Howard Smith Wharves has received development approval for a significant expansion of its Brisbane riverfront precinct, with works scheduled for completion ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Artemus Group, which operates the precinct, announced the approval on Thursday 28 May. The approved plans include a 106-room boutique hotel with views of the Story Bridge, Brisbane’s first over-river pool, two new cliffside lifts, cascading riverfront stairs, and enhancements to the existing Felons Barrel Hall to attract more music and entertainment offerings.
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The development will also deliver a 30 per cent increase in outdoor public space, adding 8,500 square metres of open areas to the precinct. A redesigned pontoon, backed by Queensland, will provide new river access, private boat mooring, and serve as a tourism gateway to the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay. The pontoon infrastructure is designed to withstand flood conditions.
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HSW founder Adam Flaskas said the approval coincided with Brisbane’s preparations to host the Games. “With Brisbane set to host the world for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, HSW 2.0 positions Howard Smith Wharves, and the Brisbane River, as a centrepiece of the city’s global moment,” he said.
CEO Luke Fraser said design decisions had been guided by long-term considerations. “Every decision we’ve made in designing HSW has been guided by asking: how do we create something that Brisbane will be proud to show the world in 2032 and for decades beyond,” he said.
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Cr Adrian Schrinner referenced the precinct’s origins as a derelict wharf site and cited jobs and additional hotel rooms among the outcomes of the next stage. “This next stage takes Howard Smith Wharves to another level, with more jobs, more to see and do, more hotel rooms and more of what makes Brisbane Australia’s lifestyle capital,” Cr Schrinner said.
Howard Smith Wharves is located beneath the Story Bridge, adjacent to Fortitude Valley and New Farm. The Artemus Group describes it as Brisbane’s most-visited riverfront precinct.
The development is expected to be completed before the 2032 Games, when the precinct is intended to serve athletes, officials, media and international visitors.
Artemus Group has received approval for a $500 million expansion of Howard Smith Wharves, bringing Brisbane’s first over-river swimming pool, a 106-room boutique hotel and 8,500 square metres of new public space to the heritage-listed precinct beneath the Story Bridge.
The development approval, granted this week, fires the starting gun on a transformation the Fortitude Valley precinct’s developers have been planning since lodging the application in September 2024.
Dubbed HSW 2.0, the expansion represents the most ambitious change to the site since the original $110 million redevelopment opened in November 2018, and it lands with a clear deadline in sight: the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Brisbane’s first over-river pool
The standout element of the approved design is the over-river pool, the first of its kind in Brisbane. Positioned to extend out over the Brisbane River, the pool forms part of a broader bar and dining precinct that will replace the existing Rivershed venue.
Photo Credit: DA A006618899
Renderings show an open-air structure that puts swimmers directly above the river, with the Story Bridge and cliffs of Kangaroo Point as the backdrop.
No Brisbane venue has built a pool over the river before. The concept draws on precedents in cities like Paris, where floating pools on the Seine have long been part of how the city uses its waterway, and it fits the broader pattern of cities reclaiming their rivers as recreational infrastructure rather than industrial remnants or backdrop scenery.
Photo Credit: DA A006618899
Artemus Group founder Adam Flaskas framed the approval as a defining moment for both the precinct and Brisbane’s relationship with its river.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Brisbane,” Flaskas said. “Howard Smith Wharves has always been about connecting people with this magnificent river, and with this announcement we take that vision to an entirely new level.”
A precinct built on Depression-era foundations
Howard Smith Wharves carries genuine historical weight. The wharves were built between 1939 and 1942 as part of a relief employment programme during the Great Depression, constructed in conjunction with the Story Bridge directly above them.
The site served the Howard Smith Co Ltd coastal shipping company until the 1960s, hosted World War II air-raid shelters, and then sat largely abandoned for decades before being listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1997.
Photo Credit: DA A006618899
Artemus Group secured the site in 2015 and spent three years transforming it into the vibrant precinct locals know today. The riverside hub features 13 restaurants, cafes, and bars, including Felons Brewing Co, Yoko, Greca, Stanley, and Ciao Papi, alongside Crystalbrook Vincent hotel and Howards Hall.
It became the first site in Brisbane to achieve Heritage Hero Status from the National Trust, recognised for its management of built, environmental and cultural heritage across the one development.
The 2018 version of Howard Smith Wharves gave the precinct its identity. HSW 2.0 is designed to deepen it.
Everything else the expansion includes
Beyond the over-river pool, the approved plans include a nine-storey, 106-room boutique hotel to be built atop a substantially upgraded Felons Barrel Hall. The revamped hall will be designed to attract larger music and entertainment events, addressing one of the current site’s capacity limitations.
Two new cliffside lifts will improve access to the precinct from Bowen Terrace above, addressing a long-standing friction point for visitors who find the staircase descent from the valley’s upper streets steep or difficult. Cascading riverfront stairs will create a more gradual connection between the precinct and the water’s edge.
Photo Credit: DA A006618899
The pontoon infrastructure, which will provide private boat mooring and improved river access for tourism operators, is designed to be flood-resilient, a significant engineering consideration for any structure built over the Brisbane River. The new public realm totals 8,500 square metres, a 30 per cent increase on the current site’s outdoor space.
Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser said every design decision had been guided by a single question.
“How do we create something that Brisbane will be proud to show the world in 2032 and for decades beyond?” he said.
What comes next
The full build is targeted for completion ahead of the 2032 Games. Construction timelines have not yet been confirmed publicly, though the development approval means the project can now move into detailed design and tender phases. The Bougainvillea House event venue will also be redeveloped from its current single storey into a two-storey building as part of the broader works.
Howard Smith Wharves is at 5 Boundary Street, Fortitude Valley. For updates on the HSW 2.0 development and precinct bookings, click here.
Celebrated chef Danielle Alvarez is leading a massive transformation of the Fortitude Valley waterfront into a premium open-air seafood precinct that celebrates the traditional Queensland coastal lifestyle.
The event is scheduled to take place over two separate weekends during the April school holidays. This timing is intended to give local families and holidaymakers a chance to gather at Howard Smith Wharves while the weather is still warm. Organisers have planned the festival to run across the Main Lawn and various riverside areas to ensure there is plenty of space for the community to spread out and enjoy the view of the Brisbane River.
The festival focuses on a shared dining experience that blends old-fashioned seaside habits with modern cooking techniques. Danielle Alvarez expressed that eating fresh seafood by the water feels natural in a city like Brisbane and that her goal is to bring people together through vibrant food.
While the menu features high-end items like freshly shucked oysters and tropical Queensland lobster tails, it also includes familiar favourites such as potato scallops and fish and chips. This approach ensures that the food remains accessible to everyone, including people who might prefer non-seafood options like burgers or soft-serve ice cream.
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Whaves/Facebook
Interactive Activities and Entertainment
Beyond the food, the event includes several ways for the community to stay active and entertained. A special pickleball court has been set up as a pop-up attraction, allowing guests to play a game with friends between their meals. Live music and different types of performers will also move through the crowds during the day to keep the energy high.
For those interested in unique drinks, the festival is introducing a specific type of lager poured at sub-zero temperatures into frosted glasses, which is a first for the Brisbane area.
Several local businesses are joining the festivities to offer different flavours and styles. Fellini’s Trattoria is updating its menu to include Italian-style seafood dishes that use simple, seasonal ingredients. Nearby, Ciao Garden will operate an oyster bar where a dedicated cocktail program has been designed to match the saltiness of the seafood.
Adam Flaskas, the director of the group behind the event, noted that the festival is meant to be an ode to childhood memories of eating prawns and fresh fish with family. He believes the event shows how the riverside dining scene in the city is continuing to grow and change.
The layout of the festival is designed to be inclusive for all ages, with specific attention paid to making sure children have plenty to do. By using communal tables and open spaces, the organisers hope to create a social environment where neighbours can meet and share a meal. The combination of local produce, riverside views, and a relaxed atmosphere is intended to provide a quintessential Queensland experience right in the middle of the city.
A hotel beneath the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, near Fortitude Valley, has been listed for sale with price expectations of about $115 million.
Crystalbrook Vincent has been placed on the market through an expressions-of-interest campaign managed by Colliers, with submissions open until April 30.
The hotel sits within the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, positioned beneath the Story Bridge and near Fortitude Valley. The location places it within a well-established riverfront area known for steady visitor movement and a mix of hospitality venues.
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves
Price Marks Shift Since Last Sale
The property is owned by the Ghassan Aboud Group through Crystalbrook Hotels and Resorts.
It was acquired in 2021 for about $70 million, with the current price guide of roughly $115 million indicating a notable change in value over five years. The listing is part of a broader move to recycle capital within the group’s portfolio.
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves
What Defines The Property
Opened in 2019, the hotel includes 166 rooms and forms part of a purpose-built precinct along the Brisbane River.
Facilities include a rooftop pool, gym, bar and dining spaces. The interiors incorporate a large collection of works linked to Brisbane artist Vincent Fantauzzo, which remains a defining feature of the property’s design.
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves
Market Conditions Behind The Timing
The timing of the listing aligns with broader conditions across Brisbane’s hotel sector, where demand has increased while new supply remains limited.
Industry figures indicate revenue per available room is around 70 per cent higher than 2019 levels, with average daily rates also rising. At the same time, only 372 hotel rooms are under construction through to 2027.
These factors have narrowed availability across inner-city areas, including precincts near Fortitude Valley.
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves
Development Activity Nearby
The listing comes alongside continued planning activity within Howard Smith Wharves.
A proposed hotel development to the east of Crystalbrook Vincent remains included in documents lodged during the early months of 2026, indicating further potential change within the precinct.
Next Stage For The Listing
The campaign will test investor interest in a hotel asset positioned within a constrained market.
The outcome is expected to reflect broader conditions across Brisbane’s accommodation sector, where demand and limited supply continue to shape activity near Fortitude Valley.
A prominent development site at 70-82 Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley has launched to market with concept plans for towers up to 40 storeys, positioning developers to meet Brisbane’s growing need for apartments ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Colliers Queensland‘s Brendan Hogan and Troy Linnane have been appointed to sell the site known as Landmark Brisbane, spanning 2,416 square metres across three street frontages. The property sits at the convergence of Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley and New Farm, placing it at the heart of the city’s most dynamic lifestyle, employment and growth corridors.
Concept plans prepared by architects Cottee Parker outline development scenarios of 25 and 40 storeys, delivering more than 350 apartments under both build-to-sell and build-to-rent scenarios, subject to approval. The site currently hosts a two-storey retail and commercial complex.
Gateway Location Near Howard Smith Wharves
Hogan said the development site is positioned close to Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane’s premier riverfront dining and entertainment precinct, and only a 15-minute walk to the Victoria Park Olympic precinct. This proximity to Olympic infrastructure adds appeal for developers looking to capitalise on the Games-driven demand for accommodation.
Inner-city Brisbane is experiencing acute undersupply of apartments, with vacancy rates below one percent and prestige developments in the inner-city are setting new benchmarks, with some luxury projects now commanding upwards of $20,000 per square metre. Market analysts currently rank Brisbane’s growth fundamentals as the strongest among eastern seaboard capitals, driven by persistent undersupply and interstate migration.
360-Degree Views and Strategic Position
The proposed tower heights unlock potential for 360-degree views, offering future residents uninterrupted outlooks over the CBD, Story Bridge, and Brisbane River. The surrounding Fortitude Valley precinct is undergoing rapid gentrification, underpinned by premium residential developments, lifestyle-driven demand and strong population growth.
Linnane said South East Queensland’s population growth is driving unprecedented demand for inner-city apartments, making high-quality development sites in prime locations increasingly scarce. The site’s gateway positioning, river and skyline views, and proximity to the Olympic precinct create a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop a world-class project.
Strong Market Interest Expected
Colliers has already seen strong market interest from a range of local, interstate and offshore developers, as well as institutional investors and high net worth individuals. The expressions of interest campaign for the Fortitude Valley development site closes March 19, with multiple parties expected to compete for the opportunity.
The site joins other major Fortitude Valley development sites currently on the market, including a Barry Parade property with approval for dual towers of 27 and 37 storeys comprising 490 apartments. The cluster of development opportunities reflects Fortitude Valley’s position as a key growth area for Brisbane’s residential market ahead of the 2032 Games.
El Vilsito, a Michelin Guide-recommended taqueria from Mexico City, is coming to Howard Smith Wharves, bringing its chefs to cook tacos the way they do at home for a limited-time takeover.
The visiting cooks are coming as part of La Mexicana, a short-run add-on to Margarita Week that expands the precinct’s cocktail calendar into a broader food-and-culture program.
The dates are split over two bursts: La Mexicana runs 5–8 March and 12–15 March, while Margarita Week continues across the full 5–15 March stretch.
Photo Credit: Supplied
For locals, the interesting part isn’t the branding. It’s the idea of a tight, street-food style operation built around one of Mexico’s most recognisable taco formats. It’s landing in a polished waterfront precinct and trying to keep its identity intact.
Two El Vilsito chefs will work alongside local teams to cook the tacos “as they’re served in Mexico City”, with the visiting group including Sandra Blanco, whose father, Juan Carlos Blanc,o owns the taqueria. The family connection matters because these aren’t “inspired-by” tacos; they’re recipes tied to a particular place and routine.
Photo Credit: Supplied
If you’ve seen Taco Chronicles on Netflix, you’ll recognise the al pastor theatre: marinated pork stacked on a vertical spit (the trompo), cooked, shaved, and tucked into tortillas with the kind of speed that looks like muscle memory. The taqueria also appears in the Michelin Guide, which frames it as approachable rather than precious—busy, fast, and built for repeat visits.
So why bring it to Brisbane at all? The idea originated after Katie Moubarak, Howard Smith Wharves’ brand director, visited Mexico City on a research trip, ate there, and stayed in contact with Blanco. It’s the sort of origin story that sounds neat on paper, but it reflects something real in the way venues now “travel” without moving: chefs swap places for a week, menus arrive like pop-up postcards, and locals get a new reference point for what a dish can taste like when it’s cooked by the people who grew up around it.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
The other layer is Margarita Week itself. In a city where festival weekends are often tied to sport or school holidays, a precinct-wide drinks programme fills a gap: it gives venues a common reason to collaborate, and it gives residents a clear window to visit without feeling like they’ve missed the moment. This year’s pitch includes a spread of margarita styles—sweet, smoky, spicy, savoury—plus Tommy’s-style riffs and venue-specific twists, in partnership with Patrón.
Photo Credit: Supplied
You don’t have to be a cocktail person to appreciate what that does for a neighbourhood. A concentrated run of events changes the rhythm of a precinct: more early bookings, more groups arriving together, and more “let’s make a night of it” energy. It can also mean queues.
If La Mexicana lands the way the organisers hope, expect peak periods around Friday and Saturday evenings, with the most interest likely in the al pastor service because it’s both the headline and the thing you can’t easily reproduce at home.
The practical advice is simple: treat it like a short-season show. Pick a less hectic time if you want a relaxed visit; go later if you want the buzz. If you’re curious about the difference between a local taco interpretation and a Mexico City original, this is one of the rare chances to compare them without leaving the river.
The Melbourne Cup returns to Brisbane’s riverside precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, on Tuesday, 4 November 2025. This year, the iconic venue offers a variety of experiences to suit every race-day style, from relaxed gatherings to indulgent luncheons, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge.
For those seeking a glamorous Cup Day celebration, Mr Percival’s offers a premium riverside experience. Guests can indulge in fresh seafood, delectable canapés, and a curated assortment of delicious bites, complemented by a 3.5-hour premium beverage package. The event runs from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, with DJs keeping the energy high well into the evening. VIP tables for up to 12 guests are also available.
Stanley – Elegant Cantonese Banquet
Photo credit: howardsmithwharves.com
Stanley invites guests to a refined four-course Cantonese banquet, thoughtfully crafted by head chef Louise Tikaram. The gastronomic journey is complemented by a 3.5-hour premium drinks package, including Louis Roederer Champagne and select wines. With its riverfront setting, Stanley provides both culinary elegance and race-day excitement — all from 11:30 am.
Ciao Papi – Share-Style Italian Feast
Photo credit: howardsmithwharves.com
For a more convivial and share-style experience, Ciao Papi delivers a three-course Italian feast paired with Champagne, spritzes, premium wines, and spirits. The event runs from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with guests enjoying the race on large screens and participating in charity sweepstakes.
Felons Barrel Hall & Felons Brewing Co. – Casual Beers and Big Screens
Photo credit: howardsmithwharves.com
For a laid-back celebration, Felons Barrel Hall and Felons Brewing Co. offer a casual atmosphere with bold Thai-inspired shared menus and a three-hour drinks package featuring bubbles, in-house beers, and seltzers. Guests can catch the race live on large screens inside or on the river deck beneath the Story Bridge.
Greca & Yoko Dining – Banquets with Style
Photo credit: howardsmithwharves.com
Greca and Yoko bring the banquet vibe back, each with their own distinct flavour. Greca offers a Greek-style share banquet with a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival, live race screening, sweepstakes, and DJ entertainment. Yoko presents a Tokyo-inspired izakaya banquet, again with Champagne on arrival, optional 3-hour drinks, and a lively race-day atmosphere. Both venues invite guests to dress up, engage in best-dressed competitions, and celebrate in style.
Whether you’re raising a glass of Champagne, sipping a spritz, or cracking open a cold one under the Story Bridge, the Melbourne Cup at Howard Smith Wharves offers something for everyone. With sweeping river views, a range of dining experiences, and the buzz of race-day all wrapped up in one vibrant precinct, it’s a local take on “the race that stops the nation” that feels distinctly Brisbane.
Howard Smith Wharves will transform into Brisbane’s riverside gathering place this long weekend as footy fans rally behind the Broncos in both the men’s and women’s grand finals. The precinct will broadcast the matches on big screens across multiple venues, giving supporters a central hub to share the finals excitement.
The event will take place on Sunday, 5 October, with an all-day program designed to keep the community entertained. The schedule begins at 12:00 p.m. with a state championship game screened without sound, followed by the NRLW Grand Final at 2:55 p.m. between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters.
From 5:45 p.m., pre-game entertainment will set the tone for the NRL Grand Final at 6:30 p.m., when the men’s Broncos side take on the Melbourne Storm.
The celebrations will span across Howard Smith Wharves, including Felons Barrel Hall, Felons Beer Garden, Felons Fish & Chipper Lawn and the Rivergarden. Felons Brewery will be offering its signature beers alongside game-day food options, with plenty of walk-in seating available for those without bookings. Once the final sirens sound, the precinct will carry on the celebrations with live music, DJs and bands performing late into the night.
More than football
For those who prefer a different type of energy, the precinct will also feature Mr Percival’s River Disco across the long weekend. Extended trading hours mean Sunday festivities will stretch late, while all venues will also open on Monday in line with the King’s Birthday public holiday.
Located under the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves has become known as Brisbane’s cultural and hospitality precinct, home to restaurants, bars, cafes, a hotel and the award-winning Felons Brewery. With its riverside location and variety of spaces, the precinct has positioned itself as a go-to spot for community events that blend sport, music and food.
Brisbane is gearing up for one of the city’s biggest sporting weekends, with locals expected to pack into Howard Smith Wharves to cheer on the Brisbane Lions in the AFL Grand Final and the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL double header.
On Saturday, 27 September, the AFL Grand Final will be shown live from 2:30 p.m. across multiple venues at Howard Smith Wharves, including Felons Barrel Hall, Felons Fish & Chipper Lawn, the Rivergarden, and Felons Beer Garden. The Lions, who secured their spot after a strong season, are chasing back-to-back premiership glory.
The celebrations continue on Sunday, 28 September, with the Brisbane Broncos’ men’s and women’s sides both in contention for NRL Grand Final spots. The women’s match kicks off at 1:15 p.m., followed by the men at 4:05 p.m. on the big screens at the same locations.
For fans without tickets to the matches at Suncorp Stadium, the precinct provides a free and open-air setting to watch the action unfold, with Felons Brewing Co supplying game-day food and drinks.
Community atmosphere along the river
Howard Smith Wharves management noted that the precinct has become a gathering place for Brisbane residents during major sporting events, with walk-ins welcome at the outdoor seating areas. Live bands and DJs will also take to the stage on Saturday night after the AFL Grand Final, ensuring that the party continues regardless of the result.
The riverfront venue, situated beneath the Story Bridge, has established itself as Brisbane’s cultural hub, boasting more than a dozen restaurants, bars, and spaces where fans can come together to celebrate. The precinct is highlighting the area’s growing connection to sport and community life, with organisers expecting large crowds across the weekend.
The Brisbane Lions’ official club site has confirmed the team’s preparations for the clash, while the NRL and Broncos have detailed match times and ticketing updates for their preliminary finals. Suncorp Stadium’s event listings also reflect the packed schedule, with both codes drawing strong support across the city.
This weekend at Howard Smith Wharves offers the chance to share in the finals experience, no matter the scorelines on the field.
AFL Grand Final Date: 27th September 2025 Time: 2:30PM Location: Felons Barrel Hall, Felons Fish & Chipper Lawn, Rivergarden, Felons Beer Garden, Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
NRL Grand Final Date: 28th September 2025 Time: 1:15PM (NRLW) and 4:05PM (NRL) Location: Felons Barrel Hall, Felons Fish & Chipper Lawn, Rivergarden, Felons Beer Garden, Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
A Neapolitan chef’s career-long dream has become a reality at the edge of Fortitude Valley, with Carmine Guarino welcoming the public to Trattoria Fellini’s, his new Italian street food kitchen bringing the lively flavours of coastal Italy to the Howard Smith Wharves.
The new trattoria officially began service today, Wednesday, 10 September, offering Brisbane a casual and vibrant taste of the Mediterranean. It joins its more refined neighbour, Ciao Papi, creating a precinct with two distinct Italian dining experiences side by side along the river.
A Taste of Home
Photo Credit: Supplied
With over 26 years of experience, Head Chef Carmine Guarino has shaped Fellini’s from his own personal history. He explained that his vision was to bring his Neapolitan roots to Brisbane, creating an authentic and high-energy street food atmosphere that the whole family could enjoy.
Inspired by the bustling trattorias of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, he wanted to make Italian food more accessible, faster, and fun for the community. The restaurant’s name pays respect to the famous Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, aiming to capture the same romance and vibrancy in its food and hospitality.
Street Food Meets Riverside Dining
Photo Credit: Supplied
Fellini’s is designed for both dine-in and takeaway customers, blending traditional Italian flavours with a modern, street-food feel. The menu features a wide selection of handmade pastas, pizzas, and classic mains. Diners can start with entrées like Bruschetta al Pomodoro or Cuoppo Fritto, a crispy mix of calamari and mussels. Pasta dishes include fresh crab Paccheri al Granchio and Roman favourite Rigatoni Amatriciana.
For main courses, the menu offers dishes like the golden Cotoletta di Vitello (veal cutlet) and Parmigiana di Melanzane. The pizza oven produces classics including Margherita and Salamina. To complete the experience, the bar serves a curated selection of Italian-inspired wines, beers, and cocktails.
The addition of Fellini’s is seen as an exciting new chapter for the popular riverside precinct. Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser stated he was proud to help deliver a unique offering for Brisbane, inspired by the trattorias of Italy. He believes the eatery will become a go-to spot for friends and families looking to enjoy good food and sunshine along the Brisbane River.
