Howard Smith Wharves: Boutique hotel among redevelopment plans

A new boutique hotel, bar and dining precinct and more public spaces are on the drawing board under a major proposal to change the trendy riverside precinct.

An artist’s impression of the changes to Howard Smith Wharves

A nine-storey boutique hotel complete with theatre hall and a new pool deck overhanging the Brisbane River could be built at Howard Smith Wharves under a major proposed overhaul.

Developer Artemus Group, the company which rebuilt Howard Smith Wharves into one of Brisbane’s top precincts, has pitched its latest plans as a blueprint for the area to “play a central role” in showcasing the city during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Artemus Group founder and director Adam Flaskas said the goal was to “deliver something truly world-class for Brisbane”.

“This project incorporates world firsts in its design, materials, innovation and creativity to support us in achieving this vision and building something truly beautiful,” he said.

Its plan, to be lodged with Brisbane City Council on September 23, includes replacing the existing Felons Barrel Hall with a nine-storey, 77-bedroom hotel with retail and a theatre hall on the ground floor.

The hotel would replace the Felons Barrel Hall.

And the current Rivershed would be turned into a bar and dining precinct, and upgraded to include a pool deck overhanging the Brisbane River.

As part of the proposal Artemus Group would make Bougainvillea House, currently a single storey event space with a wraparound veranda, a two-storey building.

Two new cliff lifts would be built next to the existing facility — in a move set to alleviate longlines of people trying to get to road level.

In a bid to reduce packaging waste, 12 beverage storage tanks would be erected across three locations on the riverside precinct.

The latest development at Howard Smith Wharves, according to Artemus Group, would also improve public access, add more open spaces, and improve on the riverfront public spaces like pathways, parklands and boardwalks.

An artist’s impression of the changes to Howard Smith Wharves

Project architect Mark Damant said the design incorporated subtropical landscape elements and integrated rooftop gardens and greenery on the outside of the building.

The development application is code-assessable and is expected to follow Brisbane City Council’s standard approval process.

Artemus Group chief executive Luke Fraser said the cost of the development was still being worked through.

“We’re proud to present a vision that will play a pivotal role in shaping Brisbane’s future,” he said.

“Howard Smith Wharves has always been about community, and this next stage is about continuing to provide exceptional spaces and experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful city and some of the very best experiences Queensland has to offer.”