The Barracks at Petrie Terrace is set for a multi-year overhaul, with new restaurants, live music and more night-time activity planned for the heritage precinct on one of the pedestrian routes between Brisbane’s CBD and Suncorp Stadium.
The changes are expected to begin later in 2026 under new owner Aware Real Estate, which acquired the mixed-use property last year and has now outlined plans covering its dining areas, laneways, lighting, parking and access.
Although The Barracks sits in Petrie Terrace rather than Milton, it has a direct connection with the stadium precinct. The pedestrian route linking Roma Street and Suncorp Stadium passes through the complex, making it part of the stream of foot traffic heading towards Caxton Street and the stadium for games and concerts.
That connection could become more noticeable under the new plans, which include additional casual dining, events and live music alongside a broader night-time offering.
More dining and activity planned for The Barracks
Rather than closing for a wholesale redevelopment, The Barracks is expected to change progressively over several years while continuing to operate.
Among the first priorities are improvements to the way people arrive and move through the complex, including clearer wayfinding and changes to parking. A revised lighting plan is also proposed, while outdoor dining areas and laneways are earmarked for additional shade, seating and greenery.
Aware Real Estate is also seeking new food and beverage, wellness and everyday convenience operators as part of a wider leasing campaign. Coles and Palace Cinemas are expected to remain, along with many existing businesses.
For people moving through the area on Suncorp Stadium event days, the planned expansion of dining and evening activity could add more options around the Petrie Terrace and Caxton Street end of the journey to and from the stadium.
Aware Real Estate CEO Tracey Whitby said the aim was to build on the precinct’s existing heritage and inner-city location.
“The Barracks has always had something most precincts have to manufacture — genuine character, heritage fabric and a location that puts it at the heart of inner-city Brisbane,” Ms Whitby said.
“Our investment is about making sure the experience matches that potential. We want this to be the precinct that locals choose for their everyday and visitors seek out for something special. This revitalisation program is about building the conditions to achieve that.”
From police depot to dining and entertainment precinct
The Barracks opened in 2008 following the redevelopment of the former Petrie Terrace Police Depot, with three heritage-listed buildings incorporated into the modern complex.
Today, the property at 61 Petrie Terrace comprises five buildings with a combined 19,433 square metres of office and retail space. Of that, 10,393 square metres is office space and 9,040 square metres is retail.
Its location puts it at the city end of Caxton Street and within walking distance of Suncorp Stadium, while the pedestrian connection through the complex provides another link between the stadium and Brisbane CBD.
Coles and Palace Cinemas are among the major retail tenants, while the property also accommodates commercial offices. The site has 451 car spaces.
Aware Real Estate agreed to acquire The Barracks in October 2025. At the time of the transaction, the property was reported to be 97 per cent occupied.
Changes to roll out over several years
The first enhancements are expected to begin later in 2026, although visitors should not expect The Barracks to change all at once.
Instead, the work will be staged across the precinct over several years, with the centre remaining open and the program designed to minimise disruption to businesses and visitors.
Alongside the physical works, new tenants and event programming are expected to be introduced progressively, meaning the dining and night-time offering should evolve as the wider revitalisation takes shape.
Published 14-Aug-2026
