Brisbane CBD green spine on the way as part of transformational project

Two blocks in the Brisbane CBD will be turned into a new pedestrianised public plaza as part of the Cross River Rail project. WATCH THE VIDEO

A green spine in Brisbane’s CBD is being planned with a shady subtropical boulevard outside the new Albert Street Cross River Rail underground station part of the transformational project.

The two blocks between Mary and Elizabeth streets will be turned into a new pedestrianised public plaza and form the start of a vision for Albert St called the green spine.

It is aligned with Brisbane City Council’s Albert Street Vision – a proposal that Albert St could be a tree-lined, traffic-free walkway, running from the Botanic Gardens in the south of the CBD to Roma Street Parklands in the north.

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority chief executive Graeme Newton said the walkway would run through the centre of the Brisbane CBD, and by connecting two of the city’s largest parklands, would undoubtedly become a notable and popular feature of Brisbane for residents and visitors alike.

“Works are now starting to become visible above ground as construction moves to the sections of the station above street level,” he said.

“This will continue in coming months as work starts on the green spine aspect of the works around Albert St.

A concept image showing the outside of Cross River Rail’s Albert Street station.

“We’re working closely with our major contractors and Brisbane City Council on this new game-changing space in the heart of the CBD, and will make sure the local community is well aware of what works will be taking place before construction kicks off.”

The new station will have two entrances – on the corner of Mary St and nearly 300m away near the corner of Elizabeth St.

Mr Newton said the Albert St roadway that previously connected these locations would not be returned to vehicle use once construction of the station was complete.

“Instead, a broad and generous pedestrianised corridor will feature subtropical planting and new seating areas,” he said.

“Lush green landscaping will be open, engaging and designed to take advantage of Brisbane’s subtropical climate.

“Additional shade will be provided at the corner of Albert and Mary streets by the large awning that will extend from the new underground station entrance building.”

A concept render of the Albert St public realm.

Adding to the plaza will be a statement piece of art by renowned Indigenous artist Jennifer Herd, titled Re-Emergence.

The piece, designed to convey to story of submergence and re-emergence of Aboriginal culture, centres around a blooming native waterlily – once an important food source for Aboriginal people in the area.

The plaza will also serve as an entrance to the new “vertical rainforest” tower proposed for 101 Albert St. When viewed from Albert Street station, the 40-storey commercial tower will appear as a subtropical vertical garden.

Construction on the Albert St public realm will start in the coming months and ensure pedestrian access along Albert St is maintained.

“Businesses and the local community will be made aware of any impacts well in advance of construction commencing,” Mr Newton said.

A concept render showing the green spine of Albert St.

He said much progress was being made underground on the station.

“Many people may not realise the significant progress made on the new Albert Street station right beneath their feet as they go about their business in the CBD,” Mr Newton said.

“The station’s mezzanine and platform levels have been completed, and rail is being installed in the station cavern.

“Each day the underground environment is looking more and more like a world-class train station.”

Albert Street is one of four new underground stations being built as part of the Cross River Rail project with more than 67,000 people expected to use it by 2036.

Plan to drive CBD revival

The new public realm area, part of the Albert Street Cross River Rail underground station development, is set to provide the impetus to regenerate part of the Brisbane CBD.

Transport Minister Bart Mellish said the new shady boulevard would also serve as a catalyst for further development and investment, revitalising the southern part of the CBD.

“The new pedestrianised plaza to be constructed outside the new Albert Street station is a terrific example of how Cross River Rail will improve liveability,” he said.

“The new public realm area will help breathe new life into the CBD, providing a lush, subtropical section of the city where people will want to meet and gather.

A concept render of the Albert St public realm.

“Just like Queen St is seen as a key central landmark, we expect the same will be the case with Albert St when you combine the first new train station in the CBD in more than 120 years with a new leafy walkway closed to traffic.”

Mr Mellish said Cross River Rail would transform how people travel across South East Queensland making public transport a more viable option, helping to ease road congestion.

“But it will also be a defining feature of our city and our region in its own right, helping to reshape our city and our region beyond the significant public transport benefits,” he said.