In 2016, Destination Brisbane Consortium finalised the detailed design of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane to enable the start of early works.
Comprehensive engagement with the Brisbane community also occurred throughout the year to ensure high levels of awareness regarding the start of early works, including the temporary closure of a section of William Street and the permanent full closure of Queens Wharf Road. In December 2016, the consortium appointed Probuild as the demolition and enabling works contractor.
In 2017, Destination Brisbane Consortium commenced demolition and enabling works on Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.
The demolition and enabling works scope included hoarding the site for safety, securing and protecting the heritage buildings within the site, the demolition of three non-heritage government buildings (The Executive Building, 80 George St and Neville Bonner Building) and undertaking major services work to divert and relocate water, gas, electricity and telecommunications cables.
The demolition and enabling work was completed in February 2018.
In 2018, excavation and shoring work began on the project.
The basement excavation work took around 18 months and included piling, construction of a diaphragm wall (on the river side of the development) and excavation of around 450,000m3 of spoil making it the largest city-based excavation project in Queensland.
In addition to the excavation work occurring, work began on the construction of Waterline Park and the Goodwill Bridge extension area that includes the Mangrove Walk and upgrades to the Bi-Centennial Bikeway.
Excavation works were completed in 2019 ready for the commencement of carpark and basement foundations.
The first stage of the public realm including the new Waterline Park, Mangrove Walk and upgraded section of the Bicentennial Bikeway were completed and opened to the public in October 2019.
Waterline Park is positioned behind 1 William Street, adjacent to the river and provides space for people to relax and enjoy or exercise using some of the equipment.
The section of Bicentennial Bikeway from the Goodwill Bridge to Waterline Park was upgraded and widened creating separation for cyclists and pedestrians while improving sight lines and the visual amenity of the area.
Construction of the basement continued with the megastructure rising 26 meters up out of the ground and then continuing up to level 3 and level 4 of the integrated resort podium.
William Street was also rebuilt to allow construction traffic access and work began on the bridge with site establishment along with piling for the South Bank abutment and mid river pier.
The Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Visitor Centre, on the corner of William and Alice streets, opened to the public and Queen’s Wharf Residences were released to market with more than 85 percent sold in the first three months making them the fastest selling residential project in Queensland.
The integrated resort development will continue to climb above George Street with the structure set to top out towards the end of the year.
The internal fit-out of the integrated resort development will commence with workforce numbers expected to swell towards 1200 by the end of the year.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane announced it would offer one of the world’s finest luxury shopping precincts after securing a deal with retail giant DFS. DFS is part of the Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton Group and has access to some of the most sought-after brands the planet. DFS will occupy the heritage-listed Printery building fronting George Street.
The heritage base build works to the Printery, DPI building and Harris Terrace will be undertaken ready for future leaseholders to fit-out ahead of their openings.
In 2022, the integrated resort structure, including all four towers, will top-out with façade work chasing the structure all the way to the top. Internal fit-out will continue through the retail levels, back of hours facilities and in all three hotels (The Grand, Dorsett and Rosewood).
The Neville Bonner Bridge structure will be complete with finishing works to follow across the bridge including the installation of handrails, a partial shade structure, CCTV cameras and lighting. The bridge will officially open in the first half of 2023 with the integrated resort development.
The Bicentennial Bikeway upgrade for the section from North Quay to Waterline Park will be nearing completion as will much of the public realm including a new Velo Café for cyclist, public amenity block and a playground for young adolescences.
During 2022, we expect workforce numbers to peak at around 2,000.
In 2023 Destination Brisbane Consortium will open the core of the integrated resort development.
This will include three luxury hotels, being The Star branded hotel, The Dorsett and Rosewood and many of the 50+ restaurants, bars and cafés will open along with a significant increase in retail outlets.
Public space at The Landing, Waterline Park, and foreshore area will be open along with the Brisbane Steps leading from Queens Wharf Road up to William Street and through the Atrium and George Street entrance.
The selfie-photo opportunity on the elevated Sky Deck will also be realised at this time with the 360 degree views sure to impress all who visit.
Upon opening the integrated resort development in the second half of 2023, The Star casino and hotel will be relocated to the new premises – centrally positioned in the arch shaped building along with many of the restaurants and retail outlets.
Following The Star Entertainment Group vacating the current heritage buildings being the Treasury Building and the Land Administration Building, these buildings will be restored and repurposed before reopening as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and mixed use retail and restaurants centres.
A further two towers (Tower 5 and Tower 6) have been approved for delivery as part of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort development.
The timing for construction of these towers – offering additional residential apartments is yet to be decided.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is the largest construction project in Queensland and at its peak will employ nearly 2,000 people.
Keep up to date with our construction progress.
We work closely with our employees, contractors, the community, local authorities and governments to implement best practice procedures and measures for our development.
