Queen’s Wharf to preserve heritage features of Brisbane CBD site

Heritage buildings dating back nearly 200 years, gardens and other historical elements of the Queen’s Wharf CBD site are set to be brought back to life under the $3.6 billion development.

Parisian-style lanes and heritage buildings filled with cafes, bars, restaurants and shops are the hidden secret of Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf development, while historical elements will be brought back to life through restoration.

While much fanfare has been made of the entertainment elements of the new $3.6bn development, its heritage as being the birthplace of Brisbane will also be highlighted.

The Star Entertainment Group managing director and chief executive Robbie Cooke said the heritage component was the “jewel of the precinct” and said it would set the development apart from other tourism and entertainment destinations.

“All of the heritage buildings and places are to be repurposed and reactivated for public use, so locals and visitors alike will have the unique chance to explore both the indigenous and European history of Brisbane through a variety of food and beverage, tourism, and retail experiences,” he said.

An artist’s impression of Harris Terrace

Grand stairs will tell the story of the city via printed words along each step.

The area will also tell the story of both the First Nations people and European settlers who had called the precinct home, with the development’s historical elements expected to become a major tourism attraction.

Shoreline markers will allow tourists to see how the Brisbane river has changed over time, while stylised crates embellished with text and illustration will tell the stories of the original wharf.

“When it comes to protecting heritage, the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project team left nothing to chance and ensured several culturally significant buildings were well secured ahead of the hard demolition and excavation works starting,” Mr Cooke said.

The former government Printery at 110 George Street will become the DFS Galleria luxury retail, with DFS vice-president (retail operations) Prashant Mahbooban saying the company would “honour our commitment to the conservation and restoration of historical and cultural landmarks”.

An artist’s impression of DFS Galleria

Queen’s Gardens, a park built in 1905, will be rejuvenated for public use, while the former Land Administration Building at 142 William Street – now the Treasury Hotel – will include fine dining and accommodation.

The Mansions at 40 George Street, built in 1889, will feature a stoned lane and premium food and beverage offerings, while the Commissariat Store built in 1828-29 will remain the headquarters of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland.

Harris Terrace, built between 1866-1887, will be used for luxury retail, cafe and bar, with outdoor dining in the courtyard.

Mr Cooke said with the precinct home to one of Australia’s greatest collections of First Nations and European history, it was “vitally important to preserve them”.

An artist’s impression of Miller Park

“We’ve worked with local indigenous communities to incorporate First Nations storytelling and cultural links along the riverfront. The indigenous designs along the Mangrove Walk have already been revealed,” he said.

“And in this latter phase of construction, we are working with heritage consultants ensuring the original heritage architecture and designs are preserved and restored for the current and future generations to enjoy.

“We are proud that the focus on preserving Brisbane’s heritage will help shine a new spotlight on both the city’s European and First Nation’s history. Especially as we get ready to invite the world to our Olympic city.”

An artist’s impression of Stephens Lane

An artist’s impression of the Printery Courtyard