Frank Unveils Next-Gen Boatsheds at Hemmant
The development tide keeps rising along the Brisbane River.
Developer Frank Licastro is diving into the opportunities of the beloved Brown Snake with a marina proposal in the city’s east.
Code-assessable plans have been lodged by his company Frank Developments for the development that integrates a fusion of industry, lifestyle and technology but takes its design cues from the classic boatshed.
It is earmarked for a 3ha general industry zoned site at Hemmant with about 430m of direct river frontage and an adjoining 1.6ha wet lease.
Under the scheme—dubbed Brisbane Marina—the waterfront precinct would feature 67 nautically inspired workstores ranging from 163sq m to 730sq m and more than 70 stern-in, 15-20m private berths.
It would also be Brisbane’s first marina with autonomous berthing and a dedicated drone landing bay along with an EV-ready marine hub, ship-lift access, onsite fuel and 24/7 shipmaster services.
The proposal also integrates communal wellness and recreation zones—including facilities such as studio gyms and saunas—as well as event spaces and dockside provisions.
Landscaped edges and riverfront boardwalks would be incorporated to “blur the line between work and waterfront living”.
Licastro described the proposed development as “a working village on the water”.
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“The city’s waterfronts are no longer just industrial edges—they’re becoming active, adaptive precincts where work, recreation and technology co-exist,” he said. “Our approach is about designing for how Brisbane is evolving.”
The unveiling of Frank Developments’ waterfront vision follows the completion of its similar upmarket but landlocked boutique industrial projects, Gould Lane at Herston and Kathina Lane at Bulimba.
“The market has started to ramp up in that space,” Licastro said. “With this one we’re taking that same design-led approach, balancing enterprise with amenity, to redefine the marine space and how Brisbane works by the water.
“And we feel that’s going to be a strong point of difference.”
Licastro has again teamed with design firm BYculprit, which has morphed the classic boatshed into a luxury industrial aesthetic—featuring bronzed translucent panels, natural timber, and sawtooth rooflines inspired by the geometry of sails.
The plans also include onsite parking for 288 cars.
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