Brisbane City Council has released its plan to transform Adelaide Street in Brisbane’s CBD into a new transit boulevard, including an underground tunnel entry for Brisbane Metro.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Draft Adelaide Street Vision outlined Council’s plan to adapt the century-old transit corridor to meet changing community needs and get residents home quicker and safer.
“Adelaide Street is already one of Brisbane’s most well-known streetscapes and has served as a transport hub for more than a century – first as a dirt track and then for trams,” Cr Schrinner said.
“As our city experiences increased pedestrian and public transport activity, we want to transform this corridor into a world-class transit boulevard.
“This vision considers streamlined bus stops, a new pocket park and the creation of a walkable, tree-lined transit boulevard.
“The $944 million Brisbane Metro is a key driver for this vision, with the project delivering a new tunnel under Adelaide Street to link North Quay to the King George Square Bus Station.
“We need to plan a desirable entry point into the heart of the city ahead of the high-frequency Brisbane Metro, which is expected to increase passenger numbers to King George Square by 120 per cent.”
Cr Schrinner said the vision outlined a holistic look at the Adelaide Street corridor, with the George Street end of the street earmarked as the initial focus for change over the next five years, including the delivery of the underground Brisbane Metro tunnel.
“Highlighting this end of Adelaide Street as a CBD entry point will showcase Brisbane as a lifestyle and leisure destination,” he said.
“We also expect visitation to Brisbane to increase by around 30 per cent by 2020, and we want this gateway to be distinctive of Brisbane’s lifestyle and character – green, shady, inclusive and accessible.
“Through the vision we’ve outlined the need for wider, uncluttered footpaths, redesign bus stops, improved laneways, enhanced wayfinding and new public spaces.
“One of the opportunities is to activate Clark Lane and the adjoining pocket park with an outdoor gallery and creative lighting as well as enhancements to Hutton Lane to improve connectivity to Central Station.”
Cr Schrinner said Council had put forward a range of opportunities through the Draft Adelaide Street Vision and would now consult with the community.
“Residents are invited to provide their feedback on the draft vision until 24 June, 2019 and three community information sessions will be held during this time,” he said. The draft plan can be viewed here.
