Tourism in Brisbane is getting an over-the-top makeover, with plans for new casinos, six-star hotels and water shows at the city’s waterfront.
This week the government unveiled two visions for Brisbane’s Queens Wharf.
The first came from Destination Brisbane, which is made up of Echo Entertainment Group, Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. The other was pitched by James Packer’s Crown Resorts and Chinese partners Greenland.
Although both have different ideas of what the area could look like, they both share the same goal in turning the riverside into a tourism hub with luxury hotels, casinos and retail.
The Destination Brisbane proposal could see the construction of an open arc building with a sky deck overlooking the river.
Additionally it would have three six star hotels, two other hotels plus 50 bars and dining spots and a ‘River Arena’ where water and light shows would play every night. There’s also room for a riverfront cinema and a new theatre.
Describing the project as the most significant in Brisbane’s history, Echo Entertainment Group chairman said Brisbane should have integrated resorts that are on par with Sydney and Melbourne.
“Not just a good integrated resort that plays second fiddle to Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, but the best integrated resort in the country.”
John O’Neill, Echo Entertainment Group chairman
Meanwhile, the Crown Resorts alternative proposes three hotels integrated with public gardens, infinity pools and a rooftop the size of The Gabba – Brisbane’s major sports stadium.
The vision also includes a suspended waterfall from a pedestrian bridge, which would link the South Bank to the other side of the river.
Unveiling the two proposals, Queensland’s deputy premier Jeff Seeney said either way the redevelopment will revitalise Brisbane’s CBD as an entertainment precinct of Australia.
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise this area to create a destination that not only attracts international visitors to our city, but also opens it up for the people of Brisbane to enjoy.”
Jeff Seeney, Queensland deputy premier
He expects the redevelopment will also create thousands of jobs in the city.
A decision on the preferred vision is expected to be released during the first half of next year.
