The Howard Smith Wharves precinct is already taking shape with the fit-out works currently underway and the laying of the final piece of turf on the new 2.7 hectare parkland.
“With spectacular views of the Brisbane River, the Story Bridge and CBD skyline, this park will be the perfect place for picnics, fitness activities, enjoying live music, cycling and kayaking,” Infrastructure Chairman Cr Amanda Cooper said.
“Some 3,850 cubic metres of topsoil has been brought in to raise the level of the parkland above 2011 flood levels, with 4,000 square metres of turf and 13,000 plants finalising the family-friendly space.
“More than 80 per cent of the 3.4 hectare Howard Smith Wharves precinct will be public open space and parkland, which will be easily accessible from the New Farm Riverwalk and City Reach Boardwalk.
Howard Smith Wharves Revitalisation Project, Brisbane CBD, Queensland, Australia
Video credit: Savills Australia & New Zealand/YouTube
Howard Smith Wharves artist impression
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/brisbane.qld.gov.au
“Construction is currently underway for two cliff-face lifts which will provide some of the best views of Brisbane while enabling easy access to the park and the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, from Bowen Terrace and Wilson’s Outlook Reserve.
“An upgrade of Wilson’s Outlook Reserve will also begin next month, to enhance the popular scenic lookout with a new timber observation deck, picnic facilities, feature lighting, seating and landscaping,” Cr Cooper said.
Howard Smith Wharves artist impression
The 600-sqm overwater deck is now complete, Cr Cooper added, with the octagonal pavilion that will feature a champagne lounge and oyster bar now under construction.
“Together with the parkland, dining and entertainment precincts at Howard Smith Wharves will open to the public progressively, from late this year,” Cr Cooper concluded.
“Until now, this has been the missing-link along the Brisbane River and this project has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine the site as a dining, entertainment and lifestyle precinct, further enhancing Brisbane’s status as a New World City,” Central Ward Councillor Vicki Howard said.
Howard Smith Wharves – Brisbane Development Fly Through
Video Credit: VR 360 Australia/YouTube
About Howard Smith Wharves Revitalisation Project
The Howard Smith Wharves, located on the northern side of the Brisbane River, is one of the last remaining wharf sites in the city centre. The 3.43-hectare wharf, under the Story Bridge at Petrie Bright, used to be operated as a cargo wharf until the 1960s.
In 2013, the Brisbane City Council invited interested developers to submit proposal to transform the Howard Smith Wharves(HSW) site into a world-class riverfront destination.
Adam Flaskas and Elisha Bickle were eventually selected as the preferred candidate for the redevelopment of the 3.42 hectare site which will include a riverside parkland and commercial development.
Two lifts will also be built at the top of the cliffs at Bowen Terrace and another at Wilson Outlook Reserve. The cliff lifts will serve as the link for pedestrians between the Bowen Terrace and the new Howard Smith Wharves restaurant and parkland precinct.
The HSW Nominees will have the overall responsibility for the entire site, including the design and construction of the park and open space areas. Asian Pacific Group, owned by the Deague Group, will undertake the hotel development and operation.
Key features of the Howard Smith Wharves Revitalisation Project:
- a dining, retail and tourism centre utilising the existing heritage listed buildings
- new public open spaces that may be used for markets and festivals
- 164 rooms in a 5 star Art Series Hotel
- a hotel façade that blends into the cliff face with natural tones and textures to keep the iconic Story Bridge as the main focus
- underground car park for 359 vehicles
- 33 employee bicycle spaces and a further 50 bicycle spaces for visitors throughout the parkland
- parkland and public open spaces including lifts linking the site to the top of the cliffs
- a 1500 square metre exhibition space for hosting of events like cultural and food festivals.
The construction works for the $110 million Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment project commenced in 2017 and is scheduled to be completed by late 2018.
Howard Smith Wharf Precinct
