Artemus Group today announced plans to transform Brisbane’s riverfront, submitting a code-assessable development application (DA) unveiling the next stage of innovation for the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.
The code-assessable DA sets out Artemus Group’s grand vision to redefine the city’s waterfront experience. This proposal includes the construction of a 77-room hotel, enhanced public spaces and sustainable innovations that celebrate Brisbane’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Analysis of Lodged Development Application
A development application has been lodged by HSW Nominees Pty Ltd for the comprehensive redevelopment of the eastern portion of Howard Smith Wharves, located at 5 Boundary Street, Fortitude Valley. The proposal includes a nine-storey hotel, upgraded public spaces, and enhanced pedestrian connectivity across this iconic riverside precinct.
Designed by Little Boat Projects, the hotel’s architecture features a distinct arched form that integrates with the natural rock face of the Brisbane cliffs. The building will include a mix of public and private spaces, from the green rooftop to the extended boardwalk along the Brisbane River.
Hotel Building
The hotel will feature 77 luxury rooms, designed with a heritage woolstore-inspired brick facade. This facade will utilise brick detailing, paying homage to Brisbane’s historic brick and stone architecture found in nearby New Farm and Teneriffe.
The arches mirror the monumental pylons of the Story Bridge, while the hotel’s masonry is intended to complement the local environment. In addition, the hotel will have a custom glass canopy marking the main entrance, providing a visual anchor for the structure.
The hotel would also include a two-level Music Hall, located within the prominent archways of the building, intended for public events and performances. The hall features a performance stage, seating areas, and a mezzanine balcony with tiered seating to accommodate audiences.
It would serve as a venue for various cultural events, accessible from both the eastern and western parts of the precinct and also feature a car lift. Bar and lounge facilities would also be integrated into the hall, providing additional amenities for visitors.
The hotel also features a dedicated wellness spa on level 4 designed to provide guests with high-end relaxation and fitness amenities. The spa will include treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The wellness spa would provide relaxation and health services for both hotel guests and day visitors.
On level 9 of the hotel, a rooftop pool deck is proposed featuring cabanas, a large restaurant accessible by a public and hotel lifts, bar areas, and a retail space.
Basement level 1 is designated for guest vehicle drop-off and pickup for hotel guests. This level also includes valet services and access to the hotel’s staff amenities and back-of-house facilities. The second basement level serves as additional parking for the broader precinct and will include public parking, loading, and storage areas .
Rivershed
The Rivershed precinct is set to undergo a significant transformation, including the installation of an overwater pool with a fountain at its centre. This pool will be surrounded by bars and leisure spaces, primarily serving patrons of the nearby restaurants and bars but also offering public access via the riverfront.
The existing Rivershed building will be raised by one storey, allowing for a larger ground-floor restaurant area and expansive function spaces on the upper level. Visitors would enjoy panoramic views of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge, and city skyline from the new rooftop terrace.
Bougainvillea House
The existing Bougainvillea House will see an additional level added to the structure, transforming it into a multi-use space that blends seamlessly into the surrounding cliffs. The facade will be covered with trellises and landscaping, helping the building blend with the natural environment. The outdoor terraces on the ground floor will provide an ideal space for dining and events.
The Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment is planned to be completed ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The various stages of the redevelopment would be delivered incrementally, ensuring the precinct remains operational during construction.
Additional Key Features
- Cliff Lifts: Two additional lifts will be installed, doubling the current capacity and providing better access for visitors, and commuters between the riverfront and nearby areas such as New Farm and Fortitude Valley.
- Drink Storage Tanks: Three sets of four new drink storage tanks, each standing at 16 metres high, will be installed to support operations at the west, central and east of the site. On top of the central set of tanks will be prominent Felons signage expected to be a notable visual landmark, illuminated at night.
- Floating Felons Brewhouse: The redevelopment includes the expansion of the Felons Barrel Hall with a floating brewhouse situated adjacent to the river. This has been proposed in a separate development application which has now been approved.
- Custom Glass Canopy: The hotel’s entrance will be marked by a custom glass canopy, which serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, enhancing the arrival experience.
- Basement parking: The development will include substantial staged basement car parking and vehicle access across the precinct.
The redevelopment of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is expected to generate over 2,500 jobs during and after construction, contributing significantly to the local economy. This includes jobs in construction, hospitality, retail, and ongoing operational roles once the development is complete.
Development Rundown
| Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
|---|---|
| Address: | 5 Boundary Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD |
| Development Type: | Mixed-use development (Hotel, public spaces, retail) |
| Site Area: | 34,318 sqm |
| Gross Floor Area (GFA): | 24,105.38 sqm (Hotel only) |
| Height: | Nine storeys / approximately 30m |
| Rooms: | 77 rooms |
| Elevators: | Two new lifts (East and West) |
| Communal Space: | Colonnade, rooftop pool, wellness centre, public boardwalk |
| Retail: | Retail spaces within the hotel and surrounding areas |
| Car Parking: | Two-level underground car park |
| Bike Parking: | Provisions for existing bicycle parking |
| Developer: | HSW Nominees Pty Ltd |
| Architect: | Little Boat Projects |
| Landscape Design: | Urbis |
| Town Planner: | Urbis |
| Sustainability: | Includes organic waste management systems, green rooftop, energy-efficient building design, minimised carbon footprint through sustainable practices, and waste recycling initiatives across the precinct |
| Date Submitted: | 30/08/2024 |
| Assessment Level | Code Assessment |
| DA Application Link | A006618899 |
Given the location of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct within a Brisbane River flood planning area, the redevelopment has incorporated several flood mitigation measures to ensure the safety and durability of the structures. The Stormwater Management Plan and Hydraulic Report have detailed the development’s compliance with flood immunity standards.
Features such as the overwater pool deck and bar have been designed to withstand storm-tide inundation and coastal erosion. The overall design also aligns with State Code 8 for coastal development, ensuring resilience against future climate change impacts.
Adam Flaskas, Founder and Director of Artemus Group, said: “Positioned along the iconic Brisbane River, the precinct is already a thriving destination. We believe this next chapter at Howard Smith Wharves will play a central role in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, where the river is our stage to showcase Brisbane and Queensland to the world.”
“Our goal is to deliver something truly world-class for Brisbane; a destination that celebrates our city’s heritage, landscape and natural beauty. We are creating a hospitality and tourism gateway that will connect locals and visitors to some of Brisbane’s best experiences including exceptional dining and access to the world’s largest, pristine sand islands.
“Brisbane River is our city’s superpower and this development maximises its potential. We have always had the goal of creating the world’s most sustainable precinct right here on the river’s edge. This project incorporates world firsts in its design, materials, innovation and creativity to support us in achieving this vision and building something truly beautiful, ” Mr Flaskas said.
Project architect Mark Damant said: “This project puts people at its heart. The design is welcoming, comfortable and engaging, creating a space that is truly for everyone.”
“Artemus Group’s vision positions Howard Smith Wharves as the most sustainable precinct in the world. The design incorporates subtropical landscape elements, integrating rooftop gardens and facade greenery, while world-first initiatives focus on reducing environmental impact and enhancing liveability,” Mr Damant said.
CEO of Artemus Group Luke Fraser said: “As Brisbane grows into a global city, this precinct will set a new standard in design and sustainability. We’re proud to present a vision that will play a pivotal role in shaping Brisbane’s future.”
“Howard Smith Wharves has always been about community, and this next stage is about continuing to provide exceptional spaces and experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful city and some of the very best experiences Queensland has to offer.”
The code-assessable DA will follow the standard approval process, and the Artemus Group is excited to bring this exceptional project to life and create a vibrant new space for all Brisbane residents and visitors to Queensland to enjoy and experience.
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that is cool wow
This is beyond ugly, it’s offensive that Brisbane could lose its views of the iconic cliff face including blocking them from the river and covering them over with two new lift towers blocking out the Story Bridge from the top. Please don’t destroy this amazing place that we are so proud of with this monstrosity.
So today you can enjoy frontview on the river, sit down and have a picnic…but tomorrow almost all fronview access will be secured by restaurant etc meaning that if you do not pay to access you can no more just sit and relax (except for this tiny part on the right). That what you call beach privatisation in Europe and they apply the same to the river now…on top of making it super ‘luxury’ now reducing the opportunities of social casual spaces along the river . Clap clap.
Again we see a development that will serve monied visitors to Brisbane sadly at the expense of rate paying residents.
On such precious locations such as this there should always be consideration of how the people of Brisbane might enjoy their riverside. Elitism is bread out of these types of projects and alienates people from their own city. Council needs to consider how these projects not only benefit the city’s bottom line , but how they might add to the lives of its residents.
And how the he’ll is this code assessable? Meaning we can’t comment on this obscene development
This is too much. I appreciate some further development here but blocking out the iconic cliffs with an out of context rectangle aint it.
That hotel is just way too imposing and will block the views of the cliffs. The whole things looks like a land grab, I’m not opposed to development but not of this scale
HSW is beautiful. No development needed. The cliffs are the defining feature of this location and that hotel would block them. Find another spot to put a hotel if you think we need it for the Olympics, but surely we have enough.
To reiterate… cliffs are the defining feature of HSW… to block these out will be to the detriment of what makes this space a place. Don’t let a one time event like the Olympics influence spoiling this place for the people of Brisbane.
After years of options the current HSW development was adopted to protect the outlook to the cliffs. Now with a bit of time passed up comes this proposal to significantly destroy the original intent, replacing the cliff view with a monstrosity pretending to look like a cliff jammed up against Story Bridge. Brainless!
Totally agree @Ray. Development at HSW demonstrates little weight given to public input. Feedback from numerous public consultations since 2011 demonstrate that outlook to the cliffs as the backdrop of HSW and a sense of scale for the the development in front are critical factors.
The original vision for Howard Smith Wharves promised 80% public green space, but what we’ve seen unfold is a complete departure from that. What should have been a peaceful, community-focused area has instead turned into an overcrowded nightlife hub. This new development application only worsens the situation, prioritizing more bars and restaurants at the cost of the few remaining green spaces. It’s disappointing to see public land increasingly dominated by commercial interests, leaving little room for the public to enjoy the natural beauty of the riverfront.
Leave as public space. As the density of our city increases open public spaces become more valuable as public spaces
Adding more cars and bars to this area means there will be less community access. It is hard enough trying to go for a run or bike ride now without the public road being extended further to accommodate this hotel. HSW has already taken away most of the river views. This area should be run by a South Bank like Corporation not private enterprise. How long before all the green space is gone. And dont get me started on the historic bomb shelter buildings that are being left to crumble away.
ARE THEY SERIOUS!
THEIR IS NOTHING COMMUNITY ABOUT THIS EXCEPT TARGETTING A PARTICULAR DEMOGRAPHIC THAT CAN AFFORD THE HIGH END.
PLEASE DONT DO THIS – HSW IS SUCH A FANTASTIC CONCEPT THAT APPEALS TO ALL – FAMILIES, INTERSTATE/OVERSEAS TRAVELLERS, THE X,Y,Z GENS ETC ETC.
I do like that the barrel hall is being relocated to the barge rather than being completely removed.
I’d like to know if the HSW land is owned by the developer. If it’s not, that’s quite a bit of public-space land grabbing by stealth.
I don’t think the “loss” of the cliffside look is that big of a deal, especially if the developer owns the land. It’s the result of quarried stone -not exactly a natural feature.
I’m a bit disappointed that the bike path/ riverwalk pathway bottleneck isn’t being addressed as part of these works. There’s a bit of a clash when passing the Fantauzzo Hotel entrance right before Felons begins, mainly due to the fact that this is also the main western entry to the whole Felons area. That could have been addressed as part of these works -there’s been several cyclist complaints in the past. All it would take is a widening of this entryway.
I’m also worried that the part of the riverwalk going under the rear of the proposed hotel will gradually become yet another bottleneck over time. I’m thinking outdoor pots/ seats/ display signs gradually encroaching on the pathway, encouraging people to loiter.
Yes very important to keep a big wide path for bikes and scooters . It’s slow through at present
vp8s8p
I don’t understand why people so worried about the cliff face. Honestly it’s not all attractive .
The Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel was well designed tastefully to blend in with the Storey Bridge and beautiful rock cliffs adjacent .
But this ABOMINATION totally overwhelms and destroys the character of the whole precinct and will SADLY be that way forever more.
How in hell is this monstrosity granted in the first place and by whom in particular ?
lev5e9
I remember when this site was a derelict and an unsightly disused quarry. Then the boardwalk went in and we walked past aging rotting sheds with “danger do not enter” signage. Then HSW enlivened the area and transformed it into useable parkland space, provided free bean bags and the like and allowed people to now stop and appreciate the river/city/bridge view in comfort. It’s also nice to have the option of buying a drink coffee/beer/wine.
For those who don’t want to buy you can byo because most of the space is public land – and there are signs that reinforce that.
With innovative stair and cliff lift access it’s become a real and useable space with a landscape that feels like it has been in place for over 20years. Bring on more of the same!
The new hotel design looks to me like an appropriate nod the local Brisbane Powerhouse and The Calile Hotel neighbouring woolstores, and not another glass icon.
As a local, I can’t wait to see this plan in action.