Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad has unveiled a concept for the future of the precinct around the Gabba including a land bridge to span Main Street providing a safe and vibrant ‘front door’ for sports fans.
Ms Trad said fans will begin accessing the Gabba via the new Cross River Rail underground station in 2024 which would also facilitate the remake of the whole 6.5-hectare Woolloongabba site.
“Cross River Rail isn’t just a rail line, it’s a project that is going to transform our entire region,” Ms Trad said.
“When Cross River Rail is complete, Woolloongabba will be just minutes by train to the new Albert Street station in Brisbane’s CBD and close to the growing health, science and education precinct at Boggo Road.
“Plans are for the whole city block, which includes the Landcentre, old South Brisbane Dental Hospital and Goprint sites, to be completely transformed over the next decade.
“It has the potential to attract up to $1.5 billion of private investment and that’s a really exciting opportunity for local industry.
“The Gabba has been the scene of many great sporting triumphs and we know, through Cross River Rail, it will continue to be an integral part of Queensland culture for generations to come.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said investment in Cross River Rail unlocks a unique opportunity at Woolloongabba.
“$2 million dollars has been approved as part of the Cross River Rail project to begin planning and start the consultation process with potential investors and the community over the coming months,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“While a station to stadium connection will make game days easier for fans and families, new and improved public spaces and facilities will encourage even more visitors to the suburb outside of major event days.
“Cross River Rail will enable turn-up-and-go frequency public transport across the network, meaning fans from across SEQ will find it even easier to jump on a train and get down to support the mighty Brisbane Lions or the Brisbane Heat.”
Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the plan to greatly enhance the Gabba came from feedback from our sporting bodies, leading sports stars and local residents.
“The Gabba is ‘internationally renowned’ without a doubt, but it can be re-elevated to ‘world’s best’ if it was easier to get to – and transport connectivity is simply an expectation of modern spectators that has to be met,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Going forward, we are rolling up our sleeves in collaboration with all stakeholders to give fans a great experience – one that will rival the freshest stadiums in the nation.
“In possibly the best outcome of this precinct, the opportunity to leverage both the Gabba and the Station could deliver up to 300 new affordable homes designated for key and essential services workers including nurses, teachers, police and fire officers and hospitality and tourism workers.”
The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will now work with key stakeholders including Brisbane City Council, Stadiums Queensland and the Department of Housing and Public Works to develop a precinct plan for the new Gabba Station.
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The Greens proposal for using this incredibly valuable land for pubic purposes has got me thinking.
Recreating South Brisbane’s Musgrave park or Yeronga’s Hyde Rd Park for Woolongaba would create a space for people to gather most afternoons to play with their kids, socialise their animals or play a ball game with friends.
A proper skate park would service a very large area given its proximity to transport and our increasing openness to bikes and boards on public transport.
A King George Square type of open area would provide the same versatility at a location that is likely to see comparable traffic but much more events. I currently work across the road of KGS and its great to see the amazingly different uses of it on a week to week basis for the benefit of everyone who passes through.
Providing unground carparking similar to South Banks would enable these amenities to be accessible to more people. This parking I imagine would be great for the Olympics too. Dozens of shuttle buses will be required to shuttle Athletes to and from Hamilton, and Im sure VIPs will insist on driving as well, not to mention space to muster the hundreds of opening night actors… lots of floor area Im sure will not go unused.
All of the above will only increase the value of the remaining land for residential development (note, you want the high rises on the south of the park so the park gets the sun. You prop want the high rises on the East as well so the Park remains lit until sunset). Getting more people up and about will only benefit the local business as well. We should be able to then sell the remaining land to private investors and still protect the state budget.