Frank Files Reworked Plans for Marina Precinct at Hemmant

Designed by Cavill Architects, the project targets marine businesses and boat owners with work stores ranging from about 170sq m to more than 512sq m, and marina berths capable of accommodating vessels between 12m and 25m long.

Aside from the river, Hemmant’s industrial waterfront has direct access to the Port of Brisbane and the Gateway Motorway.

According to the application, the development has been redesigned from the earlier plans to improve access to, and views of, the river, replacing a more inward-facing layout with buildings oriented towards the waterfront.

The work stores have been designed with 4.5m-high roller doors, mezzanine office levels, dual amenities and internal depths capable of accommodating vessels longer than 8 metres. Nine-metre-wide internal aisles are proposed to improve manoeuvrability for boats and trailers.

Aside from the 75 private berth, the marina component would include boat launching facilities, refuelling infrastructure, wash-down areas, concierge services, a 24-hour caretaker and security, plus communal facilities including a gymnasium and outdoor recreation spaces.

▲ Renderings of high-end industrial workplaces that are part of the marina precinct designed by Cavill Architects for the Brisbane River waterfront.

Frank Developments founder and managing director Frank Licastro said the project had been conceived as more than a conventional industrial estate.

“We wanted to create a destination that genuinely embraces the river and reflects the quality of the businesses, vessels and people who will call it home,” Licastro said.

Project director James Strahan said the redesign had fundamentally changed the proposal by strengthening its relationship with the waterfront.

“Rather than turning its back on the waterfront, the precinct embraces it, creating stronger visual connections, significantly improving outlooks and establishing a genuine sense of place,” Strahan said.

The development is planned alongside the neighbouring 6ha The Yard Brisbane site, with the two projects intended to form a larger marine employment precinct over time.

Brisbane Marina would add to Frank Developments’ growing industrial portfolio, following its Gould Lane project at Herston and Kathina Lane at Bulimba.

The company, which has traditionally focused on residential development across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, says it has 15 active projects with a combined development pipeline valued at about $1.85 billion.

Sales for Brisbane Marina are expected to begin next month.