Waterfront Precinct proposal reimagines Brisbane’s riverside
From its earliest incarnation as a docking point for coastal passengers and cargo ships, Eagle Street Pier was at the heart of Brisbane. And now a visionary proposal from Dexus points to a new future.
“It’s not often you get the chance to change the face of a city. But there’s a responsibility that comes with that opportunity,” says Matthew Beasley, head of office development for Dexus in Queensland.
Beasley is leading Dexus’ Waterfront Precinct project, an ambitious plan to reimagine Brisbane’s Eagle Street and surrounds, and hand back the waterfront to the Brisbane community.
Once a gateway to the city centre, the shipping wharves built in the 18s were in a state of dilapidation and disrepair when they were demolished to make way for the Eagle Street Pier in 1989.
But nearly three decades on, the precinct is once again set for transformation, and Beasley says Dexus aims to “revitalise that waterfront by building a strong commercial heart that reconnects the city to the river”.
Dexus is the owner and manager of the largest consolidated private sector landholding in the Brisbane CBD, which includes the Eagle Street Pier and its surrounds. This enables Dexus to take a precinct-scale approach to the redevelopment.
The construction of the Cross River Rail will include the first new inner-city station in 120 years right at the doorstep of Eagle Street. “It will be the busiest transport hub in the city and fundamentally change the way the city operates,” Beasley explains.
“Eagle Street is where the city grid meets the river, but it is currently disconnected. We have an opportunity to open it back up by creating a pedestrian-focused precinct with a series of civic spaces that cater to the needs of workers and visitors to the city.”
Dexus’ vision for the precinct aligns with the Brisbane City Council’s New World City Action Plan and supports the Queensland Government’s economic development agenda.
In March, the Palaszczuk Government gave Dexus the green light to pursue its plan as part of the four-stage market-led proposal program. The Waterfront Precinct proposal is now at stage two, and Dexus is undertaking a full feasibility study, including stakeholder consultation.
The proposal includes two new towers: a premium commercial tower of up to 70,000 sqm and a mixed-use tower that could include residential and hotel accommodation.
A guiding principle of the Waterfront Precinct proposal is to prioritise people and public access – creating a shaded, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment that is closed to traffic. More green space, more dining options and 1.5 hectares of open space are all part of the plan.
“This is about creating a great place to work, visit, eat and enjoy the river.”
The project also has the potential to support around 740 jobs during construction.
Beasley, who has worked on the Olympic site in London among other world-leading projects, says this will be his personal career highlight.
“Brisbane’s city is defined by its waterfront. It’s the backdrop to the nightly news and is at the centre of any major event in the state capital. Dexus knows how to create great workplaces. This is about activating and curating a seven-day precinct,” Beasley concludes.
Learn more about Waterfront Precinct.