Full steam ahead: work begins on new-look Ekka station

Artist’s impressions of how Brisbane’s new Ekka train station will look have been released, as demolition and rebuilding begins. SEE THE PHOTOS

An artist's impression of how the revamped Ekka Station could look.

One platform is already gone and two new platforms will arise from the dust of the old Ekka train station.

The western platform has already come down, making way for work on two Cross River Rail tracks.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said piling pads, water mains and sewers will be built in coming months, with part of the station open in time for this year’s show.

Construction would also start soon on a viaduct to carry tracks above the showgrounds.

Visitors to this year’s show, in August, will not be affected.

When the whole project is finished, by 2025, pedestrians will be able to follow a path from Bowen Bridge Rd to the station.

An artist's impression of how the revamped Ekka Station could look.

About 9000 people a week are expected to use the station in 15 years’ time.

“This is a really significant milestone for the much-needed upgrade of this station to ensure train services operate here every day of the year, not just for special events like the Ekka,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Ekka is the most well-known and celebrated event held each year at the Brisbane Showgrounds, but at their peak, they can host up to 250 events a year.

“This new station will deliver trains into the heart of this heritage-listed precinct for residents and businesses, visitors and staff at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the thousands of people who visit the Ekka, the Convention Centre and nearby bars and restaurants.”

Aerial view of the Ekka, with the train station marked in red.

Mr Bailey said the demolition of the western platform would provide the space needed to construct the first tracks of the new station, which would sit up to 4m above the RNA Showgrounds.

“A viaduct will be constructed to support the rail tracks and train platforms over the showgrounds,” he said.

“Construction of the viaduct will start soon and the plan if for it to be in operating after next year’s Ekka, meaning we’ll gradually start to see the final station taking shape.”

Local Labor MP, Grace Grace, said the upgrade was needed because of an influx of people into Bowen Hills in the past decade as the Showgrounds precinct was transformed into an urban village.

The Royal National Association has developed large parts of the Ekka site for units and commercial buildings to generate funds to help fund the Show in coming years.

“Cross River Rail’s new year round Ekka station will deliver huge improvements to public transport options for the many local residents who now call this part of the inner-city their home,” Ms Grace said.

The new Exhibition station will have an island platform, 4m above ground, with two platforms for multidirectional travel and lifts for disabled and elderly people and parents with prams. It will feature brick cladding, to tie in with surrounding historic buildings.

More than 300 people provided feedback on the station design during community consultation last year.