Brisbane Waterfront redesign to ‘add variety’ through new shapes, lines

New plans have been submitted for the Waterfront Brisbane development, increasing the floor space in a planned riverside hospitality and retail pavilion behind a vastly different facade and roofline.

The former Eagle Street Pier, recognisable by the domes on its roof, has been demolished to make way for Waterfront Brisbane, a $2.5 billion, two-tower development with a new Riverwalk and moorings.

As part of the development, a separate riverside building will be constructed in front of neighbouring Waterfront Place, with terraces, stairs and gardens to connect the various restaurants, cafes, bars and shops expected in between.

Dexus has applied to amend the plans for its Waterfront Brisbane development.

Dexus this week asked Brisbane City Council to approve amended plans for the separate building it calls the Waterfront Pavilion, changing the footprint and design to provide another 580m² in gross floor area.

The pavilion’s facade will now feature oval-shaped windows and a distinctive jagged and segmented roofline, which will wrap around Waterfront Place and the area near the heritage-listed, and recently rejuvenated, Naldham House.

The changes allow for greater setback from the river – the new roof will rise higher and extend out as a shade structure, while also providing the safety barrier required for Waterfront Place – and more landscaped areas above the Riverwalk.

The approved plan (left) and proposed changes (right) for the Waterfront Pavilion on the Brisbane River.

“The development showcases a contemporary, distinctive, and sophisticated architectural style, designed by FJC to embody Brisbane’s subtropical climate, sustainable features and architectural expression,” the council has been told.

“The overall redesign of the Waterfront Pavilion enables a more refined approach to the integration of the development into the wider Waterfront Brisbane precinct.

“The architectural features include a unique roof form, distinctive materials and finishes and integrated landscaping. The distinctive shape and key elements add visual interest and variety throughout the structure.”

The former Eagle Street Pier has been demolished.

The site is on one of the most popular stretches of the Brisbane River, between the newly opened Kangaroo Point Bridge and the Howard Smith Wharves, which also has redevelopment plans before council.

The Kangaroo Point Bridge is busier than expected, as people opt for active travel and use the new connection between the CBD and the southern side of the river.

At the former Eagle Street Pier, the Riverwalk has closed to allow for construction of Waterfront Brisbane, adding to the gaps in the dedicated pedestrian and cycle path along the river.

The first tower is due to be finished by 2028 – the Riverwalk is expected to partially reopen in 2026 – with construction of the second tower yet to be scheduled.

The Waterfront Brisbane construction site, as viewed from the Kangaroo Point Bridge. The pavilion would be built in front of Waterfront Place, the building to the left.Credit: Courtney Kruk

It comes as Howard Smith Wharves is being asked to explain its plans for the Riverwalk, which, if approved, would require pedestrians and cyclists to travel through the ground floor of a hotel.

At Queen’s Wharf, parts of the Riverwalk were commandeered for a recent event.

The safety of cyclists and pedestrians is part of an ongoing transport investigation.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.