Changes flagged for entry to New Farm Park and Brisbane Powerhouse

Entry to New Farm Park could change under a council proposal to permanently reopen access between the park's busy ring road and the Brisbane Powerhouse car park.

Brisbane City Council is proposing a host of changes to how residents enter and exit the popular park, including closing the Lamington Street entrance to the Powerhouse except on weekends.

Changes to the Powerhouse and New Farm Park were first flagged by lord mayor Adrian Schrinner this year as an election promise to improve access to the busy public precinct.

The council also wants to reopen the original Brunswick Street park entrance as an entry-only way, along with a designated pedestrian entry, and better lighting.

"New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse make up one of Brisbane’s most popular recreational destinations," a council spokeswoman said.

"To ensure it remains safe and accessible for residents and visitors now and into the future, we are planning upgrades to improve safety and make it easier for everyone to get around.

"Part of that work was completed in February when we reconfigured and resurfaced the car park, improved its drainage, and upgraded lighting to improve safety and access."

The existing entry and exit at Brunswick Street would remain in place under the proposal.

Drop-off and pick-up areas would be installed near the Powerhouse "to encourage pedestrian crossing at specific points", according to a letter sent from Central ward councillor Vicki Howard to New Farm residents.

Two raised pedestrian crossings would be installed across the ring road to improve safety, and accessible toilets and a picnic area would be installed near the existing playground.

Changes to the Powerhouse and New Farm Park were first flagged by lord mayor Adrian Schrinner this year as an election promise to improve access to the busy public precinct.

One stage of the upgrades has been completed. A public pontoon was installed at the Powerhouse last year by the council.

The changes go against a petition lodged recently with the council that calls for a trial of banning cars from entering New Farm Park, citing the number of cars parking on both sides of the narrow ring road and the risk to pedestrians and other park users.

The petition, lodged by Donald Campbell, says New Farm Park is "a beautiful and people friendly open space except for the ring road inside the park which is occupied entirely by motor vehicles, both moving and parked".

"Many of the areas of New Farm Park are not joined by connecting walking paths, forcing people, families and children, to travel along the ring road," the petition says.

"Disabled people in wheelchairs, those with low vision and elderly using walking frames have all been seen trying to safely navigate the area."