Riverside Renaissance

Eagle Street Pier is about to receive its’ first major overhaul in more than 30 years, transforming the popular precinct into a global-standard business and leisure destination. The $2.1 Billion project is set to commence construction in 2022, with the objective of enhancing river vistas, reinvigorating underutilised areas and providing broader community and economic benefit. The innovation will include two new office towers, riverfront dining and retail offerings, public space, landscaped green areas and improved access to the precinct for cyclists, pedestrians and watercraft.

Source: Source: https://www.arkhefield.com.au/projects/waterfront-precinct-master-plan/

History

The Eagle Street site originally served as wharves for cargo ships and coastal passengers for over a century, from 1858 until 1960. Utilised as a carpark in the interim, the Eagle Street Pier that we know today was constructed in the late 80’s for Expo ’88 and has since remained undeveloped for more than 30 years. Hosting iconic restaurants and bars including George’s Paragon, Jade Buddha and Madame Wu, the area has become one of Brisbane City’s most renown dining and entertainment precincts. The planned overhaul will include a renovation of the heritage listed Naldham House, recognising its’ historic significance as an early shipping office through maritime-themed function spaces, restaurant and bar.

Source: https://www.4kq.com.au/entertainment/quirkys-quirk-eagle-street-pier/

Design

A vision of architectural firm fjmt and Brisbane-based Arkhefield, the design concept will be carried out by Australian developer Dexus, focused around two commercial towers of 49 and 43 floors, with a combined 120,000 sqm. of office space. The design incorporates 9,000 sqm. of public space, including shaded terraces, subtropical landscaping and a 280m long, six-metre-wide Riverwalk between Waterfront Place and Riparian Plaza. The open-style podium between the two commercial towers has been designed to enhance views down both stretches of the Brisbane River, capturing vistas of Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge.

Source: https://www.arkhefield.com.au/projects/waterfront-precinct-master-plan/

The destination will comprise a blend of indoor and outdoor retail and dining opportunities, carrying on the legacy of the premier waterfront dining hub. The development will also feature improved cyclist and wheelchair amenities, moorings for commercial watercraft and a new CityCat terminal, enhancing transport and pedestrian access to the waterfront promenade. The concept weaves together the city grid and the river’s edge to create a soft transition between commercial spaces and scenic outdoor areas for workers, residents and visitors to occupy.

Source: https://www.arkhefield.com.au/projects/waterfront-precinct-master-plan/

Timeline

Approved by the Brisbane City Council in late 2020, construction of the project will commence in 2022, with the north tower due for completion by 2026. This will see the existing precinct close for the duration of the work, including the Eagle Street portion of the Riverwalk. The key benefits of this project include increased connectivity, enhanced user and visitor experience, improved views of the river and further opportunities for businesses to thrive. The world-class development is another step towards Brisbane’s transformation, providing a future-focused, mixed-use precinct that capitalises on Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle and celebrates our River City.

Source: https://brisbanedevelopment.com/full-analysis-dexus-lodges-new-waterfront-brisbane-cbd-proposal/