The Pier Precinct Development, Urangan

CORE Architectures The "Pier Precinct" Development presents an exciting opportunity for the Fraser Coast region. The site is ideally placed in the Urangan (eastern) side of Hervey Bay and is surrounded by established residential and commercial development. To the north of the site is the historical "Urangan Pier" which was built between 1913 and 1917 and served Queensland and the region as a transfer point between rail and shipping up until as recently as 1985. 

The Site

With two distinct zones of Commercial and Residential development, the "Pier Precinct" nestles into the area by providing a design solution that is sensitive to the context and does not dominate the surrounding uses. The proposed design compliments the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s intentions for the precinct. The scale is single storey for the Commercial zone and up to 3 stories in the Residential zone. The design concept takes a strong reference from the rail and shipping history by aligning its’ axis with the already established council promenade that links the end of King Street to the Pier. With this approach the axis of the pier is extended into the Commercial Precinct and provides a strong reference point (the Clock Tower). The intention for the commercial development, which will include a variety of tenants, is to provide an ‘end point’ and convenience for pedestrians and holiday makers enjoying the esplanade and pier promenade to the north of the site.

Commercial Precinct

Residential Precinct

To the South West along Pier Street, the planned ‘Pedestrian and Cycle Mobility Corridor’ by the Fraser Coast Regional Council has been considered in the Masterplan by bringing the public through the Commercial Precinct. An enhancement to the Council’s intentions is the increased safety for the public by minimising conflict with vehicles and delivering users directly onto the King Street axis. This supports the Council’s intention for this important infrastructure project and contributes further to the fabric of the area.
Basement car parking is provided to both the Commercial and Residential precincts on the site minimising the on-site vehicular movements at ground level and therefore enhancing pedestrian and public safety across the development. End-of trip bike facilities are also provided for the public and staff using the Commercial precinct for further flexibility and convenience.

Commercial Precinct - Sectional Analysis

The Residential development planned for the site includes 97 apartments of varying types across 5 buildings. Common spaces and facilities provided include a lap pool and resort pool, change facilities, gym, parks, playgrounds, vegetable gardens, BBQ facilities and a Community Use building. The provided vehicular entry off Pilot Street includes a passenger setdown / pickup area and Porte` Cochere`.

Residential Precinct - Sectional Analysis

The overall aesthetic and materials proposed promote a ‘relaxed’ environment. Simplified details reflect a ‘domestic’ scale and the selection of timber cladding, metal roofs and wide overhangs help to blend the development into the context which includes the existing Pier Precinct cafe` building to the north. The intention is for this development to provide convenience and a new community that compliments its’ surroundings and acknowledges its’ historical significance.

For more information call Jason Preston, CORE Architecture Brisbane, 07 3872 3700