Howard Smith Wharves project gets closer

Howard Smith Wharves project gets closerA riverside site in Brisbane is one step closer to being redeveloped following the successful tender for the Howard Smith Wharves Revitalisation project by the HSW Consortium, a company associated with Adam Flaskas and Elisha Bickle.The rejuvenation of the prime city riverside site will incorporate existing heritage structures and new public spaces and parkland, a five-star boutique hotel, world-class restaurants, cafés and bars and an exhibition space.”The historic Howard Smith Wharves have been largely disused for decades and both Council and the Brisbane community wanted to ensure that any new development would give the heritage buildings a new lease of life,” said Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.”The project will see these heritage buildings activated to accommodate a vibrant dining, retail and tourism centre, highlighting the area’s historic importance and preserving its rich legacy for future generations.”Lord Mayor Quirk said the announcement was “a big step [towards] delivering a vibrant, world-class waterfront destination to further enhance Brisbane’s position as a New World City”.”The Brisbane community told us they wanted to see lots of open space on this site and the HSW Consortium’s innovative design certainly delivers on this,” he said.”New buildings occupy only 10 per cent of the site, public space and parkland cover 80 per cent of the site, with the remaining 10 per cent involving the preservation of the historic wharves.”Upon completion, the site will be pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly with dedicated pathways. It will feature open turf and landscaped areas, a kayak ramp, park furniture (including bike racks and seating) and lighting to activate the space both day and night.”The redeveloped Howard Smith Wharves site will have direct access to the top of the cliffs, via two new lifts and a flight of stairs, and be [within] proximity to the newly built Riverwalk and [have] excellent links to the CBD, Fortitude Valley, Kangaroo Point via Story Bridge and New Farm,” Lord Mayor Quirk said.Council carried out an extensive evaluation process to develop the 3.43-hectare site before selecting the HSW Consortium. Works will commence upon receipt of development approval, with the elected HSW Consortium lodging a development application in the next six months. It’s expected that a decision notice may be issued in the second half of 2015.The HSW Consortium will have three years to develop the site.