Brisbane riverfront owners fighting to stop Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment

A $100 million revitalisation project that aims to transform a derelict part of Brisbane has come under fire for being “too bright”.

Artist impressions of what Howard Smith Wharves

RIVERFRONT apartment owners are trying to stop one of Brisbane’s biggest redevelopments, saying it will be too bright and too loud.

The $100 million Howard Smith Wharves revitalisation project aims to transform derelict wharves under the Story Bridge into a world-class boutique hotel, restaurant and cafe precinct, as well as public parklands.

However, the body corporate of nearby Quay Terraces Apartments has lodged a court appeal, arguing the noise, lights and increased traffic will impact on the amenity of the area.

It also claims the plan falls short on crime prevention as its design “does not create a safe environment”.

An artist’s impression of what the Howard Smith Wharves will look like after the redevelopment.

The historic wharves were built in the 1930s, playing a role in the city’s early development, but have since fallen into disuse.

While initial submissions made on behalf of the body corporate stated it did not “take issue with the general scale and nature of the development”, the application made to the Planning and Environment Court is pushing for the development application to be refused.

In a submission made to council, Quay Terraces body corporate representative Maria Bennett said residents would “suffer severely”, listing issues including extreme noise levels during construction and that no allowance was made for the extra traffic.

Residents at Quay Terraces have lodged an objection to council over the Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment. Picture: Tara Croser.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the final product would “add to the lifestyle offering of Brisbane”.

“You have to expect there will be a lot of light and a lot of movement at the location. That’s part of the ambience of living in a city centre,” he said.

Howard Smith Wharves development director Luke Fraser said it was low-scale, high-quality, preserved the heritage-listed buildings and steps would be taken to limit noise during construction.

“We believe this is a new and vibrant space for the people of Brisbane,” he said.

Council granted the site approval late last year.

It will include a 350-space underground car park and 80 per cent of the site dedicated to public space.

The redevelopment, due to start work mid-2016, was estimated to create 200 jobs during construction and 400 permanent jobs once finished.