River's Reach: the innovative home collection reclaiming Brisbane's docklands

In cities around the world, riverfront land is being reclaimed from industry and transformed into vibrant new communities with homes, parks, cultural attractions and promenades along the water’s edge.

Brisbane is no exception. In the suburb of Hamilton, six kilometres from the central business district on the northern bank of the river, an ambitious development is revitalising former docklands.

Hamilton Reach from developer Frasers Property occupies more than eight hectares of prime riverfront land next to the Royal Queensland Golf Club.

The project, which sits within the wider Northshore Hamilton urban renewal area, offers a variety of low and mid-rise apartments, terrace homes and villas nestled within 2.5 hectares of lush parklands and public pathways.

The first homes in an upmarket collection of residences recently hit the market.

Rivers Reach comprises 11 freehold attached waterfront homes designed by Brisbane architecture studio bureau^proberts. 

Each has four bedrooms with an en suite, a separate powder room, a multipurpose room, and a three-car basement garage. Pools and private lifts are included in some of the homes.

Liam Proberts, managing director of bureau^proberts, knows this part of the city well. 

“I went to school in Brisbane, and rowing was part of the curriculum,” Proberts says.

“We used to row up and down the river.”

Over the years, he’s witnessed a shift in perceptions of the river away from a narrow transport and commercial focus.

“The river has become not just an asset but a really strong part of the character of the city,” Proberts says.

“The reclaiming of land stretching out to the northern edge of the Brisbane River is a significant signal of that change. It’s really healthy for the city.”

The design of the homes – among the only freehold residences on the riverfront between Newstead and Hamilton – is infused with the beauty and tranquillity of the river, from the layouts to the choice of materials. Living areas overlook the water.

Soaring void spaces further strengthen the connection between the architecture and the river. 

“When it’s an even tide, it’s a really calming body of water to look over. We wanted to engage with that and have those living spaces on the edge of the river, just above the public spaces on the river, so there’s a direct connection whilst maintaining a sense of privacy.”

Interior finishes include high-end kitchens with butler’s pantries, Miele appliances, integrated Leibherr fridges and wine cabinets.

The contemporary aesthetic continues with marble benchtops, blackbutt timber, home automation and elevated private terraces with integrated barbecues. 

The developer expects Rivers Reach to appeal to affluent Brisbane purchasers, including empty-nesters. I

t’s also tipped to pique the interest of interstate buyers seeking better value than inner Sydney or Melbourne, expats eager to move back to Australia and older buyers from regional areas, perhaps with children at boarding school or university in Brisbane.

There’s an excellent range of cafes, restaurants, leisure and entertainment options within easy reach, including East Street Northshore, Portside Wharf and Racecourse Road.

“It’s a private haven that’s slightly separated from the hubbub but close enough to engage with it when you want to,” Proberts says.

“You’ve got that choice.”

River’s Reach is open for inspection at  the sales and display centre at 310 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton. It  is open daily from 10am to 5pm or by appointment with the agents Cecilynne Jurss and Cameron Woods of Fraser Property.