Fish Lane Town Square in South Brisbane is a landmark urban renewal project that transformed a neglected 2,500 square metre car park into a vibrant community space. Developed by Aria Property Group and delivered under a Design & Construct model by SHAPE, the project features two new buildings, a public laneway lined with restaurants, and a Woolworths Metro. Designed by Richards & Spence, the Town Square now serves as a cultural and social hub beneath the South Brisbane railway, adjacent to heritage-listed buildings.
Project Requirements
Town Square’s redevelopment required durable brick façades that could withstand Brisbane’s subtropical climate. It also demanded compliance with ventilation and drainage standards and the discreet integration of functional elements to preserve architectural detailing. To meet these requirements, Standard Weepa weep hole formers were specified. Installed during construction, Weepas ensure proper ventilation and drainage within cavity walls, preventing moisture buildup and protecting structural integrity.
“On a project as complex and high-profile as Fish Lane Town Square, every detail mattered. The Standard Weepa products were chosen for their ability to deliver essential ventilation and drainage without compromising the clean brickwork aesthetic. Their reliability and discreet design made them the ideal solution for this award-winning project.”
— Preston Springhall, Senior Project Manager, SHAPE Australia
Design Approach
Brickwork detailing was central to the architectural language, creating depth and texture while respecting the site’s historical context. Richards & Spence utilized Bowral Bricks in Capitol Red for their sharp edges and rich clay tones, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. The integration of greenery and robust materials reflects a commitment to ecological integrity and urban resilience. The design by landscape architects, RPS, celebrates Brisbane’s subtropical identity, reintroducing over 3,500 plants including ferns, fan palms, and native violets to evoke a Gondwanan Rainforest, which are the remaining rainforests in northeast New South Wales and south-east Queensland.
Outcome
The result is a multi-award-winning precinct that exemplifies sustainable urban transformation. Fish Lane Town Square now accommodates bars, restaurants and public art, offering a dynamic space for community engagement. Behind the scenes, the inclusion of Standard Weepas meets the aesthetic requirements of this high-profile project while playing a critical role in ensuring this architectural achievement remains resilient in Brisbane’s humid environment. The Standard Weepas play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health and longevity of the brick façade buildings they protect while keeping insects and other unwanted pests out. By combining visionary design with practical solutions like Weepas, the project demonstrates how attention to detail in construction can underpin the success of landmark developments.
Developer: Aria Property Group
Architect: Richards & Spence
Landscape Architect: RPS Group
Design & Construct Lead: SHAPE
Photography: Leah Bawden