ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the changing intentions, scope and impacts of urban regeneration in Greater Brisbane within their contexts of evolving socio-economic conditions, urban forms and political controls. It examines changing growth patterns and traces the evolution of the urban regeneration that has transformed the city from an overgrown country town to an emerging sunbelt metropolis with “World City” aspirations. The chapter illustrates the general trends by focusing on two major renewal schemes in Brisbane’s city centre, located on either bank of the Brisbane River, one approved for implementation, the other appearing to have collapsed in the face of vigorous public and political opposition. The neoliberal planning assumption underlying both these schemes is that once inherently benevolent operations of markets are licensed to add value, they will produce streams of social benefits. The chapter focuses on conclusions about changing planning assumptions, trends, opportunities and options.
