Australasian design firm Custance has won a national competition to design a new $650 million luxury mixed-use development in Brisbane’s inner north.

The winning concept for ICON, which is set to be the centrepiece of the Northshore Hamilton precinct, features four distinctive towers and a connective sky-bridge housing luxury apartments anchored by a public realm that establishes a new gateway and better connectivity to the Brisbane River.

Included in the project are 567 residential apartments, as well as an international standard five star 227-room hotel with conference, function, and recreational facilities. A retail and restaurant precinct, childcare facilities and an open-air public realm and community civic plaza, ‘Hamilton Place’, are also part of the plans.

Custance design director Craig Shelsher says ICON’s design was based on four key principles: water, people, place and connectivity.

“ICON’s proximity to the Brisbane River and wharf district are central to its design, shaping the tower’s fluid forms and shimmering façade,” says Shelsher.

“Our objective was to create a place that enabled people to thrive and the architecture to embrace the river.”

ICON will create a visual link to the water, and connect the Brisbane River to Hercules Street Park and onwards to Kingsford Smith Drive.

Other key features include seven levels of underground parking, with designated spaces for residents, hotel and retail visitors.

Located just seven kilometres from Brisbane Airport, and 100 metres from the Brisbane Cruise Ship Terminal, it is hoped that the five-star hotel and conference facilities will boost Brisbane’s tourism and event credentials.