Howard Smith Wharves Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Boutique Hotel and Overwater Pool Planned for Howard Smith Wharves Transformation

Howard Smith Wharves will undergo a significant redevelopment, with plans to replace Felons Barrel Hall with a nine-storey boutique hotel as part of preparations for the 2032 Olympics.

The Artemus Group, the developers behind the proposal, announced that the precinct will see a host of new additions, including a 77-room hotel, a theatre, retail spaces, and a stunning pool deck overlooking the Brisbane River. The project aims to elevate the already thriving area into a world-class destination in time for the Olympics. The development application (DA) will be lodged and will go through a code-assessable process.

New Vision for a Riverfront Destination

Central to the redevelopment is constructing a nine-storey boutique hotel, which will replace the existing Felons Barrel Hall. The hotel’s ground floor will feature retail outlets and a theatre, preserving the venue’s role as a place for live music and cultural events. Public spaces will also be enhanced, with two new cliff lifts improving access to the site, and additional open areas planned for locals and visitors to enjoy.

In addition to the hotel, the proposal includes creating an overwater pool deck that will offer panoramic views of the river. This deck will also serve as a new bar and dining precinct, adding to the already diverse culinary options at the Wharves.

Howard Smith Wharves — *Photo Credit: The Artemis Group*

Key Features

A 77-room, nine-storey hotel with ground floor retail and a theatre/music hall, replacing the existing Felons Barrel Hall

A stunning pool deck with an overwater pool, bar and dining precinct, offering unparalleled river views

A revitalised Bougainvillea House, featuring a two-storey, landscaped design

Improved public access, with two new cliff lifts and additional open spaces

Twelve beverage storage tanks across three locations, supporting sustainability by reducing packaging waste and traffic movements

Enhanced riverfront public spaces, pathways, parklands and boardwalks, designed to align with Brisbane’s “Buildings That Breathe” guidelines.

Focus on Sustainability

The redevelopment has been designed with sustainability in mind. Twelve new beverage storage tanks will be installed across three precinct locations to reduce packaging waste and traffic congestion. The design also incorporates Brisbane’s “Buildings That Breathe” guidelines, with rooftop gardens, facade greenery, and subtropical landscape elements.

Architect Mark Damant, involved in the project, emphasised the importance of sustainability in the redevelopment. He noted that the design would help position Howard Smith Wharves as one of the most sustainable precincts globally, ensuring it remains a welcoming and accessible space for everyone.

Enhancing Brisbane’s Appeal for the Olympics

Artemus Group Founder and Director Adam Flaskas expressed excitement about Howard Smith Wharves’ potential to showcase Brisbane on the world stage during the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. He highlighted that the redevelopment will connect locals and tourists to some of Brisbane’s best experiences, including dining, shopping, and access to Queensland’s iconic natural landmarks.

“This project is about celebrating Brisbane’s heritage, landscape, and natural beauty,” said Flaskas, noting that the Brisbane River remains a key feature of the city’s identity. “We’re creating a hospitality and tourism gateway that will bring people closer to the best of what Brisbane has to offer.”

With Bougainvillea House’s planned revitalisation and new public spaces set to be incorporated into the development, the Wharves precinct will become even more of a community hub, enhancing both liveability and Brisbane’s cultural scene.

The project marks the next chapter in Howard Smith Wharves’ growth, which has become one of Brisbane’s premier destinations since its opening in 2018. It continues to offer a unique blend of dining, entertainment, and leisure activities on the Brisbane River’s edge, and the new development is set to take it to the next level in time for the global spotlight of the 2032 Olympics.

Published 24-Sept-2024

Seasonal Fruit Hits Felons Barrel Hall for Spring Edition

Photo Credit: oztix.com.au

Seasonal Fruit gears up for its Spring Edition on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves, promising an evening of vibrant Australian indie music to usher in the new season.

Organized by Felons Brewing Co. and Jet Black Cat Music, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of up-and-coming and established Australian acts. The Spring Edition features performances by Gut Health, Clamm, Parsnip, Radium Dolls, and Gimmy, representing a mix of indie, rock, punk, and psychedelic genres.

Gates open at 6 PM, with live music kicking off at 7:20 PM. The carefully curated schedule will see each act take the stage for hour-long sets, culminating in a headline performance by Gut Health at 11:20 PM.

First-release tickets are sold out, with general admission currently available at $36.50. Organizers advise that the event is strictly for those 18 years and over.

get your tickets here!

In a nod to the festival’s name, Seasonal Fruit, organizers promise to deliver the “freshest produce” in Australian music, showcasing emerging talent alongside more established acts right in Felons Barrel Hall.

Published 27-August-2024

Pontoon Delays Cast Shadow Over Howard Smith Wharves

Construction delays have delayed the opening of two new tourist pontoons at Howard Smith Wharves.

*Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map*

Initially slated for completion by March, the pontoons, designed to service North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay, are not expected to be operational until at least June next year. This setback means the pontoons will miss the highly anticipated opening of Queen’s Wharf this month.

Adding to the delays, a new $2.2 million pontoon and jetty at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island is also behind schedule, casting doubt on its readiness for the September school holidays. This marks a five-year wait for replacing the island’s ageing jetty.

Under questioning during last week’s budget estimates, Tourism Innovation and Sport Director-General Andrew Hopper attributed the Brisbane pontoon delays to design changes and bureaucratic hurdles. The project, funded with a $5.5 million tourism grant, will eventually accommodate commercial tour operators and the public.

Commercial operators like River to Bay already use a temporary pontoon at Howard Smith Wharves, but due to high landing fees imposed by Redland City Council, the latter has reduced services. The company’s river-to-bay brewery tours, launched in February, have faced challenges.

The new Dunwich jetty will be a docking point for Brisbane-bound boats and a fishing pier. Its cost has ballooned from an initial estimate of $750,000 to $2.2 million.

Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser envisions the pontoons as a critical component of the precinct’s transformation into a world-class tourism hub. However, local operator John Groom, who launched a similar river-to-bay venture in 2018, expressed concerns about the potential for unfair advantage for larger operators through government funding. Groom highlighted the lack of support for smaller businesses in the sector.

The delays and questions surrounding the pontoon projects have introduced uncertainty to the future of Fortitude Valley’s waterfront ambitions.

Published Date 08-August-2024

Howard Smith Wharves Transforms into Origin Battleground for Livestream Event

Howard Smith Wharves is gearing up to host an unforgettable State of Origin decider livestream event on Wednesday, July 17. The final game of this year’s series is sure to deliver an electrifying atmosphere as Queensland and New South Wales battle for supremacy.

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Howard Smith Wharves livestream details

The livestream will take place at Felons Barrel Hall, with additional viewing areas available on the Rivergarden Lawn. Doors open well before the 8:05 p.m. kickoff, allowing fans to secure prime viewing spots and soak in the pre-game excitement.

Howard Smith Wharves, nestled beneath the iconic Story Bridge, offers more than just a viewing experience. The precinct boasts:
– 13 restaurants, cafes, and bars
– Multiple event spaces
– The award-winning Felons Brewery

This vibrant location aims to harness Brisbane’s energy, providing an ideal backdrop for the Origin excitement.

The Decider: a close contest expected

This year’s State of Origin series heads into a decider for the fourth time in six years. Queensland holds a formidable record in such situations, having won nine of the last ten deciders. New South Wales, on the other hand, enters the match with momentum from their Game 2 victory.

State of Origin team comparison — Photo Credit: The Analyst

Some key statistics for the game, according to Opta’s analysis:
– Queensland leads in line breaks, tackles, and dominant tackles this series
– New South Wales shows superiority in run metres, post-contact metres, and tackle breaks
– The Blues’ average play-the-ball speed (3.4 seconds) outpaces the Maroons (3.71 seconds)

Among all the stars on the field, Valentine Holmes is heralded as Queensland’s potential game-changer. The North Queensland Cowboys star boasts an impressive Game 3 record, having scored in every decider he’s played in.

The 2024 State of Origin series is on track to be one of the most-watched in history. With a combined attendance of 167,298 for the first two games, the addition of a packed Suncorp Stadium could push the total beyond 200,000—a feat not achieved since 2018.

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For Fortitude Valley residents, this event represents more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to come together, celebrate local culture, and be part of a historic sporting moment. Whether die-hard fans or casual observers, all are welcome to join in the festivities at Howard Smith Wharves.

Book your spot here.

Published 12-July-2024

NAIDOC Week 2024 Celebration to Showcase Indigenous Culture and Art

In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2024, Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is set to host a vibrant event showcasing Indigenous culture and art on July 10th. The celebration, organised in collaboration with Birrunga Gallery, will take place at Felons Barrel Hall from 11 am to 2:30 pm.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud!” aims to honour the resilience of Indigenous communities and encourage solidarity in amplifying voices that have historically been marginalised.

The event will commence with a Traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on the Rivergarden lawn adjacent to Felons Barrel Hall. Attendees will then be treated to a live didgeridoo performance, setting the stage for a day of cultural immersion.

Inside Barrel Hall, visitors can explore an art installation curated specifically for NAIDOC Week by Birrunga Gallery. The artists themselves will be present, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the creators.

A highlight of the afternoon will be a discussion between Trent Wallace and Birrunga Wiradyuri, focusing on NAIDOC Week themes and reflections on the past year.

This year’s theme symbolises the enduring resilience of Indigenous cultures and their deep connection to Country and traditions. It also represents a call for Indigenous Peoples to confidently embrace their heritage and assert their presence in contemporary society.

Tickets for the event include a shared grazing-style lunch featuring a fusion of native ingredients and contemporary cuisine, as well as a welcome drink. Due to limited capacity, interested parties are encouraged to RSVP promptly to secure their attendance.

rsvp here!

Published 9-July-2024

Cruise Into the City’s Buzziest Spot With the New CityCat Service at Howard Smith Wharves

Getting to Brisbane CBD just got even more accessible with the launch of a new dedicated CityCat service at the Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal starting yesterday, May 27.

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Travelling to the bars, restaurants, event spaces and the city centre underneath the iconic Story Bridge is now a breeze, with CityCat services running from early morning until late night, seven days a week.

The first CityCat will pull up at 6:10 a.m. daily, with the last services departing around 11:30 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.

Although Howard Smith Wharves has been serviced by the CityHopper and Cross River Ferry since its public ferry terminal opened in late 2021, this seamless CityCat integration is a game-changer for accessing both the precinct and the city centre.

An estimated 45,000 people per year have already been accessing the wharves by river transport. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hailed the new stop as a no-brainer for such a beloved riverside hotspot.

“Howard Smith Wharves is not only one of Brisbane’s most beloved entertainment areas, but directly linked to the iconic Fortitude Valley precinct, so a permanent CityCat stop at the wharves makes perfect sense,” said Cr Schrinner.

Luke Fraser, CEO of Howard Smith Wharves, expressed immense enthusiasm about the new CityCat stop, stating it was a thrilling development that is sure to delight both visitors and locals in Brisbane.

“The river really is one of Brisbane’s superpowers, so showcasing one of our city’s most amazing assets to even more CityCat users is a great idea, and we congratulate the Council on this commitment,” said Mr Fraser.

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“At Howard Smith Wharves, we’re passionate about the environment, and as the new CityCat service will reduce cars on the road, this is going to have a positive impact on our planet and our city.

With stunning river vistas, dining overseen by top chefs, buzzy bars and a constant calendar of events, getting to Howard Smith Wharves just got exponentially easier. Visit Translink’s website for more details about the CityCat service at Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal.

Published 28-May-2024

Countdown Begins for 2024 Brisbane Portrait Prize

The countdown to the 2024 Brisbane Portrait Prize has officially begun, with several of the 2023 winning portraits unveiled at a launch event held earlier this week at the Howard Smith Wharves.

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The launch brought together artists and potential subjects ahead of the opening of submissions for the 2024 prize. Attendees also heard from past finalists during a Q&A session.

Now in its sixth year, the Brisbane Portrait Prize has received over 3,200 entries to date, including 466 submissions to the Next Gen category for emerging artists. A total of $428,000 in prize money and grants has been awarded since the competition’s inception.

Photo credit: Brisbane Portrait Prize/Instagram

“The Brisbane Portrait Prize is proud to play a role in supporting the creative economy in this city, providing opportunity for artists, and telling the stories of Brisbane and its characters,” said BPP board member Lady Jane Edwards.

This year the finalist exhibition will be held at the State Library of Queensland for an extended three-month run, the longest showing since the prize began.

The 2024 Prize consists of two key competitions: the Main Competition, which is open to all entrants 18 and over, and the Next Gen Prize, which is open to entrants 18 and under.

“We are delighted to be moving into the premier arts precinct in Brisbane, in the heart of South Bank at State Library of Queensland for what will be our most exciting year yet,” said Lady Edwards.

The 2024 chief judge Bree Pickering, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, said she is looking forward to seeing diverse mediums and approaches to portraiture.

Brisbane Portrait Prize — Chief judge Bree Pickering (Photo credit: brisbaneportraitprize.org)

“I’m expecting to see works across mediums that celebrate the art of portraiture in all its forms. As Chief Judge I’m looking for great artworks that reveal something about you as the artist, about your sitter and importantly, the people of Brisbane,” Ms Pickering said.

Alongside Pickering, the esteemed 2024 judging panel includes Francoise Lane, Artistic Director of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, and Christine Clark, Head of Curatorial and Collections at Museum Brisbane.

Entries close on 22 May 2024, giving artists over three months to submit their work. The finalist exhibition will be held at the State Library in August.

The top honour is the Lord Mayor’s Prize of $50,000, presented by Brisbane City Council. Those who will be chosen for the “Support for emerging artists” award will take home $1,000 vouchers from Oxlades.

Read: Big Names, Fresh Faces Rock the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl 2024

The Brisbane Portrait Prize celebrates Brisbane’s portrait artists and encourages engagement with the arts. Any artist with a connection to the city can enter.

Published 20-February-2024

Indulge in Culinary Delights as Festa Italiana Shines at Howard Smith Wharves

Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves / howardsmithwharves.com

Prepare yourself for FESTA ITALIANA, happening over two weekends in May and June! This eagerly anticipated Italian food market is taking place at the Howard Smith Wharves.

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From 26 to 28 May and 2 to 4 June, Howard Smith Wharves will be transformed into a bustling Italian food market.

Experience the excitement of FESTA ITALIANA with the presence of esteemed guest Chef Orazio D’Elia from the popular Italian hotspot “Da Orazio,” a Bondi Beach favourite.

Hailing from Naples, Chef Orazio infuses his expertise and passion into the event to showcase his exceptional interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine.

Indulge in Culinary Delights as Festa Italiana Shines at Howard Smith Wharves — Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves / howardsmithwharves.com

Chef Orazio’s culinary journey has taken him from prestigious establishments like Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Sydney to the opening of Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta in Bondi Beach.

Chef Orazio will be serving up his famous ‘Vodka Rigatoni,’ a mouth-watering pasta dish featuring a creamy tomato and vodka sauce, generously topped with parmesan cheese.

Another must-try is the ‘Focaccia con Porchetta,’ a fan favourite made with succulent rotisserie porchetta, marinated grilled eggplant, crisp cos lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise, all sandwiched between slices of Schiacciatina bread.

FESTA ITALIANA also offers a plethora of other authentic Italian delights. Indulge in freshly made pasta from a live pasta station, savour the rich flavours of local Casa Motta Buffalo Mozzarella, delight in wood-fired bread, and satisfy your sweet tooth with creamy gelato.

All these, as you sip on classic Italian beverages or your beloved Aperol Spritz.

Beyond the food, FESTA ITALIANA promises a lively and immersive atmosphere. Take a seat on the lawn, sip on a refreshing Spritz, and let the live music transport you to the bustling streets of Naples. The entertainment lineup will captivate you, showcasing the vibrant spirit and energy of Italian culture.

Read: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Prepares to Open in Stages in 2023

So mark your calendars and make your way to Howard Smith Wharves for FESTA ITALIANA and celebrate the magnificence of Italian culture, cuisine, and hospitality in a truly unforgettable experience.

Published 19-May-2023

Ginuary Festival Heads To Howard Smith Wharves For Its 2023 Edition

Get ready, gin lovers! The iconic Ginuary Festival is returning in January 2023, bigger than ever as it takes over the Rivershed and the Green House at Howard Smith Wharves. Here’s what to look forward to in the upcoming event.

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Gin Tasting Hall

Expect more gin ever than before, as Ginuary Festival is back with a vengeance following two years of restricted events brought by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and the floods in 2022.

The ‘gin tasting hall’ is a fully covered space which features more than 10 different degustation stations, where guests can enjoy free gin tastings. There’s also an opportunity to purchase limited-edition gins or find new potential favourites.

As Ginuary Festival returns for its fifth year, Covent Garden has once again teamed up with Long Rays, CG Gin Co and some other Australian distillers to showcase the best of the homegrown gin industry at the gin tasting hall.

‘Gin House’ area

Covent Garden will be bringing along more than a hundred of your favourite gins, for you to indulge in, whilst enjoying the best view in town.

Howard Smith Wharves’ Rivershed is a heritage wharf building with an incomparable space overlooking the city and the Story Bridge. The Green House, on the other hand, offers an intimate, inner city escape for guests with plenty of natural light and greenery.

Hottest 100 Aussie Gins

As part of Covent Garden’s annual tradition, they will be bringing to you a countdown of the Hottest 100 Aussie Gins, voted by the people, especially gin lovers.

Voting is now open at www.hottest100gins.com.au. This year’s nominations have already reached a record number of more than 650 and are still growing.

Save the Date!

What	Ginuary Festival 2023/ Hottest 100 Aussie Gins 2022
Where	Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street Brisbane City
When	Sunday, 22 January 2023, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Ticket prices for the event start at $69, with a discount for early bird. For more details, visit their Events page on Facebook.

Stage 2 Story Bridge Adventure Climb Approved Despite Privacy Concerns

Photo credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb/Facebook

Plans for a new climb at the city end of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb have been given the go-ahead despite concerns about privacy.

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XBrisbane Pty Ltd successfully lodged an application (A005619901) for the project in December 2020 and was granted approval in April 2021.

The proposed development is for a new north peak bridge climb route, viewing platform, and swing out on the Story Bridge. Planning documents also indicate that the climb will consist of 550 steps and will be approximately 60 minutes in duration. Climbs will be undertaken in groups of a maximum of 14 climbers and will be suitable for both daytime and nighttime adventure.

Aerial Photograph Showing General Location of Proposed Activity (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Whilst this is good news for adventure seekers and tourists, residents are worried about losing their privacy once it’s operating. In addition to privacy concerns, other issues raised include road safety and noise.

Ami, a resident of Petrie Point Apartments said the proximity to their building which is located at 100 Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley, would mean severe privacy implications especially with the hours proposed and additional noise impacts which are extremely concerning.

“The Howard Smith Wharves precinct has already create issues for our complex with additional noise, people doing inappropriate things around our building and take up all available street parks. If the north end of the bridge is available to the public, our homes will also be invaded by people being able to look at us in our homes directly,” Ami wrote in her submission.

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In another submission sent to Council, one resident pointed out that application is incorrectly made and should be rejected as an “outdoor sport and recreation” of code assessment as it falls into the activity of “tourism” which requires a thorough impact assessment process.

Proposed North Peak Climb route (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A town planning report states that the “development is sited and designed to enable existing and future buildings to be well separated from each other to allow for light penetration, air circulation, views, vistas and privacy, particularly for residential towers.”

Once complete, The Northern Peak Climb will operate year-round in all weather conditions other than extreme winds, electrical storms or severe rainstorms. It will open from early-morning to 10:00 pm seven days a week.