28/05/2026
HOWARD SMITH WHARVES SET FOR $500 MILLION TRANSFORMATION — INCLUDING BRISBANE’S FIRST OVER-RIVER POOL 🏊
Howard Smith Wharves is entering a major new chapter, with Brisbane City Council officially approving Artemus Group’s $500 million redevelopment of one of the city’s most iconic riverfront precincts.
Designed with Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic spotlight in mind, the redevelopment will introduce a 106-room boutique hotel, expanded public spaces, major dining and entertainment upgrades, and Brisbane’s first ever over-river swimming pool.
WHAT’S COMING 👇
🏨 A new boutique hotel overlooking the Story Bridge, complete with private balconies and direct riverfront positioning.
🎶 Felons Barrel Hall will be transformed into a full-scale live music venue with a permanent stage and upgraded entertainment facilities.
🏊 Brisbane’s first over-river pool will feature a Mediterranean-inspired design, offering public access during the mornings before integrating into surrounding venues later in the day.
🌉 New cascading riverfront stairs will create premium viewing areas for Riverfire and major city events.
⛴️ Redesigned flood-resistant pontoons will improve river access and strengthen connections to Moreton Bay tourism.
☕ Rivershed will be elevated above a new stone-built dining and retail space featuring a cafe, bakery, and additional hospitality offerings.
🌿 Bougainvillea House is set to become a two-storey venue with ambitions of being Australia’s greenest restaurant and function space.
🌳 Public open space throughout the precinct will increase by approximately 30%, alongside new shaded areas, a children’s play space, and two new cliffside lifts connecting the precinct to the CBD above.
Importantly, many existing venues will remain operational during construction, with sections of the redevelopment potentially opening as early as next year.
Howard Smith Wharves founder Adam Flaskas described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity designed not only for Brisbane today, but for the global audience the city will attract in 2032.
📍 Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City
