Concept design, public info sessions revealed for Toowong, St Lucia green bridges

The first images of two “green’’ bridges linking West End to Toowong and St Lucia have been unveiled by Council. Details of public information sessions have also been revealed.

Concept designs for “green’’ bridges linking West End to Toowong and St Lucia have been revealed by Council.

It has also confirmed details of the public information sessions for the pedestrian/cycle bridges.

Five were originally proposed by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner in his first major announcement on taking up the city’s top job, but after huge opposition a Bellbowrie to Wacol link was scrapped.

How the Toowong to West End bridge could look.

Rest area on the Orleigh Park, West End side

The St Lucia link also ran into strong local opposition from residents concerned about light and noise pollution and impacts on beloved Guyatt Park.

But the Toowong link has been strongly supported.

“These latest designs have been developed after we received more than 4000 pieces of feedback on alignment options for each bridge earlier this year,’’ Cr Schrinner said.

“These new concept designs are based on what residents told us were their preferred alignments and provide a first look at the potential bridge forms and structures, landing locations and features as well as viewing areas and landscaping.

“At Toowong, a new landscaped riverfront park and landing plaza will be created, with viewing platforms and seating providing space to rest and enjoy the view of the Brisbane River.

West End landing of the St Lucia link.

“There will be a huge focus on maximising parkland around the Guyatt Park bridge landing in St Lucia, which will also deliver new shade, seating and viewing areas.

“At Orleigh Park in West End, the landings for both bridges will preserve existing heritage features and trees, where possible, to incorporate new and upgraded facilities such as seating, lighting and signage – a win for the local community and residents who love this park.”

Cr Schrinner said community feedback would play a key role.

Artist's impression of the West End approach of the link from St Lucia.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Consultation is open until February 28.

November 17, 10am-1pm, University of Queensland (Campbell Place), 280-284 Sir Fred Schonell Drive, St Lucia

November 20, 9am-midday, Guyatt Park, Laurence St, St Lucia

November 24, 11am-2pm, Queen Street Mall (Wintergarden entrance), Queen St, CBD

November 27, 9am-12 noon, Orleigh Park (Area 3) Montague Rd, West End

November 29, 4-7pm, Toowong Library (meeting room), 9 Sherwood Rd, Toowong

November 30, 4-7pm, St Lucia Bowls Club, 9 Car St, St Lucia

December 4, 6am-2pm, West End Markets, Davies Park, cnr Montague Rd Jane St, West End

December 8, 4-7pm, South Brisbane Sailing Club, 68 Hill End Tce, West End

February 6, 9am-12 noon, Toowong Library (meeting room), 9 Sherwood Rd, Toowong

February 12, 6am-2pm, West End Markets, Davies Park, cnr Montague Rd/Jane St, West End

The St Lucia bridge, looking back towards Toowong and the city.

“We want to know your thoughts on landing locations, landscaping and design features, walking and riding facilities and, of course, the overall bridge design,” Cr Schrinner said.

Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said the preliminary business cases for each bridge showed the projects would provide greater access to support significant population and employment growth in the area across the next 20 years.

“The population in South Brisbane and West End is expected to grow by 120 per cent between now and 2041, and employment in South Brisbane is expected to grow by 70 per cent in the same period,” Cr Murphy said.

“Together, the new green bridges will create a vital green transport network between the growing communities in West End, Toowong and St Lucia as well as The University of Queensland.

Artist's impression of the Toowong bridge rest area.

“Currently it can take up to 20 to 30 minutes to drive between St Lucia, Toowong and the West End peninsula - the green bridges will provide a direct walking link between these suburbs and will cut travel times by more than two thirds for those riding bikes and e-mobility devices.”

Cr Murphy said the delivery of both bridges would be staged, subject to funding and approvals.

“Previous consultation undertaken on both bridges clearly indicated many residents see the Toowong to West End Green Bridge as a higher priority for Brisbane,” he said.

“In response to this feedback, we will deliver the Toowong to West End Green Bridge first.

“Works could commence on the Toowong to West End Green Bridge as soon as 2024, subject to funding and approvals, with each bridge expected to take around two years to complete.”

Labor Leader in Council, Jared Cassidy, said there were much higher priorities.

“Right before the last Council election, Adrian Schrinner and the LNP rushed out promising to build five shiny bridges they couldn’t afford and still can’t afford,’’ Cr Cassidy said.

How the two bridges will look (Toowong link on the left, St Lucia on the right).

“We have over 1100 broken footpaths in need of repair, we have over 6000 streets without any footpath at all, and all this LNP Lord Mayor cares about is re-announcing green bridges he doesn’t have funding for.

“Adrian Schrinner continues to spend thousands on artist impressions and fly-throughs of a few bridges that may or may not even be built, while continuing to neglect basic suburban infrastructure and maintenance.

“All this LNP Lord Mayor cares about is promoting himself, and Brisbane’s suburbs and people are suffering because of it.’’

Residents near beloved Guyatt Park, St Lucia, were also less than impressed.

“Looks like the popular riverfront open grass areas, shade trees, high bank BBQ and sitting area and children playground area are going to be cemented over in large part for the ‘green bridge’ at Guyatt Park,’’ Mark Cowan posted on Facebook.

Aerial view of the St Lucia to West End landing site at Guyatt Park and the approach path bisecting the park.

“This is the nicest part of the park on the River and on hot days is about the only location that’s cool enough to enjoy in my experience.

“Then a further bigger area cemented in the middle and through to Macquarie St.

“This is going to have a lot of fast cycle and e-mobility traffic on it dissecting the park, including all the “River Loop” users — especially in coming years it will feel like a mini roadway of sorts as this form of transport booms.

“That’s a good thing anywhere else but through the middle of a park unless it can be designed to avoid dissecting it.

“But this design seems to show it cannot because of the geometry of Guyatt park.’’