This Sculptural New Retail Landmark Is Set To Turn Heads On James Street
Dinushka Gunasekara
Brisbane Editor | Urban List
Any new resident on James Street has big shoes to fill—it is, after all, Brisbane’s premier luxury destination. However, the strip’s latest proposal isn’t here to fit in but rather will be standing out as a high-end retail and commercial development in a bold architectural statement.
From award-winning luxury developer GRAYA comes The Pavilion: a stunning precinct with premium retail spaces, boutique commercial offices, an exclusive rooftop garden and a basement-level hospitality space with a distinctive underground food and beverage venue. Anchored by an open-to-air laneway and with a central staircase weaving upward through the building to create a sense of flow, the landmark is a significant move for the developers who were recognised as Australian Developer of the Year at the 2024 Urban Developer Awards and are more commonly known for their luxury residences.
Image credit: The Pavilion | Supplied
The Pavilion has been designed in collaboration with globally acclaimed architect Koichi Takada and features his signature nature-inspired and human-centric approach seen in projects like the National Museum of Qatar interiors, Urban Forest Brisbane, and Arc by Crown Group in Sydney. Takada’s sculptural forms will complement James Street’s leafy, urban charm to create a destination that welcomes globally recognised brands to the heart of Fortitude Valley.
Image credit: The Pavilion | Supplied
“James Street’s lush, tree-lined character defines its appeal,” said Andrew Gray, co-founder of GRAYA. “Our goal is to deliver a design that both complements and elevates that atmosphere. Koichi’s work, grounded in nature and refined detail, felt like the perfect match for this unique site.”
So where is The Pavilion going down? Following GRAYA’s record-breaking $20 million acquisition, The Pavilion is proposed for the former Bed Bath & Table site—basically at the centre of James Street.
Image credit: Andrew and Rob Gray | Supplied
“The Pavilion James St fuses Koichi Takada’s celebrated architecture with Australia’s premier lifestyle precinct,” said Rob Gray, co-founder and director of GRAYA. “It will attract world-class brands and further energise James Street, cementing Brisbane’s position on the global stage ahead of the Brisbane Olympics.”