Local People | A New Chapter for Bulimba Boat Building Icon
Author // Shannon Edwards, Place Bulimba
Norman R. Wright & Sons has been mastering the art of boat building and design for over 100 years since they opened their doors in 1909.
In fact, there’s a high chance you would’ve seen their iconic boats… because who in Brisbane hasn’t seen a City Cat?
From commercial and pleasure boats to luxury motor yachts, this clever team of boat builders make the toys some of us can only dream of.
But with the approval of the Bulimba Barracks and many new stunning new riverfront developments paving the way along the Byron st strip (including The Boatyard and Barca) we can reveal Norman R. Wright & Sons is relocating to 39 Rivergate Place, Murarrie come March 2017.
As a boat builder of 40 years co-director, Ian Wright, invited us to the original Bulimba warehouse where he gave us a grand tour and insight into the industry.
“There’s no denying, the area has changed for the better - it had been Brisbane’s best kept secret for a long time.”
As we walked the deck together, Ian’s passion for the profession was unmistakable.
Having lived and worked in the area for many years, Ian shared with us stories of old-town Bulimba and the great changes he has witnessed.
What are some of the iconic projects that you’ve been involved with?
The best known projects of Norman Wright & Sons are the City Cats.
People from across Australia and parts of the world recognise the City Cats as being a Brisbane icon.
Brisbane City Council is our oldest customer and we are their oldest suppliers; we built their first boat for them in 1914.
Norman Wright & Sons is in the midst of their current project, constructing two new City Cats for council.
These cats will be the 20th and 21st additions to the city fleet, of which Norman Wright & Sons have constructed 11 (making these their 12th and 13th vessels).
How has the business changed over the years?
In the beginning, Bulimba was a very affordable area to live and run business.
Because of this, many of our staff lived here with their families and the company suppliers were close by.
Business back then was convenient and accessible.
As riverside property became more expensive most of our staff moved away and many suppliers left the premises.
We’re pretty much the last ones standing and now we can announce we are moving to 39 Rivergate Place, Murarrie come March 2017.
What has kept you in the area for so long?
The lifestyle of the suburb.
Bulimba is so close to the city with great public transport, a range of excellent schools and family friendly parks.
And of course, there’s the riverside lifestyle of Oxford Street filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars attracting visitors time and time again.