The development beginning in the 1980s covered two stages, the first provided for three levels of retail and a two-storey carpark above. It boasted several national retailers previously unknown to Brisbane shoppers and the first CBD food courts covering a variety of cuisines. In 1987 the second stage was developed adjacent to the Stage 1 and comprised additional specialty shops a multi-cuisine sit-down restaurant (again, a first for the City and originally operated for 24-hours) and the Hilton Hotel which was intended to provide 5-star accommodation for the 1988 Brisbane World Expo.