$100m redevelopment of the historic Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge approved, work to start 2016

WORK will start early next year on Brisbane’s newest entertainment precinct, the $100 million revitalisation of a superbly located riverside eyesore.

Design drawing of Howard Smith Wharves development at New Farm

BRISBANE”S newest riverside entertainment precinct will be open for business in the middle of 2017 after the city council gave the $100 million Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment the green light.

Work is expected to start on the precinct under the Story Bridge by April next year which will create a recreation, event and tourism destination.

HSW Nominees plan to own and operate the development and will restore the four heritage buildings that have been largely unused for decades and the construct two new buildings – a boutique hotel and a landmark single storey event space.

Most of the 3.43ha development will be public open space connecting the New Farm Riverwalk and the CBD, with pedestrian access to the site boosted by two elevators and a stair from the cliff tops.

The walkway and bicycle access through the site will be maintained, including during construction.

Design drawing of the planned Howard Smith Wharves development.

Development director Luke Fraser said the restoration of the heritage listed sheds on the site would be an initial stage of work, followed closely by landscaping the 2.7ha of open space and the construction of the 164 room Art Series Hotel by the Art Series Hotel Group.

“Our ambitions for the site had always been low scale, but high quality and I know from talking to local businesses and residents that people are excited about what is planned here,” he said.

“We hope this will be a tourism destination but we’re more interested in creating a food and cultural precinct that the people of Brisbane will love.”

“Our plans include assembling some of the best local, national and international culinary talents.”

Mr Fraser said the planned single level event and exhibition space, designed for functions for up to 1000 sit-down guests, was already attracting strong interest.

“We actually have taken a handful of bookings for the second half of 2017 and now this approval gives us the confidence to take more,” he said.

Mr Fraser said an urban agriculture and food education strategy would see a focus of food production – much of the eastern portion of the site will become an edible landscape designed to service the precinct’s restaurants and cafes.

“We are looking at growing vegetables, fruit and herbs, but also coffee roasting, beer brewing and an artisan bakery,” he said.

“Our plans include assembling some of the best local, national and international culinary talents, growing high quality new food and drink brands and hosting signature events. We are aiming to create a place that Brisbane can be proud of.”

“We’re more interested in creating a food and cultural precinct that the people of Brisbane will love.”