First stage of Queen’s Wharf set to open next year

THE public will be able to enjoy their first taste of the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf development in less than two years – with a riverfront park and walkway set to open three years before the integrated casino-resort is completed.

Artist impression of the Queen’s Wharf development called Waterline Park.

THE public will be able to enjoy their first taste of the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf development in less than two years.

The Destination Brisbane Consortium have revealed Multiplex has won the tender to create a new riverfront park and walkway due to open by late-2019 – three years before the integrated casino-resort is completed.

Artist's impression of Waterline Park, part of Queen’s Wharf Project – the park should be finished by late 2019.

The Waterline Park and Mangrove Walk will transform one of the city centre’s most underused areas running underneath the Riverside Expressway.

The $40 million project – stretching 450 metres between the State Government’s 1 William St “tower of power” and the Goodwill Bridge – will create a new playground for locals and tourists to enjoy the city’s subtropical climate.

“We are delighted the ­people of Brisbane will have an opportunity to enjoy this first stage of the development well before we open what will be the most spectacular integrated resort in Australia,” The Star Entertainment Group chief executive Matt Bekier said. The Star is the lead partner in the consortium, along with Hong Kong-based partners Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium.

Artist’s impression of Queen’s Wharf Plaza from the Brisbane Steps.

Destination Brisbane project director Simon Crooks said: “Waterline Park will be an oasis in the CBD that will provide active outdoor leisure and relaxation opportunities with some of the best views in Brisbane. Features in the park will include outdoor gym equipment, table-tennis tables and a boatshed cafe.”

“By creating these new scenic spaces, we are helping to unlock the riverfront.”

The pedestrian-only Mangrove Walk will have interpretative heritage and storytelling features including an indigenous message trail and educational installations.

Shaded seating areas will allow people to sit and take in the views across the river and a facility to launch kayaks and canoes will be built.

The existing riverside Bicentennial Bikeway will be upgraded to a three-metre route through most of the precinct.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the waterfront recreational area would be a “major milestone in this city-changing project”.

“We’re the river city and more great outdoor experiences will enhance the appeal of Queen’s Wharf. These locations will become the CBD’s prized gathering places, especially for the big annual events like Riverfire and New Year’s Eve.”

The completed Queen’s Wharf precinct will include the equivalent of 12 football fields of public space.

The future of Queen’s Wharf.

The city’s Eagle Street Pier will be redeveloped to include 1.5 hectares of public space under a $1.4 billion plan unveiled by property company Dexus last week.

And redevelopment of the Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge is underway. Brisbane City Council also has a river hubs strategy to create moorings for Moreton Bay and Island cruises, other tourist boats, water-taxis and private vessels.