburb already has the “building blocks” needed for transformation: strong public transport links, concentrated land ownership, and underutilised land along the brook. If key stakeholders support rezoning, initial developments could begin to emerge within the next decade, with full transformation potentially unfolding over more than 20 years.
Urban planners say Stafford is one of several middle-ring suburbs poised to attract significant investment in the coming decades, but they note that not all landowners may be ready to participate. While redevelopment could increase land values, it might also bring higher costs for owners who do not plan to change their property use immediately.
The proposed project aims to redevelop Stafford’s underused spaces into a connected precinct combining public areas, housing, and commercial activity. If realised, the project could significantly reshape Brisbane’s northern suburbs and influence future approaches to suburban growth.
Published 17-Oct-2025
