GROUNDWORKS have kicked off at Dexus’ $2.5 billion city-shaping project Waterfront Brisbane, after more than 7,600 tonnes of material were cleared from the site.
The dismantling of Eagle Street Pier almost complete and the project will see the 30-year-old the Eagle Street Pier restaurant complex also make way for two new office buildings of 55 and 42 storeys, as well as riverfront dining and retail, a new wider riverwalk and improved links between the river and the city streets.
Professional services firm Deloitte, law firms Minter Ellison and Gadens and real estate company Colliers have already identified Waterfront Brisbane as their future home.
At least 95% of the material removed from the site will be recycled or repurposed.
Queensland Acting Premier Steven Miles, Brisbane Deputy Mayor Krista Adams and Dexus project director Matt Beasley celebrated the start of ground works at a ceremony yesterday, unveiling new furniture made from Eagle Street Pier’s granite slabs, stainless steel balustrading and timber decking.
“Queensland is in a golden decade of opportunity in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It’s significant developments like this one that will unlock investment, create jobs and put Brisbane on the map as we’re in the global spotlight,” Miles said.
Adams said Waterfront Brisbane would contribute to Brisbane City Council’s vision for the City Reach of the river.
“We want to revitalise the iconic Brisbane River and Waterfront Brisbane’s strong river connectivity will deliver vibrant retail and public space for locals and visitors alike,” she said.
When reopened, the transformed riverwalk will be a minimum of six metres wide, and in some places up to 14 metres. It will incorporate a new riverfront retail precinct, bike and scooter parking, access to terraced lawns and gardens with enhanced connections to Eagle Street, and places to pause and take in the view.
The project has partnered with Five Mile Radius, a Brisbane-based design studio creating innovative methods to repurpose construction waste, including the furniture that was unveiled. The furniture will be installed in the new Waterfront Brisbane precinct.
Dexus project director Matt Beasley said repurposing material from the site was a central part of the project’s sustainability objectives.
“We have been able to harness leading-edge technology and innovative supply chains to minimise the development’s environmental impact,” he said.
Waterfront Brisbane will complete early 2028 well ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Waterfront Brisbane is jointly owned by Dexus and Dexus Wholesale Property Fund.
