Howard Smith Wharves takes out two national planning awards

Howard Smith Wharves has won two national awards recognising it as a new Brisbane entertainment and dining precinct.

At the Planning Institute of Australia’s national awards on Thursday night, the revitalised and restored wharves were given the Great Place Award and the Hard Won Victory Award.

Planning Institute of Australia Queensland president Wendy Evans said the awards recognised the years of hard work to get the wharves to their current state.

Derelict sheds on the site were earmarked for development for years by Brisbane City Council, with a vision finally coming to fruition only recently.

The wharves now host Felons Brewery, Mr Percival’s oyster bar, the Fantauzzo Hotel and other eateries and bars, with thousands of people attending each week.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the wharves have experienced a heavy downturn in patronage, seeking to transform its unused conference halls into additional dining options.

“In conferring the awards, judges praised Howard Smith Wharves for its clear planning vision, the investment in quality design and the commitment to embracing community values, all of which has produced a truly great place that will be celebrated for generations to come,” Ms Evans said.

Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Evans said the transformation of the disused site was a “city-shaping project” that had promoted Brisbane on a national and international stage.

“Through careful planning and delivery, we have transformed an underutilised site in a way that redefines event, tourism, leisure and food experiences in our river city,” he said.

Brisbane deputy mayor Krista Adams said the council had worked with Howard Smith Wharves to create plenty of public space and an attractive location.

“This space has something for residents and visitors of all ages, with a range of offerings for people to eat, drink, relax and play along the banks of the river,” Cr Adams said.

“Howard Smith Wharves presented a rare opportunity to build on our identity as a river city and I’m pleased to see this much-love destination recognised nationally.”

The council is planning to add a ferry stop to the Wharves, while the state government has also pledged to build three public pontoons to enable fast ferry services to Stradbroke Island.

Originally published by Lucy Stone in The Age HERE.

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