The Howard Smith Wharves were constructed 1934-early 1940s by the Queensland government to provide relief work during the depression years of the 1930s. Initially known as the Brisbane Central Wharves, the project was undertaken in conjunction with the construction of the Story Bridge, one of the Forgan-Smith government's principal employment-generating projects. Like other such schemes, the Brisbane Central Wharves not only provided employment, but established important infrastructure for Queensland's future development. Brisbane Central Wharves were leased by the Australian coastal shipping company Howard Smith Co. Ltd from the mid-1930s until the early 1960s, and are more usually referred to as the Howard Smith Wharves. | Most of the wharves which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the central city have been demolished in the riverside re-developments of the last 20 years. The former Howard Smith Wharves remain one of the few surviving, and the most intact, with office, sheds and wharfage. |
This means that Howard Smith Wharves hold a great importance in retaining some important history about Brisbane city. In my designs I will attempt to draw attention to the historic qualities within the site. Thus my designs will allow the space to be used more regularly as well as create an awareness within the users of the space as to the historical significance of the space. While I intend to allow the space to be traveled through as it is an important pedestrian link from New Farm to the City CBD, I am also aiming to make it a space to be traveled to. To attract people to the space or draw the passers by to linger within this space.
The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management). 2009. 'Howard Smith Wharves'. Last Updates 4th April, 2011. Accessed 1st March, 2012. http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/chims/placeDetail.html?siteId=16518 . |
