There’s something special about Annerley Arcade.
Nestled at 478 Ipswich Road, this mid-century gem has been part of Brisbane’s story for decades. More than just a shopping mini-mall, it’s a place where memories linger, where old and new businesses have woven themselves into the fabric of the community.
For many, the arcade is a portal to the past—a reminder of Saturday mornings spent browsing secondhand books, hunting for vintage treasures, or lingering over coffee with friends. It has that unmistakable old-school charm, a quality that has made it both a beloved local landmark and a thriving hub for businesses with character.
A Place Built on History
Annerley itself has long been a meeting point. In the 1860s, the Junction Hotel became a gathering place that sparked the area’s growth, and by the mid-20th century, Annerley had evolved from dairy farms into a lively suburban centre. The arcade was built in this era of change, becoming a familiar sight for locals as Ipswich Road transformed into one of Brisbane’s key transport corridors.
Even today, the arcade’s architecture holds echoes of its past. Its mid-century design, with clean lines and functional layouts, has made it a remarkably adaptable space—one that has welcomed generations of businesses, each adding to its unique atmosphere.
Ipswich Road Annerley, taken from the Annerley Junction Hotel looking South. Pre-Annerley Arcade. Picture from BCC Archive ca. 1930.
A Walk Through Memory Lane
Over the years, Annerley Arcade has been home to an eclectic mix of tenants. Vintage Collective still attracts treasure hunters with its carefully curated retro fashion, while Lifeline’s Vintage Revival is a go-to for Brisbane’s style-conscious bargain seekers. These stores continue the arcade’s legacy of offering something a little different—a break from the ordinary.
At one time, the heart of the arcade was the Annerley Community Bookshop and Neighbourhood Centre, which opened in 2000. A not-for-profit initiative supporting literacy programs, it became more than just a bookshop; it was a gathering place. The wooden floors creaked underfoot, couches invited visitors to stay a while, and groups like the local history club and knitting circle made it their home. Though the bookshop is no longer there, Community Plus with the Annerley Community Centre now carries on the spirit of connection in Shop 12.
Annerly Arcade’s facade along Ipswich Road, back when the Annerley Community Bookshop and Groove Cafe were two of the popular tenancies.
Comic book lovers, too, found a haven here. Ace Comics & Games was a Brisbane institution, welcoming everyone from casual readers to die-hard collectors. For years, its basement shop overflowed with graphic novels, figurines, and board games, while a second space across the hall hosted Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer battles. Even when the Ace Comics banner came down in 2023, the arcade’s comic legacy continued under new ownership as Comics Plus—a nod to the past while embracing the future.
Further inside and back in time, tucked away like a secret known only to dedicated hobbyists, was Fishchick Aquatics. This niche aquarium shop, run by Jodie-Lea since 2004, became a destination for fish lovers citywide. From exotic dwarf cichlids to vibrant Siamese fighting fish, Fishchick was the kind of place where enthusiasts could chat for hours, swapping stories about their prized tanks.
1976: Ipswich Road at Annerley Junction on the Northbound side of the road looking across toward the Annerley Arcade. Picture from the National Archives of Australia.
Then there was Betty’s Shop, a hidden treasure trove of vintage clothing, antique china, and quirky bric-à-brac. Though tiny, it brimmed with character. Betty (not her real name, but the nickname stuck) ran the shop as a labour of love, donating every dollar earned to animal welfare charities. Shoppers knew that their purchases helped rescue possums and support the Animal Welfare League, making every visit a little more meaningful.
Even the arcade’s café culture has evolved over time. Where Groove Café once stood, Miss Milly’s Espresso now serves up coffee with a community feel, run by the same people behind Dudley Street Espresso. It’s a perfect example of how the arcade embraces change while holding onto its essence.
Delicious toasties from Miss Milly’s Espresso with their neighbouring shop Moonbase Toys in the background. picture By Miss Milly’s from their Facebook Page.
A Landmark with Cultural Significance
It’s no surprise that Annerley Arcade caught the eye of filmmakers. It recently appeared in the TV adaptation of Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe, showcasing its quintessentially Brisbane charm to a wider audience. It’s not just a shopping centre; it’s a place steeped in local identity, where past and present intertwine.
A scene from Trent Dalton’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ the series on Netflix that was filmed in Brisbane and used the Annerley Arcade for a scene.
And, of course, it continues to play a role in the community. Annerley Junction Fest remains a highlight of the local calendar, drawing crowds with live music, arts, and the best of what Annerley has to offer. The arcade sits at the heart of it all—a cultural touchstone for old and new generations alike.
Annerley Junction Festival is a well-loved community street festival that has been running for more than 10 years and utilises spaces like the Annerley Arcade and its carpark to celebrate music, art and inclusivity.
A Rare Opportunity
For those who appreciate properties with personality, history, and potential, Annerley Arcade offers a rare chance to invest in a piece of Brisbane’s story. As a 2023 guide put it, the Ipswich Road junction around the arcade is a “nerve centre for nostalgia,” where antique centres, comic shops, vintage boutiques, and cafés flourish.
Now, this vibrant piece of history is for sale—an opportunity for a savvy investor to become part of its next chapter.
Interested? The Annerley Arcade is being offered by Expressions of Interest (unless sold prior) closing on Friday 04 April at 4pm Queensland time.
Contact Michelle Jarvis at Matthews Real Estate for the Information Memorandum and discover how you can own a slice of Brisbane’s retail history.
Michelle Jarvis | Commercial Sales and Leasing | Matthews Real Estate
0439 620 798 | 07 3848 0655
See the Annerley Arcade listing on realcommercial.com.au
Aerial shot of the Annerley Arcade with its facade on busy Ipswich Road in Annerley Junction.
Inside the Annerley Arcade with it’s signature mid-century style, tiled floor and stairs down to the lower ground floor and carpark.
The iconic Comics Plus is a landmark tenant of the Arcade and has been a haven for gamers and comics lovers for years.