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Queensland hospitality company Artemus Group is boosting its investment in Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves precinct with plans for a 77-room boutique hotel and new public open spaces along the city’s riverfront.
The company, which also owns Manley Wharf in Sydney and the Story Bridge Adventure Climb in Brisbane, has lodged a development application for the project which Artemus says is part of a “grand vision to redefine the city’s waterfront experience”.
Adam Flaskas, founder and director of Artemus Group, says while Howard Smith Wharves is already a “thriving destination”, the development proposal will deliver more public spaces and sustainable innovations.
“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,” says 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.”
The development proposed by Artemus Group is code assessable with plans for the nine-storey hotel to include ground-floor retail space and a theatre/music hall to replace the existing Felons Barrel Hall.
The development plans include a separate pool deck with an overwater pool, bar and dining precinct, offering direct river views.
Existing venue Bougainvillea House will be redeveloped to feature a two-storey design, while public access to the Howard Smith Wharves site will be improved via two new cliff lifts and additional open spaces.
The development works include enhanced riverfront public spaces, pathways, parklands and boardwalks, designed to align with Brisbane’s “Buildings That Breathe” guidelines.
Artemus Group is also fitting 12 beverage storage tanks across three locations on the site, in support of sustainability by reducing packaging waste and traffic movements.
Project architect Mark Damant says the development 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,” he says.
Howard Smith Wharves, which were initially developed in the post-Depression era of the 1930s, spans 3.5ha along the riverfront beneath the northern end of the Story Bridge. Development of the site into a dining and leisure precinct was given the green light in 2014 with the project opening in 2018.
“As Brisbane grows into a global city, this precinct will set a new standard in design and sustainability,” says Artemus Group CEO Luke Fraser of his company’s new plans for the site.
“We’re proud to present a vision that will play a pivotal role in shaping Brisbane’s future.”
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