Brisbane's River Master Plan Unveiled

Council’s vision for the redevelopment of $700 million worth of land along Brisbane River including Eagle Street Pier has been unveiled in its City Reach waterfront masterplan.

On the cards since 2014, the plans incorporate Dexus’ $2.1 billion precinct as well as 1.2 kilometres of waterfront between the city botanic gardens and the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.

The Kangaroo Point green bridge is also a major part of the plans, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to move between Kangaroo Point and the city.

The masterplan is divided into three sections according to development potential, and includes a breakdown of the type of stakeholders—described as either “public sector” or “private sector”—best placed to take “leadership roles” in realising that potential.

The Port Office section, closest to the pedestrian bridge and botanic gardens was considered to have the highest development potential, with the private sector considered most likely to take a leading role in realising plans for subtropical landscaping, activity areas, seating and pedestrian connection.

The mid-area, or Customs House section, considered to have lesser development potential, was skewed towards the public sector and would be revamped to provide pedestrian access along the water and heritage buildings, upgrades for Admiralty Park and substantial public space.

Development at the Story Bridge end would be led by the public sector and had the lowest development potential of the three sections, so improved access was the main objective, between existing residential towers, the water, Howard Street and Arch Lane.