GRAYA™ brings a new era for James Street: The Pavilion, designed by Koichi Takada

Ask any Brisbanite where they can find the city’s premier shopping destination, and they will lead you to Fortitude Valley’s James Street. The tree-lined precinct has established itself as the city’s foremost shopping and lifestyle precinct, home to designer boutiques, world-class eateries, and The Calile Hotel.

It is only fitting that Brisbane-based and award-winning property developer GRAYA™ takes its most significant step into high-end retail and commercial development in James Street.

Welcome The Pavilion, GRAYA’s proposed retail and commercial landmark designed in collaboration with globally acclaimed architect Koichi Takada.

Situated in the heart of the James Street precinct, the proposed development encompasses more than 1,500 sqm of premium retail space, 1,300 sqm of boutique commercial offices, and an exclusive rooftop garden with panoramic views across the city. Below, a basement-level hospitality space will deliver a distinctive underground food and beverage venue that rivals the nation’s best dining destinations.

With Sydney architect Koichi Takade enlisted to design, The Pavilion represents a bold architectural statement and a new era of design for Brisbane.

Anchoring the building is a dramatic open-to-air laneway, inviting visitors to explore an interior defined by lush greenery, natural light, and Takada’s signature sculptural forms. A central architectural staircase weaves upward through the building, creating a sense of flow and discovery while framing views of the vibrant precinct beyond.

“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.”

Known for his nature-inspired and human-centric approach, Koichi Takada has received international acclaim for projects including the National Museum of Qatar interiors, Urban Forest Brisbane, and Arc by Crown Group in Sydney. His designs are renowned for their connection to the natural environment, an ethos that resonates strongly with James Street’s leafy, urban charm.

“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.”

The Pavilion will rise on the former Bed Bath & Table site, following GRAYA’s record-breaking $20 million acquisition of the parcel in mid-2025.

Building on their ongoing success with a Richard & Spence-designed project also located on James Street, and following their recognition as Australian Developer of the Year at The Urban Developer Awards 2024, GRAYA’s expansion into retail and commercial development reinforces their growing influence across the Australian property landscape.

With The James St Pavilion, GRAYA aims to create a destination that harmonises architecture, nature, and luxury at an address where globally recognised brands and Brisbane’s vibrant community converge in an environment unlike any other.

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