The proposed redevelopment of Howard Smith Wharves has taken a new turn, as developers respond to concerns raised by the city’s local planning officials over the original architectural and engineering proposals.
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In fresh documents lodged with BCC this week, planners working on behalf of Artemus, the firm behind the multimillion-dollar transformation, have offered revised designs and justifications in a bid to secure approval for the high-profile project.
Planning consultancy Urbis, on behalf of the developer, said the changes aim to clarify the project’s intent while preserving its significance to Brisbane’s future.
Planners emphasised the importance of recognising the significance of the Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment before any formal response to Brisbane’s local planning officials. They noted that the precinct plays a vital role in regional tourism and suggested that continued development would only strengthen that role, particularly as Brisbane prepares for major events leading up to 2032 and beyond.
New Vision for Howard Smith Wharves
Central to the amended proposal is a 77-room hotel and entertainment complex that would rise to the top of the cliffs, offering sweeping views across the Brisbane River. While the core concept remains intact, key design elements have been reworked in response to community and council concerns. The hotel’s upper levels will now incorporate “organic landscaped stone and planted forms,” aiming to better integrate the structure with its surrounding parkland.
The hotel’s colonnade arches—a key feature along the public pathway—have been widened to improve pedestrian flow through the site. This change addresses concerns about the shared pathway running through the hotel, a plan that had raised red flags among cycling and active transport groups worried about congestion.
In defence of the shared path, planners pointed to the low number of incidents recorded since the precinct reopened in 2018, revealing that only 14 reportable incidents have occurred along the shared pathway in that time, six of which involved interactions between pedestrians and cyclists or scooters.
A Shift Away from the River Barge
The previously approved barge, Felon’s barge, which is in front of the hotel has been removed and replaced with a broad, landscaped stairway and amphitheatre known as the Grand River Stair.
Brisbane’s local planning officials had also questioned whether the proposed hotel design would clash with surrounding heritage structures. In response, Urbis reaffirmed that the building’s red-brown brickwork pays tribute to the city’s traditional architecture. The material choice was carefully selected not to compete visually with the Story Bridge’s bold steel structure.
Capacity, Access, and Traffic Management
According to documents from Colliers Engineering and Design, the site’s total venue capacity is expected to nearly double, from 3,870 to 7,280 people. To support this growth, the revised plans include two new lifts, vehicle standing areas on Bowen Terrace in New Farm, and improved pedestrian circulation.
Concerns about traffic have also been addressed, with the developers assuring that the increase in vehicle movements is within manageable limits.
What’s Next for Howard Smith Wharves?
Despite the scale and sensitivity of the redevelopment, the team behind the project remains confident. They argue that the updated design achieves a better balance between tourism, heritage, public space, and infrastructure.
The overwater pool and entertainment deck, a standout feature of the original proposal, will still go ahead—albeit in a slightly revised form with upgraded pylons and assurances regarding clearance for river transport.
Read: Hamilton Northshore and St Lucia to Get Ferry Connection to Future Howard Smith Wharves Terminal
As Brisbane eyes major events in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games, Howard Smith Wharves continues to evolve. Its next phase, if approved, promises to blend iconic architecture with active public space—positioning the precinct not just as a riverside escape, but as a defining symbol of Brisbane’s future.
Published 16-May-2025
