In collaboration with Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Brisbane City Council, The Amica Project has developed a bold new hospitality concept set to transform how people experience Queen Street Mall, Brisbane’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination.

At the heart of the concept is a refurbished 1960s Queensland Rail 2000 series railcar, ingeniously repurposed into a high-quality bar and dining venue. This is a world-first adaptive reuse project, combining Brisbane’s heritage with modern design innovation to deliver a truly unique hospitality experience.

Created to revitalise an underutilised section of Queen Street Mall, the venue was designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding high-end retail environment. Offering alfresco dining in a beautifully detailed setting, the space celebrates the Queensland lifestyle, encouraging locals and visitors alike to relax, connect, and enjoy high-quality food and beverage in the heart of the city.

One of the most innovative aspects of the project is its modular, offsite construction. The railcar was fully fitted out offsite—complete with kitchen, bar, interior styling, and services—then craned into place and made operational within one week of arriving onsite. This approach allowed for minimal disruption to the precinct while showcasing a new model of sustainable, agile placemaking.

Originally set to open in late 2025, The Amica Project is now exploring alternative locations to bring the concept to life, with interest growing as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games. With its blend of design excellence, cultural relevance, and hospitality innovation, this project is poised to become an iconic part of Brisbane’s evolving cityscape.