The Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment on the Brisbane River has just reached one step closer to completion as fit-out of the development commence this week.
A year since construction began, the $200 million Howard Smith Wharf Project is now one step closer to reality as builders prepare restaurants and bars for fit-out later this week. Hutchinson Builders were appointed to construct the new world-class riverside precinct, which will feature over 2.7 hectares of public open space, a 164-room Art Series Hotel, an exhibition and events centre, a craft brewery, and an array of restaurants and cafes. The new precinct was designed by architect studio Woods Bagot and the new hotel was designed by SJB architects.
Connecting the New Farm Riverwalk and the CBD, the completed development will deliver an inclusive space for the local community, nearby workers and visitors to the city. The riverfront will also see the full restoration and transformation of existing heritage buildings and wharf, to provide an entirely new entertainment precinct that celebrates the best of Brisbane. Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said this week the development will see some significant changes taking place.
“This key project will change the face of our city forever,” she said, “today is an exciting day as we mark the handover of restaurants and bars for fit-out this week.”
The development has already created around 200 new construction jobs for Queenslanders during the peak construction period, and once it’s operational, Howard Smith Wharves have been forecast to create an additional 800 jobs. Howard Smith Wharves’ CEO, Luke Fraser, has also announced that over $200 million will be invested to revitalise the river-city precinct.
“The river is the beating heart of Brisbane. We’re harnessing the natural beauty of Brisbane to create experiences that will lure visitors and give locals a new way to enjoy their city,” Fraser said.
“Already you can start to see the site really taking shape, but people will be surprised by what they see in the next few weeks as builders begin the fit-out of restaurants and bars on-site,” he said.
Deague Group has announced that the Art Series Hotel will open in March 2019.
More information on the full Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment can be found here.