A new era is taking shape along Hamilton’s Racecourse Road, as The Gallery, a contemporary mixed-use precinct, aims to revitalise the community spirit at the high street, long known for its leafy poincianas, boutiques and café culture.
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For decades, Racecourse Road has been a favourite among Brisbane locals and visitors alike. But as social and shopping patterns have shifted, local stakeholders see a need to reinvigorate the strip.
The Gallery is designed to respond to this by blending urban convenience with local character, encouraging more people to live, shop, and gather along the street once again.
Developed by Graya and designed by the architecture studio bureau^proberts, The Gallery has been approved by Brisbane’s local officials and is set to combine high-end retail, dining, wellness, and residential living within one thoughtfully designed building.
Andrew Bell, Partner at bureau^proberts, said the project was shaped by a desire to reimagine the traditional suburban high street through good design and community thinking.
“We believe that increased density is the answer to arresting the decline of high street precincts,” Bell said. “When people live close to quality retail and hospitality, they bring new life to their neighbourhoods.”
At the heart of The Gallery’s vision is the idea of connection between residents, businesses, and the wider community. The project will include ground-floor retail and dining spaces, together with a wellness centre and apartments above. According to the project’s media release, the development will offer about 1,500 square metres of retail space.
The architectural design draws heavily from Hamilton’s heritage. Bureau^proberts looked to the suburb’s well-known Queenslander homes and historic landmarks for inspiration, incorporating broad verandahs, layered balcony gardens, and stone arbours that reflect the suburb’s architectural lineage.
Liam Proberts, Managing and Creative Director at bureau^proberts, said the design intent was to create a building that felt both contemporary and connected to its surroundings.
“These architectural elements ground the building in place while embracing Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle,” Proberts said. “The Gallery reimagines the high street through a contemporary design response, creating a meeting place for activation, engagement, and renewal.”
According to the architects, nearby heritage features such as the Eagle Farm Racecourse gatehouses and local civic buildings influenced the project’s stone textures and detailing.
Architects and developers involved in the project suggest that, as more people seek convenience and connection, mixed-use developments can help support high street vitality. Bureau^proberts and Graya hope The Gallery will serve as an example of how suburban renewal can occur while maintaining a sense of local identity.
Bell said the project’s goal is to bring new dynamism to Racecourse Road and inspire more people to make the neighbourhood part of their daily routine, whether by dining, shopping, or enjoying the vibrant street life that Hamilton is known for.
As the project progresses through approvals and planning, developers and some local businesses have expressed optimism about the precinct’s future. Developers expect The Gallery will add notable architecture to Hamilton and contribute to re-establishing Racecourse Road as a prominent suburban destination.
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If realised as planned, The Gallery could help reconnect locals with a cherished part of Brisbane’s story, where community, commerce, and design come together under the shade of the poincianas once more.
Published 15-October-2025
