Overview
For almost two decades, Brisbanites have been able to head to Portside Wharf for a bite to eat and a drink with northside river views. That isn't changing; however, like most of the city's waterside spaces, the Hamilton spot is getting a revamp, with $20 million set to be spent on revitalising the precinct.
This splash of cash, and the makeover that comes with it, are separate to the also-announced Northshore Hamilton expansion. That other project will see the neighbouring precinct gain an extra 1.2 kilometres, and is focused around hosting the Brisbane Athlete Village for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, then giving residents something to enjoy afterwards. Portside's revamp will be up and running much sooner, in fact: by December 2023, as per the just-revealed plan.
Sixteen years after opening its doors, and after plenty of new additions in the surrounding area, Portside Wharf will score an extended entry plaza and main street — with enhancing views and increasing access to the river among the makeover's chief goals. The renovation will also create more shading and landscaping, which'll help the precinct expand its year-round outdoor dining options.
And, the aim is to welcome in new stores, and also create dedicated subprecincts that are all about dining, retail and entertainment (with the latter complementing the existing Dendy cinema). Also, Portside will gain new areas focused on lifestyle and wellness, as well as premium boutiques.
Cavill Architects and Urbis are teaming up on the project, with Cavill Architects Practice Director Andrew D'Occhio explaining that the renovations "will be opening-up Portside Wharf visually and physically from its northern entrance, extending through the heart of the precinct a vibrant main street to connect this area of Hamilton more directly to the water".
"It is an opportune time to shape a new vision and future for Portside Wharf, one that refocuses on and celebrates the rich history and people of our local community. The redevelopment will entice new visitors to rediscover our village by the water, while redefining our vibrant neighbourhood locale for the more than 4000 residents now living in the immediate area," added Brookfield Residential Properties' Managing Director Lee Butterworth.
"The changes we are making will amplify our community connections, provide exciting day and night experiences, leverage even further our enviable waterfront location, and create enticing spaces for our customers to relax, unwind and socialise. We are actively seeking to expand our tenant mix with new convenience, dining, wellness and boutique offerings that support our vision for this new evolution of Portside Wharf," Butterworth continued.
Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons
Portside is currently home to eateries such as Sono, Byblos and Gusto Da Gianni, but these changes mean that they'll soon have company. Further details about new retailers are slated to be revealed in the new future.
And if you're wondering about Brisbane's other riverside makeovers, South Bank is also about to look rather different — also tied to the Olympics — and a new seven-hectare riverside parkland is set to join South Brisbane.
Portside Wharf's revamp is set to be complete by December 2023 at 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton. Head to the precinct's website for further details.