Howard Smith Wharves Has Announced Huge Redevelopment Plans, Adding a New Overwater Pool, Hotel and Music Hall

Since opening in 2018, the Howard Smith Wharves precinct has given Brisbane a riverside CBD brewery, plus an overwater bar beneath the Story Bridge. It's gifted the city top-notch Greek, Japanese and Cantonese restaurants by the water, too, alongside a luxe hotel with a rooftop bar boasting killer views — and a new CityCat stop as well. But, if a new proposal gets the tick of approval, that's not all that everyone will be able to enjoy at the end of Boundary Street.

Artemus Group has announced that it has lodged a development application on plans to transform the site. There's no shortage of ambition in the outlined ideas, including building a second hotel featuring 77 rooms, creating more public spaces and making taking a dip over the river (no, not in it) a reality.

Move over South Bank (which has its own transformations plans in the works): Brisbanites might soon be swimming in an overwater pool on a new HSW pool deck, having a splash while overlooking the river on the northern side of the CBD. The deck will also include more places to eat and drink with a view, thanks to a new bar and dining precinct.

If you're keen on another staycation spot, the idea is to add a nine-storey hotel with 77 rooms. If it doesn't seem like there'd be space for it in the current setup, that's because Felons Barrel Hall would need to be torn down to build the new spot to slumber. The latter's much-loved use as a venue to catch live tunes would remain part of the plans, however, with the ground floor featuring a theatre and music hall. There'll be shops on the bottom level as well.

Also proposed: revitalising Bougainvillea House, complete with two storeys of landscaping; creating new open spaces; adding a couple of new cliff lifts to get folks down to HSW; and enhancing the pathways, boardwalks and parklands. And, the precinct would also gain 12 beverage storage tanks to help reduce packaging waste.

"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," said Artemus Group Founder and Director Adam Flaskas.

"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."

"This project puts people at its heart. The design is welcoming, comfortable and engaging, creating a space that is truly for everyone," added the project's architect Mark Damant.

"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.

Find Howard Smith Wharves at 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane — and head to the precinct's website for more details.