Dexus secures Brisbane waterfront development approval

The $2.1 billion transformation of the Eagle Street Pier and Waterfront Place precinct into Brisbane’s took a step closer this week with Brisbane City Council granting the project a Development Approval.

Waterfront Brisbane is set to deliver a global-standard business and tourist destination that aims to maximise its prime riverside location with enhanced open spaces and amenity and a revitalised premier waterfront dining hub.

The approved design incorporates:

• two new towers
• enhanced retail offering
• substantial improvements to the riverwalk
• large public plazas opening on to the river
• a widening of the riverwalk to at least six metres for the full length of the site
• ramping to allow cyclists ease of access to street level

Dexus Chief Investment Officer, Ross Du Vernet said Waterfront Brisbane will unlock the considerable potential of this Brisbane CBD gateway site which has remained under-developed for almost 30 years.

“The project’s scale and central riverfront location will firmly establish Waterfront Brisbane as a world class destination and is set to reshape the daily experience of the many people who visit and work there,” Mr Du Vernet said.

Brisbane City Council City Planning and Economic Development Chair, Krista Adams said the Eagle Street Pier Precinct will be revived to include new public realm, a new riverwalk and new eateries and bars, following Brisbane City Council’s approval to Dexus.

“This approval follows six months of working with the applicant on their plans to enhance the existing riverside destination and deliver a better experience for residents and visitors,” Cr Adams said.

“The Eagle Street Pier precinct was established as a dining precinct more than 30 years ago and this refresh will ensure it continues to provide dining, entertainment and spectacular riverside experiences for future generations.

“As part of the approval, a new 280-metre riverwalk connecting Waterfront Place to the Riparian Plaza will be constructed, replacing the existing aged path. The Dexus proposal presented a great opportunity to upgrade Brisbane’s riverwalk network and increase accessibility to the river.

“The new riverwalk will be funded by Council and delivered by Dexus, with construction set to begin in 2022.”

The existing Eagle Street Pier restaurant precinct will continue to trade before closing to allow construction to start. The first tower is expected to be completed in 2026.

Waterfront Brisbane – key facts

The Waterfront Brisbane proposal includes:

• Two towers of 49 and 43 floors on the Eagle Street Pier site
• Approximately 9,000 square metres of riverside public open space (the equivalent of a football field)
• Expansive, shaded terraces with lush, subtropical landscaping
• A circa 280 metre riverwalk and a minimum six-metre-wide promenade allowing safe transit through the precinct
• A river link providing cycle and wheelchair connectivity between Eagle Street and the river
• New moorings for commercial craft, including river taxis
• Improved pedestrian amenity with wider Eagle Street footpaths
• Improved access to and views of the river
• 7-day a week destination with fresh and convenient mix of dining options
• Renovated heritage listed Naldham House