Art-filled atrium to redefine Queen’s Wharf Residences George Street entrance

A show-stopping atrium, luxury retail shopfronts, and a ballroom will be part of the transformational $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development delivered by Destination Brisbane Consortium, a joint venture between parent company, The Star Entertainment Group, and its two partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium.

Nestled between the newly launched Brisbane apartment tower, Queen’s Wharf Residences and the Dorset and Rosewood Hotels, the George Street entrance will be home to a striking atrium spilt over five levels, set to redefine the space for both residents and visitors.

Multiplex Senior Project Manager Rick Woodford said now the structure is formed, the biggest transformation will be in the luxury finishes that will round out the podium structure over the next year.

“Above the luxury retail on George Street there will be mirrored soffit, surrounded by a mix of timber and stone finishes,” Woodford said.

“Fourteen escalators are currently being installed in the atrium which will draw people from George Street and into the restaurants, bars and luxury retail once completed."

The largest escalator that has been installed was 16 metres long and weighed 12 tonnes.

“Over the next few months the scaffold surrounding the atrium will be removed, revealing a rectangular light-filled space with soft edges complete with a glass ceiling," Woodford added.

The façade is also being installed along the Grand Ballroom that will have capacity for up to 2,000 guests.

Internationally renowned, home-grown Brisbane artist Lindy Lee has been engaged to create a signature masterpiece for the art installations to be showcased as part of the development.

An Australian painter and sculptor of Chinese heritage, Lee will craft a unique, eight-metre, 8,000-kilogram bronze sculpture for the George Street Atrium, titled ‘Being Swallowed by the Milky Way’.

Artist’s rendering of artist Lindy Lee’s ‘Being Swallowed by the Milky Way’ sculpture during the day. Image sourced.

The stunning oblong sculpture will feature thousands of tiny holes puncturing its bronze surface and at night will appear as a shimmering, light-filled galaxy of silver and gold stars.

“On a personal level, this is the most significant commission I’ve ever been awarded,” Lee said.

“I am currently working on some prestigious overseas commissions, but the sculpture I have designed for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is an important project to me. It will be a joy,” she added.

As the first artwork to be revealed by The Star Entertainment Group as part of its multi-million-dollar public art procurement program, more artists are expected to be revealed in the coming months.

Highly regarded art figure Philip Bacon AO led the specialist Artistic Advisory panel alongside art curator and director of the Institute of Modern Art Liz Nowell, and respected indigenous artist and administrator Avril Quaill to curate the standout collection of artworks.

“Securing a major Lindy Lee sculpture is a coup for the city,” Bacon said.

Artist’s rendering of artist Lindy Lee’s ‘Being Swallowed by the Milky Way’ sculpture at night. Image sourced. 

“Lindy’s distinctive works are already found in many of the world’s greatest cities, and it is fitting that Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will be home to one of her largest and most elegant creations.”

The artworks will be featured across the 7.5 hectares of public space within the entertainment and tourism precinct, including waterfront areas by the Brisbane River.

The Star Entertainment Group’s Managing Director and CEO, Matt Bekier, said the announcement marked a defining moment in Queensland’s largest urban development.

“We and our partners are thrilled to have commissioned Lindy Lee to create the signature art piece and we look forward to revealing the other talent the advisory panel has identified,” Bekier said.

“These artworks will be showcased to millions of people, who will visit this precinct for years to come, including for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The artwork will be in place for the development’s planned staged opening in the first half of 2023.

The George Street arrival plaza will also provide access to the new Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge across Brisbane River and landing at South Bank.