The Star Brisbane unveils sky-high luxury with completion of iconic sky deck

Dramatic timelapse footage has captured the moment the final piece of the centrepiece of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development was hoisted into place, in a “defining moment” for the project.

The final section of the centrepiece of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development has been slotted into place, in a “defining moment” for the project.

The 250-metre Sky Deck, which towers 100 metres above the Brisbane River atop the prestigious 5-star Star Grand Hotel, now fully connects the three main buildings in the development.

This accomplishment serves as a double celebration, as it also signifies the topping out of The Star Brisbane’s luxurious 340-room hotel.

The Star Brisbane announced completion of Sky Deck with final section engineered into place 100m above the Brisbane River. Picture: The Star Entertainment Group.

The completion however was no small feat, taking over eight hours to lift the section up onto the 23rd floor.

Chief Operating Officer of The Star Brisbane, Kelvin Dodt, highlighted the importance of this achievement, calling it a “defining moment for the transformational Brisbane project”.

“This will become one of the city’s most recognisable skyscapes elevating Brisbane’s already growing international reputation as a must-visit destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

Offering spectacular panoramic views from the CBD to Moreton Bay and Mt Coot-tha, the 250-metre-long crescent-shaped Sky Deck is poised to become the city’s new favourite luxury hotspot.
It features a restaurant, a casual dining area, a bar, and a unique open-air event space that’s accessible every day of the year.

At its midpoint, a glass floor viewing platform is expected to attract millions of visitors, offering breathtaking photo opportunities.

Upon completion, the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development led by the Destination Brisbane Consortium is set to revolutionise the city’s CBD, adding four luxury hotels, more than 50 new restaurants and bars, approximately 1500 residential apartments, and a generous public space the size of 12 football fields.

The project also involves the restoration of nine heritage buildings and the integration of captivating artworks.Despite a number of construction delays, Mr Dodt said he is confident the construction will be complete in time for its scheduled grand opening in April 2024.

“The 1500 Plus workers on site at the moment are doing an amazing job working around the clock to get us ready for April next year,” he said.

“Like any major infrastructure project, there’s been challenges, particularly over the last couple of years, but with this last piece going into place today, we’re a lot more confident of that opening date.”

New timelapse footage shows the final section of Queen's Wharf Sky Deck being installed.

Project Director of the Destination Brisbane Consortium, Simon Crooks, expressed his delight over the project’s progression, saying, “it’s wonderful to see the design come to fruition after three complex, heavy engineering lifts and installations”.

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is the city’s first development to receive the esteemed 6-star Green Star Communities rating, recognising its commitment to social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

The integrated resort is expected to attract an additional 1.4 million tourists to Brisbane each year, following its phased opening from April 2024.

Acting Premier, Steven Miles, endorsed the potential of the Sky Deck, calling it “ Brisbane’s newest and best selfie spot”.

“As we move closer toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, all eyes will be on this city and it’s developments like this that will attract even more people to town to get their picture on the glass floor viewing platform, to visit a restored heritage building or have dinner overlooking Brisbane,” he said.

“It sits the heart of our vision of the city in the future, we would not have won the hosting rights to Brisbane 2032, if we didn’t have the Queen’s wharf under construction, we simply would not have had the accommodation space available”

“So it’s very exciting to see workers here achieve these two milestones in its construction.”

The completion of the Sky Deck was extra special due to its distinctly local roots according to Mr Miles.

“Seeing the finished Sky Deck is extra special, as the completed deck is made from Australian steel, manufactured just up the road at Beenleigh.”