Approved: Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment to reshape Brisbane’s riverfront
Artemus Group has secured approval for a sweeping redevelopment of Howard Smith Wharves. The ambitious upgrade will bring new river infrastructure, additional public space and a 106-room boutique hotel to the precinct before 2032. Plans also include Brisbane’s first over-river pool. Here’s what we know …
The now-approved development application, first submitted in September 2024, includes approximately $500 million in upgrades intended to cement the riverside precinct’s status as a world-class destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In addition to the new 106-room boutique hotel, the redevelopment will also include the construction of Brisbane’s first over-river pool, two new cliffside lifts, enhancements to Felons Barrel Hall, redesigned pontoon infrastructure (backed by the Queensland Government) for improved river-based tourism and private boat mooring, and cascading riverfront stairs.
Plans also include an estimated 30-percent increase in outdoor public space – or the equivalent of 8500 sqm.
In a media statement, Howard Smith Wharves founder Adam Flaskas said that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Brisbane – one that isn’t just being built for Brisbane today, but for the world that will be watching in 2032.
“The timing of this approval could not be more significant. With Brisbane set to host the world for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, HSW 2.0 positions Howard Smith Wharves, and the Brisbane River, as a centrepiece of the city’s global moment,” Flaskas said.
“Howard Smith Wharves has always been about connecting people with this magnificent river, and with this announcement we take that vision to an entirely new level, acting as a gateway to the river and Moreton Bay.”
Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser echoed those sentiments and said the approval was a defining moment for the precinct.
“Brisbane is a city on the rise, and Howard Smith Wharves is proud to be part of that story,” Fraser said. “Every decision we’ve made in designing HSW has been guided by asking: how do we create something that Brisbane will be proud to show the world in 2032 and for decades beyond?”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised the landmark development application for its potential to unlock more jobs and tourism opportunities.
Subscribe for updates“Many years ago, people saw a derelict wharf, but we saw the possibilities, and so we partnered with the private sector to bring it to life. Howard Smith Wharves has now become one of Australia’s great urban transformations and it’s something we’re proud of as a city.”
“This next stage takes Howard Smith Wharves to another level, with more jobs, more to see and do, more hotel rooms and more of what makes Brisbane Australia’s lifestyle capital.”
The next phase of Howard Smith Wharves’ evolution is expected to be completed before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Stay tuned for more details.
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