Published July 2025
In the midst of a housing crisis, an inner-city block of land owned by the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works sits empty.
There is currently no clear plan for the site, located on O’Connell Terrace in Bowen Hills.
A Department of Housing and Public Works spokesperson said the site is being considered for possible future use for social and community housing.
They offered no details other than to reiterate the government’s housing talking points.
“The Queensland Government regularly reviews its property portfolio to optimise its commitment to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044,” they said.
However, the spokesperson’s mention of Olympic infrastructure offers a possible hint as to why there are not yet any definite plans, with the site just a few blocks from Victoria Park / Barrambin, the designated site for a new Olympic and Paralympic stadium.
“A number of factors are considered when planning for future use of a site, including proximity to significant Olympics infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.
