Northshore Hamilton precinct

Northshore Hamilton is a transformative urban development in Brisbane, set to redefine waterfront living and working. Spanning over 304 hectares, this project is Brisbane’s largest waterfront urban renewal precinct, designed to be a sustainable, connected and innovate community. Since its declaration as a priority area in 2008, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has been developing a vision to deliver up to 13,000 dwellings and extensive retail and commercial spaces.

The initial challenge was to create a comprehensive transport network to support the planned growth of Northshore Hamilton. This involved addressing the complexities of traffic modelling, road design and transport planning to ensure seamless connectivity and liveability within the precinct. The project also aimed to integrate public transport solutions and innovative active transport strategies to promote sustainability and accessibility. 

We have been at the forefront of designing and delivering the transport network for Northshore Hamilton. Our approach included developing a whole-of-site transport masterplan, involving detailed traffic modelling, road design advice and transport planning. This work informed the ultimate road network for the precinct.

In terms of active transport design, we prepared an e-mobility strategy to accommodate micromobility users. This strategy ensures that parking facilities were allocated where demand would peak and were designed to accommodate scooters and other mobility devices without adversely impacting pedestrians. Additionally, we investigated the suitability of cycle green waves on key corridors, an initiative not yet implemented in Queensland. This study reviewed international case studies and assessed the effectiveness of adjusting green times along signalised intersection corridors to allow for green wave cyclists.

Since 2023, our transport advisory and landscape design teams have provided critical design input to the Street Renewal Program, which refined the detailed design of the road network with a focus on liveability, not just traffic capacity. This ultimately helped deliver a balance between road space and streetscape, acknowledging that street trees and active transport facilities are critical components of liveable streets. 

The outcomes of the work that has gone into Northshore Hamilton have been significant. The project has won sustainability awards   for its innovative solutions in mitigating the heat island effect in a previously industrial precinct.

With our design advice ensuring a balance between traffic capacity and liveable streets, the precinct promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for its residents. World-class art exhibitions and innovative recreational spaces have also been integrated and ultimately enrich the community space, making it a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors alike.