Oxford Street Bulimba is undergoing a vibrant transformation with the arrival of Lua, a $190 million urban village that reimagines Brisbane’s riverside lifestyle precinct. Developed by Cielo Property Group and designed by Z Architects, Lua blends heritage, contemporary architecture, and local spirit into a curated experience of community and connection.
Occupying a 3085 square metre site at 187–193 Oxford Street Bulimba, Lua will span three levels, with a proposed rooftop venue pending council approval. The ground floor will feature Harris Farm Markets as its anchor tenant, set to occupy 90 percent of the retail space. Known for its premium produce and boutique grocery offerings, Harris Farm will create a destination for food lovers that resonates well beyond the suburb.
Architecturally, Lua draws inspiration from Bulimba’s cultural origins. Its name pays homage to the First Nations name for the area – Toogoolawah – which means “place of the Magpie” in the Turrbal language. This legacy is expressed through soft curves, sculpted brickwork, and magpie-themed design features such as bespoke lamp posts and suspended planter boxes. Rooftop wellness zones and communal terraces add layers of serenity and openness to the experience.
Lua’s internal pedestrian laneway will connect visitors to an array of cafés, boutiques, and wellness spaces, creating flow between public and private realms. Supported by 241 basement car parks over three levels, the site is designed to comfortably support increased foot traffic and destination appeal.
The development replaces a former apartment building and several long-standing businesses, including the beloved Riverbend Books, adding emotional significance to the project’s evolution. Lua joins a wave of premium transformations in Bulimba, including high-end apartment complexes and the broader Bulimba Barracks redevelopment, collectively reshaping the suburb’s identity.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, Lua represents a new chapter in Oxford Street Bulimba’s story – one that honours its tightly held charm while embracing growth, innovation, and a renewed sense of place.
