Channelside retail space will transform into Sparkman Wharf, complete with a biergarten

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Tampa residents are learning more about what to expect as officials transform the city's downtown waterfront property.

“Tampa is a really great city and part of what we want to do at Sparkman Wharf is celebrate everything that is so exciting and so special about Tampa,” said Ali Glisson, spokeswoman for Strategic Property Partners, the developing company in charge of the project.

Under Water Street Tampa, the former Channelside Bay Plaza retail space will be reborn and renamed to “Sparkman Wharf," officials announced Thursday.

Renderings show a one-acre space will turn into a “dynamic park-like environment” featuring a dining garden, biergarten, and lawn for recreation and relaxation.

The downtown Tampa space will be set along the Garrison Channel, and will also include loft-style office spaces overlooking the park and water.

“We want this to be a place that people think of when they think 'I want to go out' and 'I want to relax on the waterfront," said Glisson. "This is really meant to be Tampa’s next waterfront destination”

Sparkman Wharf is expected to open October 2018.

The Water Street Project as a whole is expected to transform the parking lots and space around Amalie Arena into 32 new buildings, restaurants, shops and hotels.