BMI Group lodges masterplan for the next phase of Rivermakers precinct

The developer of a multimillion-dollar Brisbane waterfront precinct has lodged a masterplan with council to allow for more ‘flexibility’ and ‘certainty’ following a court battle.

An artist's impression of the Rivermakers waterfront boardwalk.

The developer behind a multimillion-dollar waterfront precinct has lodged a masterplan for the next phase of the development after a bitter courtroom stoush with one of Queensland’s richest men.

Headed by richlister Balfour Irvine, the BMI Group’s Rivermakers project at Morningside in Brisbane’s east has been developed over a number of years as contemporary mix of manufacturing, retail and leisure.

Last year neighbour meatworks Australian Country Choice headed by billionaire Trevor Lee launched appeal in the Planning and Environment Court against the council’s approval of two new businesses in the precinct.

A new masterplan of the site will enable the ongoing remediation and rehabilitation of the former Mobil Bulk Fuel Depot site and seeks to build on the early success of the Rivermakers project.

The riverfront space will link Colmslie boat ramp to the Colmslie Beach Reserve to create a public asset directly across the river from the planned Olympics athlete’s village.

BMI Group‘s masterplan for the 30ha site seeks to lock in greater flexibility in land uses so appropriate industries can house all aspects of their business – manufacturing, office and retail under the one roof.

An artist's impression of the Rivermakers precinct.

BMI Development manager Michael Irvine said an approved masterplan would provide certainty for businesses to operate with flexibility and ensure their workers could access essential services in the precinct.

“Council is currently reviewing its Industrial Land Use regulations with a view to making them more flexible and allowing a mix of contemporary uses and our master plan aligns with those ambitions,” he said.

“Rivermakers is emerging as a riverside destination for a range of opportunities, enabling Brisbane’s industrial and business sectors to evolve while providing the work-life-balance people seek.

“The demand from industry shows there is clearly a need for this new way of operating and the masterplan allows us to get on the with the job of making it happen.”

The Heritage Quarter of the Rivermakers.

The application proposes a protocol that protects the rights of the site’s neighbours to continue their current industrial uses as a condition of approval.

Rivermakers adjoins the Raptis Fish Market and meat processor, Australian Country Choice.

“We want to be a good neighbour and give them comfort that they will not be impacted down the track,” he said.

Rivermakers will present the masterplan to the community at a series of open days on site next month.

“We want people to understand the site and explore all the opportunities for such a strategic part of Brisbane’s riverfront,” Mr Irvine said.

“That means making the most of this special site for the community while protecting and enhancing amenity for its immediate neighbours.”

Originally published as BMI Group lodges masterplan for the next phase of Rivermakers precinct