A Greens Brisbane councilor criticized developers of the A$3-billion Queen’s Wharf integrated resorts for presenting a design of the property that included “hostile architecture.” Councilor Jonathan Sri’s stream of criticism emerged after a development application for the luxury resort was submitted to the Queensland government.
The application included comprehensive information about Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and more specifically how it would look and how Brisbane residents and visitors are expected to benefit from its construction.
Councilor Sri said that the design of the furniture to be placed in the open spaces around the complex was “disgusting” and that it was not clearly intended to suit the needs of as many people as possible. The Greens Brisbane party member was particularly critical of the design of the benches that will be added across the expensive integrated resort.
According to him, their design is hostile to homeless people who are usually seeking well-lit and densely populated open spaces to spend the night, and benches in such areas are their only option to rest. The benches that are planned to surround the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane resort will be designed in a manner that would prevent homeless people from sleeping on them.
Councilor Sri further pointed out that the public spaces around the complex should be for everyone not just for its wealthy visitors. He has brought the matter to the attention of Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace, urging for a change of the recently presented design.
Response to the Voiced Concerns
Ms. Grace has told local media that the focus on open spaces was among the main reasons why Destination Brisbane Consortium was selected as the preferred bidder for the development of the Queen’s Wharf resort.
The politician also explained that a public consultation on the complex’s design was held this past Sunday and attending Brisbane residents generally expressed approval. People residing in the Queensland capital have up until October 19 to submit their opinion about the luxury resort and its design.
Destination Brisbane Consortium was selected as the preferred bidder for the Queen’s Wharf development back in the summer of 2015. The group of investors comprises Australian casino operator The Star Entertainment Group, Far East Consortium, and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. The Star Entertainment, together with its partners, won the bid over its local rival Crown Resorts.
Construction work on the A$3-billion resort began in January 2017 and it is expected to open doors in 2022 with gambling facilities, 1,000 hotel rooms, different food and beverage options, retail space, and multiple other facilities.
The Star Entertainment currently operates Brisbane’s only casino – Treasury Brisbane. The venue will be relocated to the integrated resort under construction so as for the operator to be able to use its existing gaming license.
