Derelict Howard Smith wharves site to be turned into hotel, parks, restaurants
The Howard Smith Wharves plan includes a hotel, parks and exhibition spaces Source: Supplied
THE Howard Smith Wharves are set to get a revamp with a new hotel and parkland flagged for the 3.43 hectare site.
The plans at this stage include a public space and parkland covering 80 per cent of the area, which connects to the New Farm Riverwalk, a 150-room five star boutique hotel under the Story Bridge, restaurants, cafes, bars and an exhibition space.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the revitalisation of a prime city “riverside eyesore site” moved a step closer to fruition today after the successful tender for the Howard Smith Wharves Revitalisation project.
“Today’s announcement is a big step to delivering a vibrant, world class waterfront destination to further enhance Brisbane’s position as a New World City,” Cr Quirk said.
“There will be magnificent public spaces and parkland to ensure residents can enjoy diverse recreational opportunities in a prime riverside location.
An artit’s impression of the development
“New buildings occupy 10 per cent of the site, public space and parkland cover 80 per cent of the site with the remaining 10 per cent involving the preservation of the historic wharves.”
Cr Quirk said the redevelopment of the wharves will give direct access to the top of the cliffs via two lifts and a flight of stairs and be close to the Riverwalk and an integral part of the design involved incorporating the heritage-listed building into the redevelopment.
“The historic Howard Smith Wharves have been largely disused for decades and both council and the Brisbane community wanted to ensure that any new development would give the heritage buildings a new lease of life,” Cr Quirk said.
“The project will see these heritage building activated to accommodate a vibrant dining, retail and tourism centre, highlighting the area’s historic importance and preserving its rich legacy for future generations.”
Eateries will line the Brisbane River
HSW Consortium, led by Adam Flaskas and Elisha Bickle have been chosen as the preferred candidates to undertake the development, the final decision on who will undertake the project will be finalised at a full council meeting next Tuesday.
Construction is expected to start in mid-2015, after a development application has been processed and the community consultation periods end.
Howard Street wharves in the 1960s
