A $750 million development that was part of a Palaszczuk Government election commitment is set to transform the precinct surrounding Albion train station.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said an agreement had been signed with Brisbane property developers, Geon Property, to revitalise the Albion site through a Transit Oriented Development (TOD).
“During the election campaign, we committed to investing in a multimillion-dollar accessibility upgrade at this station and we will now work with the developer to ensure it integrates with their plans for the precinct.
“This fifteen-year project will integrate Albion train station with, nearby commercial and residential buildings and vacant land to deliver an exciting community asset.
“By unlocking the potential of the 3.5-hectare site through a partnership with the private sector we will deliver enhanced public transport infrastructure for the local community.”
According to Geon Property, the proposed transit orientated development aims to contribute to the revitalisation of Albion, and will position the site as a community hub that provides new residential accommodation, office space, dining and shopping facilities, including $28.7m of upgraded transport facilities and public access to the Albion train station.
The proposed improvements would complement planning currently underway by Queensland Rail for an upcoming accessibility upgrade of Albion train station which could include new platform access with lifts, raised platform sections for improved access and other accessibility features such as hearing aid loop, signage and tactile flooring surfaces.
“Construction on the accessibility upgrade is also expected to start in late 2019,” Mr Bailey said.
Geon Property is currently working on design options to be submitted to Brisbane City Council as part of standard development application processes.
Designs put forward will endeavour to respect Albion’s surrounds and support State Government planning objectives for transit-oriented developments including:
- Improved accessibility to the train station
- A mix of residential, retail, commercial and community uses
- High-quality public spaces and streets, which are pedestrian and cyclist friendly
We believe that this project will deliver a lot of positive features for the community and we are very keen to ensure that people have the opportunity to ask questions and also provide feedback. – Geon Property
Geon Property will commence a program of community engagement on the project shortly.
The group will start a detailed design, development application and approval process over the next 12 to 18 months.
Mr Bailey said construction was expected to start in 2019-20 and more information would be available as development applications and approvals proceeded.
Also included as part of the precinct redevelopment:
- Design and construct a mixed-use TOD integrated with Albion Train Station and the wider area
- Work with the state to design improved Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) compliant access to Albion Train Station and construct
- Work with the state to optimise the design and location of commuter car parking (to ensure no net loss of park’n’ride numbers) and undertake construction of the necessary works
- Integrate with a section of North Brisbane Bikeway through the precinct
Geon Property Managing Director Ben Griffin said the TOD offered a unique opportunity to revitalise Albion.
“Redeveloping Albion train station allows us to deliver a truly world-class transit oriented development,” Mr Griffin said.
“This project will be more than just a property development – our vision is to create a precinct that is a genuine destination.
“This project will be defined by a seamless integration of high-quality apartment living, retail, food and beverage outlets with genuine character, modern commercial offerings and vibrant public open spaces.
“It will offer access to Brisbane’s transport networks, integrating with one of South East Queensland’s busiest train lines, connecting to the bikeway network and providing accessible parking options.”
This isn’t the first TOD proposal for the Albion site. In 2012, FKP had plans for what was known as ‘Albion Mill’ and comprised of a mixed-use retail and apartment precinct surrounding a four-storey heritage building which was Brisbane’s sole working flour mill for 72 years.
However, in November 2013, the heritage building was gutted by fire and subsequently demolished after council engineers deemed it too unsafe to remain standing.
I’ve lived in Lutwyche for 15 years. 80% of trains run express and dont even stop at Albion or Wooloowin. Its a pointless upgrade that will be a linked to Government giving away the state land and getting some kind of underhanded kickback. Why else would you upgrade a station where so few trains stop.
There is only 1 train every 45mins/hr in peak hour that actually stops at Albion and goes to Toowong. Both of which are inner city stations less than 4 stops from central station. I find 15-30 min drive each way is more reliable and saves the over 3hrs it would take using the train each day.
Looks like a shady land deal. And while ‘Design & Construct’ sounds sexy and progressive its just code for enormous contract based on a lose concept. It will end up as a lot of apartments sold off a plan and due to the lack of detail the government will allow the proposed open public spaces to be redyced and compromised to try to control the inevitable cost blowout
The Shorncliffe, Doombin and Airport Trains stop at Albion & Wooloowin constantly.
Your assertion is remarkably incorrect. Switch trains at Central to Ipswitch or Springfield and I’m sure you can make it to Toowong.
Park and Ride at these stations is the most critical factor, and there should be an increase in parking to support train users, are avoid clogging up local streets.
An excellent initiative. We need more density and activity around the rail stations. All Airtrain services now stop at Albion, together with Shorncliffe and Doomben trains provide 6-8 trains an hour.
Marc, not sure what timetable you are looking at.
Albion is a very popular commuter station, park and rides are full by 9am and MAJORITY of trains stop at Albion.
Go and have another look.
And the area is need of a refurbishment, even for safety alone, with the road alignments and through bike routes not being up to standard.
What a transformation after 30 yrs as a commuter from Albion.I wonder what will happen to Peace Hall at nearby Albion station.I suppose this is considered progress. ? Quite frankly sad to see Brisbane moving towards concrete and glass jungle,never mind our timber and tin heritage.