$11m to Upgrade Edward St

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has committed more than $11.4 million to transform Edward Street in the central business district into a showcase street and delivering two new suburban centre improvement projects as part of his 2015-16 Budget.

Cr Quirk said he was investing $1.9 million in the coming year to commence the upgrade of the Edward Street shopping precinct which was an $11 million three-year project towards resurfacing, kerbside, footpath and beautification works between the Queen Street Mall and Charlotte Street.

“This project is a direct outcome of the City Centre Master Plan 2014 and I am pleased we are about to commence the transformation of Edward Street into a showcase street to complement the new retail precinct that has emerged over the past few years,” he said.

“The Edward Street precinct in the CBD has established itself as Brisbane’s home for international luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Georg Jensen, Rhodes & Beckett and Oroton to name but a few.

“Brisbane’s CBD retail sector is an established, prosperous precinct for both local and international retailers.

“We will support this investment by transforming Edward Street with broad footpaths and tree-lined streets to make it a showcase retail destination for residents and visitors alike.

“As more people live and work in our city centre we need to make it easy, safe and comfortable to walk along the street by widening footpath space and to do that vehicular traffic will be reduced to three lanes.

“Council will work with Edward Street traders, owners and the precinct management group to ensure we get the best possible outcome for residents and visitors to this exciting area of the City.”

Cr Quirk said while precincts such as Edward Street were important attractions for residents and visitors alike, suburban centres are where people’s lives were spent every day and needed to accurately reflect the importance of this.