Queen's Wharf accused of bringing 'hostile architecture' to Brisbane

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This was published 6 years ago

Queen's Wharf accused of bringing 'hostile architecture' to Brisbane

By Ruth McCosker

Greens councillor Jonathan Sri has called for design changes to the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf development as he believes its current form would bring “hostile architecture” to Brisbane.

The development application submitted to the state government has outlined detailed plans for Destination Brisbane Consortium’s development, covering everything from the height of the buildings to the design of outdoor benches.

It was the placement of an armrest on a bench that had Cr Sri calling on the development’s design to be changed.

Efforts to keep rough sleepers away from Queens Wharf could put them in danger, Cr Sri said.

Efforts to keep rough sleepers away from Queens Wharf could put them in danger, Cr Sri said.

The Crime Prevention Through Environment Design Report submitted as part of the development application stated how the development area will be used and what would be included in the area.

“Furniture installed in the area should have features that minimise anti-social behaviour,” the report said.

“This may include discreet solutions on seating and low walls that minimise use for skateboard tricks, and fixed armrests that prevent sleeping on the furniture.”

Cr Sri said this furniture design was “disgusting” as it would not allow homeless people to use the benches to sleep.

“Of course the casino developers don’t want homeless people near their luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, but public spaces should be for everyone – not just the mega-rich,” he said.

“Rough sleepers are extremely vulnerable and are among the most likely members of our society to be victims of crime.

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“When councils and governments discourage them from using highly visible public spaces, they end up sleeping in unsafe areas on the margins.”

Jonathan Sri has blasted some of the Queens Wharf casino's design features.

Jonathan Sri has blasted some of the Queens Wharf casino's design features.Credit: Amy Mitchell-Whittington

Cr Sri called on Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace to take responsibility for the issue and ensure no development on state government land included hostile architecture to deter the presence of homeless people.

Ms Grace said she held a public information session about Queens Wharf on Sunday where local resident expressed overwhelming support for the project.

“This emphasis on public space helped to set the winning consortium’s bid apart, and I know that it’s something that local residents find hugely exciting,” she said.

A Destination Brisbane Consortium spokesman said Queen’s Wharf Brisbane had been designed to provide expansive, engaging and interconnected new public spaces for the community.

The bench design for Queen's Wharf is proposed to have an armrest to stop people from sleeping on them

The bench design for Queen's Wharf is proposed to have an armrest to stop people from sleeping on themCredit: John Donegan

“The development seeks to cater for all user groups, with landscaping and features at the river edge including places for people to sit and enjoy this part of the city,” he said.

“The public realm incorporates environmental design principles from international design standards which aim to make environments safe and attractive places in which to live, work, meet, celebrate, reflect, shop and play.”

Residents have until Thursday to make a submission for the Queen’s Wharf development.

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