The grant will advance adaptive reuse planning for the heritage-listed former Boggo Road Gaol and surrounding public realm, acknowledging the site’s complex history while creating an environment for future breakthroughs in partnership with on-site organisations and the local community.
“This funding represents a significant milestone in our journey to establish BRIJ as a world-class innovation centre,” said Prof Trent Munro, General Manager of BRIJ. “We’re building momentum for our vision: a place where human and planetary health research delivers real-world impact through enabling technologies.”
Secured by the Department of Housing and Public Works, the funding will support wayfinding and placemaking strategies to improve connectivity across the two sides of the precinct, including enhanced access via the Kent Street corridor and new communal spaces.
“This feasibility phase is just the beginning – there’s much more exciting progress on the horizon,” added Munro. “We’re working to create an environment where scientists, educators and industry partners collaborate side by side to tackle some of the globe’s most pressing challenges.”
Awarded by The Hon Catherine King MP, Member for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the grant was backed by Renee Coffey MP for Griffith and a coalition of Brisbane urban development advocates, setting the stage for BRIJ’s transformation into a hub where research delivers tangible community benefit.
BRIJ’s governing council – comprising CSIRO, the Translational Research Institute, Queensland Health, Metro South Health, The University of Queensland, QIC and state government partners (Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning; Department of Primary Industries) – is working with industry to ensure innovation flourishes at Boggo Road. This collaboration aims to deliver impact for BRIJ partners, the residents of Woolloongabba and Dutton Park, and all Queenslanders.
