Redevelopment of Brisbane’s historic Howard Smith Wharves is finally taking shape.

The Lord Mayor was on hand to inspect progress as the heritage restoration work began.

Jessica Riga reports.

TRANSCRIPT

For years a piece of Queensland history in limbo, now work on Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves is in full swing.

The Lord Mayor was on site for a progress report on the $110 million redevelopment.

Graham Quirk, Brisbane Lord Mayor: “This is where we will mix the history of Brisbane together with the contemporary new look, the way forward, an opportunity to build a new world city and that’s what this is about.”

Excavation work has now begun with up to 50 thousand tonnes of rubble to be removed from the site by the end of the year.

Cr Amanda Cooper, Chairman of Infrastructure: “It will also have cafes, restaurants, all sorts of opportunities for people to come down here and really celebrate what it is to live in our beautiful river city.”

Work on revitalizing the heritage listed parts of the project is also well underway with the first shed to be raised before new flooring is laid and original elements restored to their former glory.

With an estimated completion time of late 2018, the Howard Smith Wharves will be world class, with bars, restaurants, a convention centre and even a luxury hotel.

A far cry from the original 1930’s riverside warehouse.

Jessica Riga, QUT News.