The Rockhampton Riverside Precinct was redeveloped to provide the people of Rockhampton with a world-class civic and recreation space that celebrates the city’s unique character. The long and linear site consists of nearly 19 hectares of parkland spanning from Fitzroy Bridge to the north and the new playground to the south.
The centrepiece of the precinct is the pier building and lift structure. The pier structure is centred on the site, with the lift structure located south of the pier and external grand staircase. The pier structure is tenanted by the Boathouse restaurant. The restaurant’s central location within the Riverside precinct provides a strong connection to the retail and business heart of the city.
The corten steel clad pier and lift structures both use a natural material palette of stone, timber and glass. The striking russet-toned exterior echoes the rich colours of the natural and farmed landscape and use of metal nods to the region’s mining history. The pier structure’s crisp, linear shape and industrial aesthetic is borrowed from the steel Fitzroy Bridge to the north.
Drawing a direct relationship with the ‘Queenslander’ housing typology of the city, the large overhanging roof provides refuge from the sun while the large wrap around balcony with floor to ceiling glass walls provides uninterrupted, sweeping views of the natural landscape, waterplay park and landscaped gardens.
The Rockhampton Riverside Precinct has revitalised the previously neglected riverside site and returned the city centre to its place as the vibrant and dynamic heart of the region.