Construction of a luxury apartment development on one of the final riverfront sites in Brisbane’s West End has been fast-tracked by three months, signalling the next phase of urban renewal for the sought-after inner-city precinct.

National property and construction group Traders In Purple has commenced work on its $520 million Rivara West End, with buyers Barry and Ann-Maree Salmon helping break ground on the site, which holds a special place in their family history.

Barry’s parents began their married life in a timber workers’ cottage at 19 Beesley Street in the 1940s, and his dad worked at McKinnon’s Plaster Factory on Victoria Street – both of which were once in the exact location the dual 12-level Rivara buildings will occupy.

It is a full-circle moment in the urban renewal of West End, which has transitioned from residential, to industrial, to one of Brisbane’s premier addresses.

“It is just an amazing coincidence. Here I am in the later stage of my life about to live in the place my parents began their first stage together, and where my sister was born. When I walked the site, I felt a strong connection to it,” said Barry, who retired in 2014.

“At the end of the day, Rivara will allow us to live a more active lifestyle. The concept of being able to walk to the shops and along the river is the opposite of our lifestyle in the suburbs, where we go everywhere in the car. It is a sensational location.

“We are chasing quality of life, at our stage of life. We value quality design and craftsmanship and the fact that is the underpinning value of Traders In Purple was important to us.”

Rivara debuted to the market just five months ago, with residences snapped up for an average sale price of $3 million. The final release of apartments, terrace homes, penthouses and river homes will launch soon.

Traders In Purple development director Alex Black said sales had exceeded all expectations, with the majority made to local owner-occupiers living in West End and its surrounds.

“The opportunity to secure a brand-new absolute riverfront residence this close to the Brisbane CBD is extremely rare and even more so in West End, with this one of its final true waterfront addresses,” she said.

“The location in a quieter pocket, close to the vibrant cafes, restaurants, art galleries and live music venues that make West End so unique has appealed to downsizers through to professionals and families wanting a position in the Brisbane State High catchment.

“The start of construction symbolises the next phase in the significant urban renewal of West End, and we’re anticipating demand for the final residences will only continue to strengthen now that work is underway.”

Early site works will include the demolition of existing industrial buildings. Rivara is anticipated for final construction completion in late 2028.

Ms Black said Traders In Purple had more than two decades of experience as both developer and builder, delivering quality residential projects across Australia.

“Our 100 per cent completion rate has given buyers confidence and certainty, which is more important than ever,” she said.

Designed in collaboration with national architects, Rothelowman, Rivara features a total of 112 apartments, 20 penthouses, 20 terrace homes and 12 ultra luxurious river homes on absolute waterfront, with views across Brisbane River to Mt Coot-tha.

A wellness-focused garden podium features a 20-metre riverfront pool, hot and cold magnesium plunge pools, sauna and yoga lawn. Other exclusive resident amenities include a wellness room with reformer Pilates, private dining room, and a sunset terrace with barbeque and covered seating.

“Our focus is on designing from the inside out, ensuring our residences are intuitive, comfortable, beautiful, and connected to amenities that enhance lifestyle,” said Ms Black.

Two and three-bedroom apartments at Rivara are priced from $1.68 million, terrace homes from $2.25 million, riverfront penthouses from $5.2 million and ultra-luxury river homes from $6.27 million. For further information visit: rivarawestend.com.au