the big Pineapple
Tourism Precinct Rejuvenation
Development Support / Building Design / Interior Design
Master Planning / Strategy Design
BIM modelling of entire precinct
Activation of areas for hospitality and retail tenants
Pedestrian flow, delivery access and loading docks
Reconfigured car parking layout
Renderings and flythroughs for concepts, leasing and publicity
Scoped future lessor works for feasibility studies and costings
Heritage consultant liaison
Stage 1 – Pavilion and Pineapple Refurbishment
Design of building alterations
Space planning and layout reconfiguration
Material selection and finishes specification
Lighting design and placement strategy
Joinery and custom fixture design
Integration of heritage elements into design
Coordination with consultants and contractors
Master Planning / Strategy
After our success at The Wharf, we were engaged to tackle The Big Pineapple rejuvenation, the focus being on commercial viability and return on investment.
The designs proposed for the precinct's previous ownership structure where architecturally refined with a strong emphasis on shared public spaces and the tourism icon's legacy. While they had significant design merit, the new sole owner viewed them as lacking financial sustainability.
Working closely with EL Development Services we developed a masterplan strategy that prioritised maximising lettable space, minimising underutilised public areas, and ensuring flexibility for future tenants.
We conducted site and building surveys and used historical building plans to create an accurate BIM model of the entire site allowing us to plan future stages while retaining all past works for reference.
We optimised circulation by integrating new lift locations to improve accessibility across levels. Our team worked closely with a heritage consultant to refine the site’s historical elements, balancing preservation with modernization.
Key interventions included reworking pedestrian movement to enhance retail visibility, reconfiguring delivery access, and rethinking car parking layouts to streamline traffic flow. To assist in leasing and funding applications, we produced high-quality rendered stills and flythroughs.
Building Alteration Design
Stage 1 saw the transformation of the Pavilion and Pineapple, where we reworked the existing structures to improve visitor flow and engagement.
The booking office and café spaces were strategically reconfigured to optimise function and tenant exposure while keeping construction costs low by maintaining the existing footprint.
Interior Design
The new café interior balances a bright, contemporary feel with nostalgic nods to The Big Pineapple’s history.
A considered material palette ensures durability and functionality, while the layout improves customer flow and service efficiency. Key focal points, such as the coffee station and display cabinet, were designed to be visually prominent, avoiding clutter from third-party signage.
Bespoke joinery and metalwork details enhance the retail experience, ensuring merchandising is secure yet highly visible.
Hardscaping Design
External upgrades included a new observation deck, improved access to The Big Pineapple attraction, and a safe, well-lit connection to the future Market Hall development.
Our team worked with the landscape architect in designing play spaces and selecting plant species to enhance the precinct’s appeal.
Photos: CAB ROTO