Lower North Bank, Brisbane

Premier Anna Bligh announced that the development of the North Bank

as Brisbane’s Darling Harbour will begin in 2008. This redevelopment project runs two kilometres along the Brisbane River, between Victoria Bridge and Alice Street. Its reported $ 1.7 billion cost is financed by

private developers.

It took around five years from the time of its proposal to get the North

Bank project off the ground. It was originally envisioned as a twin to the South Bank Parklands across the river. However, parties like the National Trust of Queensland voiced their opposition because of the belief that its proponents have not given full and careful attention and consideration to the historical, architectural and environmental effects of the proposed development.

It was feared that the high-rise buildings and its proximity to the river will destroy the appearance, as a whole, of the preserved historical landmarks between Victoria Bridge and the Parliament House.

Also found in the area are the Queen’s Park, Queen’s Wharf Road and former Government Printer’s complex. The Queen’s wharf was where

the development of Brisbane started during the convict period.

Those opposed to the North Bank project wanted a development that would preserve the connection of the people with the history of Brisbane,

as well as with the Brisbane River. After consultations and dialogues, the proposed North Bank buildings were rearranged, scaled down and placed

farther from the river, giving more space to a more people-friendly boardwalk.

From 25 storeys, the office towers along the riverfront will now be only eight-storey high. But in order to give more public space between the river and

the residential, commercial and office buildings, the tallest building in the development will reach 46 storeys. North Bank’s development is targeted at attracting people back to the river and its historical sites. There will be a swimming pool, a public plaza fronting the old Commissariat and a new park will

be constructed on Alice Street.

For people to have easy access to North Bank, a pedestrian bridge linking it to South Bank will be constructed, as well as a City Cat terminal and berths

for boats. There is also a proposal for a for a rail transport option that will facilitate the movement of passengers from the financial and university districts.
As part of this project and to commemorate Queensland’s 150th anniversary, a structure made of glass is also part of the planned North Bank development. Multiplex, the main developer, envisions the Q150 Monument to be a new landmark that can be easily viewed, most especially at night.