Council scraps Red Stairs design competition as Southbank works shift again

A suite of long-anticipated public-realm upgrades across Southbank appears set for another reset in 2026, with the City of Melbourne quietly shelving its much-debated Red Stairs design competition and signalling renewed focus on unfinished sections of Southbank Promenade.

Southbank News understands the council has decided not to proceed with the national design competition to reimagine the Red Stairs at Queensbridge Square, marking a notable about-face on a project launched with fanfare in 2024 under the city’s Design Excellence Program.

The competition was pitched as an opportunity to deliver a bold new civic landmark, but it was widely criticised by local stakeholders who argued it would add years of delay to what they viewed as an urgent public-domain renewal and maintenance issue.

Confirming the change in direction, Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the community had made its views clear on the ageing structure.

The community has told us loud and clear that we need to overhaul the outdated ‘red stairs’ in Southbank, Cr Reece said.

“This is a huge opportunity to create a modern meeting place for Melbourne – as iconic as ‘under the clocks’ at Flinders Street Station.”

While the council has not yet detailed what will replace the competition, Cr Reece said officers were now exploring options to move more quickly.

“We’re exploring the best options to quickly commence the transformation of Queensbridge Square into a destination for everyone who lives, works or visits Southbank,” he said, adding that more details would be shared with the community in early 2026.

Southbank Residents’ Association (SRA) president Tony Penna said he had been advised the design competition would not go ahead, with council concluding it was not the most practical path forward.

He said the decision was overdue.

“If they actually finally get on with fixing the promenade and the Red Stairs, that’s a positive step – but we won’t hold our breath,” Mr Penna said

He added that the Red Stairs were only one element of broader design challenges along Southbank Boulevard and Queensbridge Square, which he believes require a more holistic rethink rather than isolated interventions.

Alongside the shift on the Red Stairs, the council has confirmed that the remaining elements of Stage One of the Southbank Promenade upgrade, as well as a draft concept plan for Stage Two, are currently in development. These works will be considered alongside other priorities as part of the council’s Annual Plan and Budget process.

Southbank News understands this includes the long-unfinished section of promenade outside the Southgate foodcourt, where works have stalled for years amid uncertainty around the Southgate redevelopment.

Mr Penna said he had been told council intended to push ahead with completing Stage One, before turning its attention to the next section between Evan Walker Bridge and Queensbridge Square, although no timelines have been provided.

Broader uncertainty remains around other Southbank projects. Mr Penna noted the City Road Masterplan was absent from the council’s Advocacy and Partnerships Plan 2025–29, adopted late last year.

In response, the council said it was continuing to deliver the City Road Masterplan and advocate to the Victorian Government to improve safety along the corridor, as outlined in the Council Plan 2025–29. It also stressed that the Advocacy and Partnerships Plan was not an exhaustive list, but focused on actions expected to deliver the greatest city-wide impact.

Further information on Southbank projects, council says, will be shared as soon as possible.  •