Brisbane courthouses to become five-star hotel

Lawyers and criminals have made way for luxury and concierges at a prime real estate spot in Brisbane's CBD.

The old Supreme and District Courts in George St will become a mixed-use precinct, including a five-star hotel.

Public Works Minister Tim Mander says the project will be the largest single development to date in the heart of Brisbane.

"It is very rare that a site of this size that backs on to the Brisbane River becomes available for development," Mr Mander said in a statement.

Developer Shayler Group would start early site works as soon as possible, he said.

The construction phase would create 5700 jobs, he said.

Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey says the new hotel will help address a shortage in Brisbane hotel rooms that cost the city's economy $136 million and 87,000 visitors a year.

"Creating new hotel-style accommodation will be an important part of reversing that trend, with this project set to add 190 new rooms in a five-star hotel," she said.

The precinct will also include residential and serviced apartment space as well as a commercial office tower.

AAP