GASOMETER PARK – GASWORKS PLAZA

The Gasworks, located at Newstead Riverpark, is an extensive, master-planned, mixed-use development with the heritage listed Brisbane landmark, The Gasometer, at its core. This transformative urban renewal project, undertaken by AVEO (formerly FKP), includes retail shops, commercial offices, bars, restaurants as well as a very unique public space, the Gas Works Plaza, set around and within the Gasometer structure itself.

JFP has had the privilege of taking a lead role in the transformation of the entire Gasworks precinct; particularly for its centrepiece, the Gasworks Plaza. As would be expected for a site which contains one of Brisbane’s most prominent heritage landmarks, the design brief for the project was extraordinarily challenging.

The 19th century structure would have been seen as an exemplar of the times.  It sat within 22 acres of coal yards, rail, wharves and warehouses, rising and falling, like an industrial heart pumping energy into the city. This was prior to mass produced electricity and gas was the life source of Brisbane homes, streets and industry.

To facilitate renewable experiences for users of the space, JFP envisaged that The Gasworks Plaza would function as a modern agora; a gathering place in this part of the city surrounded by commerce and housing.  Whilst the heritage listed Gasometer structure formed a physical constraint to how the space can be used, the view was always taken that the landscape should be sufficiently adaptable to be able to be altered over time to suit ever-changing community needs.  This is a response to the ever-increasing pressure modern society places on the need to have choice and variety in all aspects of life.