One of Brisbane's iconic business, Rankins on the Mall Newsagency, is closing today after almost 36 years with the building set to be demolished and replaced with a fountain.

The family-owned newsagency, which sits at the intersection of the Queen Street Mall and Albert Street, has been forced to close by Brisbane City Council which has a "visioning plan" for the mall.

A petition signed by more than 6,000 people was not enough to change council's mind.

Owner Ross Petersen received notification of his eviction from the council on March 29 and said it was "devastating" news.

His daughter Danielle Page said it would be a sad day for the family.

Neither Nick (left) nor Tavis, who have been with the newsagency less than a year, have new jobs yet. ( ABC Radio Brisbane: Jennifer King )

"We don't really know why it's happening and it's a bit hard to justify for us, but essentially we're not part of the Visioning Project moving forward for the Queen Street Mall," she said.

"We weren't exclusively offered another spot.

"There was a public tender that went out for a few spaces along the mall but it was financially unviable [and] I don't think anyone put any bids in for it.

"We've tried to look for other locations but haven't been successful at this stage."

Demolition work due to start any day

Ms Page said she believed that after they close for good on Tuesday night, the building would be demolished within days.

During Expo 88, one of the newsagency's busiest times, it was housed in a demountable building. ( Facebook: Rankins on the Mall Newsagency )

The council's Queen Street Mall Visioning Plan is based on a 2015 consultation with 1,024 people about what they liked about the mall and how it could be enhanced for the future.

People said they wanted "a mall for all", an "economic hub" and for it to be "uniquely Brisbane".

Accessible community hub

The newsagency's location at a busy pedestrian intersection near fast food outlets meant it's always been easily identifiable and is one of Brisbane's best known meeting spots.

Most people responding to news of its closure expressed their gratitude for the friendly service they had received over the years.

Karen of Balmoral, who brought flowers to the shop and signed the petition, said she walked by the newsagency every day and bought a newspaper there about three times a week.

Helen (left) brought flowers for Terri and the staff on the last day of trade. ( ABC Radio Brisbane: Jennifer King )

"It's an icon so I'm more than disgusted. It doesn't need to happen, it's a family business," she said.

"Everyone knows this place; it's part of our history. Can we have some heritage in this city?"

She went on to express concern that a fountain would become a dumping ground for used syringes because the area, in use 24 hours a day, was "a known drug hub".

Newspapers are the biggest seller

Ms Page said while the business had changed a lot over the years since her family bought it from "Lucky" Bill Rankin, one thing remained the same.

"We sell so many newspapers. Papers are one of our biggest sellers in a week," she said.

"The feedback is people want that physical contact — the smell of it, turning the pages — it's not the same as reading online."

Mr Petersen's sister-in-law Terri, who has returned to work in the shop for the last few days after 25 years away, broke down as she talked about the staff.

"I spoke to some of the staff and said, 'Are you looking for other jobs? Have you found anything else?'" she said, crying.

"This staff are so good. They said, 'We're waiting until it shuts because we don't want to find a job and let Ross down if we have to leave straight away'.

"I just thought that was beautiful."

After Expo 88 the demountable building was moved close to Hungry Jack's while the real shop was being built. ( Facebook: Rankins on the Mall Newsagency )

Community impact

Lorna Barker, who lives in a retirement village in Cleveland, was at the newsagency on Tuesday clutching her Go Card in its plastic Rankins Newsagency folder.

"They're very nice here and very helpful. If you live in a retirement village, believe me, it's a bit dead there.

"I buy magazines, the paper, but mostly I put money on my Go Card."

Margaret of Chelmer said she came in especially after hearing about the newsagency's closure on ABC Radio Brisbane.

"I made a special trip to come in because in 1963 I bought a casket ticket from [the original newsagency] and I won $10,000 ... or maybe $7,000. I can't remember," she said.

Watching customers shop at the newsagency and seeing the interaction with the community, it is easy to see why it has been such an integral part of the Brisbane CBD.

Ms Page said they would miss the people, many of whom they knew by name.

But she won't miss Ekka season where the icy wind whistles up the mall and they have to wear ski gear as they open up the shop.

"We won't have to brave that this year so that's one positive I guess."