$120m Fed, State, SEQ council injection paves way for Victoria Park transformation

The biggest parkland in Brisbane is now assured of going ahead after all three levels of government agreed to pump $120 million into its transformation as part of 2032 Olympics legacy projects.

The biggest parkland in Brisbane is now assured of going ahead after all three levels of government agreed to pump $120 million into its transformation as part of 2032 Olympics legacy projects.

When completed the Victoria Park/Barrambin transformation in Herston would be almost four times the size of South bank and feature kilometres of landscaped walking trails, adventure playscapes, water features, public art and more.

Brisbane City Council had already spent or allocated in the recent Budget a total of $40 million.

A landmark agreement announced on Thursday morning, August 1, would deliver the remainder of the estimated $160 million project cost.

The funds injection was part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund, one of 29 commitments under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal.

The all-ages Adventurescape recreation space within the Victoria Park transformation. Image: BCC

City Deal is a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and Council of Mayors (SEQ) to create a lasting legacy heading into and after the Games.

The $120 million announced on Thursday would be used for catalyst works including an all-ages, all-abilities “Adventurescape” playground with natural elements such as sticks, vegetation and rocks for children to engage in nature play.

A 2km Parkway Loop boulevard linking the existing land bridge over the Inner City Bypass and the Brisbane Metro and busway station was another key feature.

A new active transport bridge at the entrance of the park would be built, while roads and intersection upgrades would occur.

The money would also help pay for new administration and operations buildings, wayfinding signs, public art and car parking.

A 2km pedestrian loop connecting to Brisbane Metro will be built as part of the $120 million funding. Image: BCC

More than 800 ongoing jobs, plus 500 construction jobs, would be created.

Work on a “Spring Hill Common’’ has already been completed by Council and an Urban Pump Track was due to open later this year.

Both of those projects were however paid for entirely by Council under its previous commitment to the Victoria Park transformation.

“I always promised Victoria Park would be a place for all residents and visitors to enjoy and I want to thank the federal and state governments for supporting that vision,’’ Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

“Our record of delivering new destinations like Howard Smith Wharves, West Village, Fish Lane and Bradbury and Hanlon parks have helped shape Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle.

“Brisbane is one of the best places in the world to live and by investing in destinations like Victoria Park we can help make it even better.”

However, many Herston and Kelvin Grove residents have expressed concern about impacts on green space, traffic, noise and lighting.

Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Sue Bremner said the area should be a park, not a concrete jungle.

She said the only reason the boulevard was 2km long was because Council signed off on a 10-year lease with the former golf course lessors to include a 5ha driving range, which was now an anachronistic use.

She said the hilly nature of the site also meant major earthworks would be needed to keep the boulevard gradient within accessibility rules for people with mobility issues.

“It’s a huge amount of money and doesn’t matter whether it’s ratepayer’s or taxpayer’s money,’’ she said.

“It’s not necessary to have a 2km track when we can show off the park with a shorter track cutting through what is now a driving range and also save the community some money when so many are doing it tough.’’

SVP has estimated the boulevard equated to 14,000 sqm of concrete or the equivalent of 1100 car parks.