Video: Inside the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf construction site

Almost one year after worked started on the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf casino resort, spectacular aerial pictures have shown the stunning transformation of the site that will become the state’s biggest-ever tourism project.

IT’S the giant hole set to deliver a whole world of opportunity for Queensland tourism.

Almost one year after the start of work on the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf casino resort, spectacular aerial pictures show the stunning transformation of the site that will be home to Queensland’s biggest-ever tourism project.

Excavators have so far removed more than 300,000 tonnes of rubble — enough to fill 44 Olympic swimming pools, creating a hole almost 22m deep. By the time excavation is completed mid-year and construction crews move in, it will extend 26m below the streets of Brisbane.

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A panoramic view of the giant hole created for the Queen’s Wharf development. Picture: Liam Kidston

The game-changing casino resort, to feature hotels, restaurants, bars, retail stores and a spectacular sky deck perched 100 metres above the Brisbane River, is slated to open in 2022 with work on the foundations and multistorey underground car parks expected to start by August this year.

Star’s managing director of Queensland operations Geoff Hogg said the changes to the CBD skyline on the north side of the Brisbane River was “nothing short of extraordinary”.

“It’s hard to believe two years ago this space held three government buildings,” Mr Hogg said.

Project lead Simon Crooks and site manager Rob Riches. Picture: Liam Kidston

Digging is expected to be completed mid-2019.

“Today, the area is a major working pit with the surrounding heritage buildings clearly visible and highlighting a bygone era that we look forward to bringing back to life through careful restoration and conversion into exciting dining, shopping, and cultural tourism offerings in the future.”

From an excavation workforce of about 120, the project will employ more than 2000 people during construction and an estimated 10,000 once it is operational. Queen’s Wharf is expected to generate an extra 1.39 million visitors a year and deliver a $1.69 billion annual increase in Queensland tourism spending.

An artist’s impression of the Queen’s Wharf development when completed.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the project was transforming Brisbane.

“The footage shows we’ve made huge headway in 12 months,” she said.

Almost 90 per cent of the rubble removed from the site has been recycled, with over half going to the redevelopment of Brisbane Airport.