How the fate of Howard Smith Wharves megaproject will be decided

Brisbane City Council will assess a nine-storey hotel on the city’s river bank without seeking public consultation, despite it being five storeys higher than its own planning scheme allowed.

Evaluating Artemus’s new plans for Howard Smith Wharves as “code” rather than “impact” assessable removes the requirement for public consultation, meaning the council will be able to expedite the approval process.

In an assessment report submitted to the council on developer Artemus’s behalf, town planning firm Urbis notes the hotel site has a height limit of four storeys or 17 metres, whichever was less.

Render of the proposed nine-storey hotel at Howard Smith Wharves, submitted to Brisbane City Council this week.Credit: Artemus

“This proposal seeks a building height of nine storeys and 36 metres, and therefore exceeds the requirements,” Urbis says.

A spokeswoman for the LNP administration said the council’s independent planning officers had deemed proposal code assessable because the level of assessment was based on land use, not building height.

“Council will assess the building height, considering public benefit, built form as well as the context of the site and its landscape,” she said.

While they would not be sought, the spokeswoman said public submissions about the development could still be made and would be “considered by council as part of the assessment”.

Planning documents submitted to the council show Artemus was talked down from 12 storeys during pre-lodgement meetings with council planning officers.

In its assessment report, Urbis points to the nearby Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel, in the shadow of the Story Bridge, as “evidence that the precinct can successfully accommodate buildings of such scale to the top of cliffs”.

For its part, the council’s Labor opposition was comfortable with the process – and the project.

“People have voted with their feet and love what Howard Smith Wharves has to offer, both locals and visitors alike,” opposition leader Jared Cassidy said.

“Seeing more investment in this location is a good thing, but it must be done in a way that enhances Brisbane and doesn’t take away from the relaxed riverside experience people enjoy there.”

Plans for the music hall mezzanine level in the proposed nine-storey hotel at Howard Smith Wharves.Credit: Little Boat Projects

In addition to 77 hotel rooms, the proposal included a 600-capacity live music venue. The recently closed Zoo in Fortitude Valley held 500.

Artemus chief executive Luke Fraser said the “state-of-the-art upgrade” to the existing Felons Barrel Hall would allow bigger crowds and more live music at the site.

“We’re so proud to continue our work of supporting local artists and attracting international acts to contribute to Brisbane’s thriving live music scene,” he said.

Artemus also plans to expand into the river, with a new pool deck adjacent to the existing Rivershed, which would be raised.

The proposed pool deck over the Brisbane River.Credit: Artemus

It was a plan to which the Queensland government, as the river site’s owner, had already given its consent.

“The proposed over-water pool deck is a significant new structure that provides Brisbane with a special, unique place,” designers Little Boat Projects say in their architectural report.

“...A new salt-water pool will create opportunities for health and leisure and serve as a focal point for a unique food and beverage offer unlike anything else seen in Brisbane.”