Racecourse Rd traders ask: Give us a sign

TRADERS on this Brisbane landmark street have put up with major roadworks and development disruptions for years. Now, they are (very politely) asking for something in return.

Ingrid Steven from Racecourse Road Dental in Hamilton. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

RACECOURSE Road is open for business.

Local businesswoman Ingrid Steven has come up with an idea to make sure everyone knows that, as weekend roadworks ramp up for the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade.

Mrs Steven, of Racecourse Road Dental, said a Racecourse Road precinct entrance sign, placed on Kingsford Smith Dr, could act as a huge “welcome” mat for people travelling from the city.

Mrs Steven said the food, shopping and entertainment precinct was a wonderful place to be despite recent development, racetrack, market and traffic challenges surrounding the Hamilton-Ascot area.

“(The entrance sign) could be gifted to the street as a gesture of gratitude for the business people here, for their patience,” she said.

Racecourse Rd traders Bekk Tombs from Racecourse Road Dental, Little Persian Cafe’s Sarah Dargahi, Ingrid Steven, Harrison’s Menswear’s Maxwell Steven and Yap Yap Dog Grooming’s Leanne Hedges. Picture: AAP/RICHARD WALKER

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“Businesses in the area have been hugely affected by roadworks.

“Do they think we are a wealthy road and so therefore don’t need assistance? Absolutely we do.”

She said an even better gift would be for the right-hand turn into Racecourse Rd (travelling towards the city on Kingsford Smith Drive) to be reinstated, so the businesses could take full advantage of the expected increase in traffic for which the upgrade was being built.

Kingsford Smith Drive has been the roadworks hotspot in recent years. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

At present, anyone driving to the city can only access Racecourse Rd shops from Kingsford Smith Drive via Nudgee Rd, and then turning left into an intersecting street such as Allen St, before turning either left or right into Racecourse Rd.

The $650 million upgrade of the busy riverside thoroughfare will turn the four-lane carriageway into six from Theodore Street at Eagle Farm to Cooksley Street at Hamilton. It will also include improvement works between Cooksley Street and Breakfast Creek Road at Albion. Work began at the beginning of 2016, and is expected to be completed by the end of the next year.

Mrs Steven said the sign would help to remind people about the original village atmosphere.

“It’s a beautiful village, right in history and culture,” she said. “I’d like to emphasise that we are open for business and we want to welcome people to come here. There’s great local businesses, and parking through several different buildings.”

Infrastructure Chairman Cr Amanda Cooper said the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade continued to progress full steam ahead, with some weekend works required over the next six months.

“Brisbane City Council is committed to getting people home quicker and safer with more travel options, which is why we are increasing the capacity of Kingsford Smith Drive and delivering a new river walk for pedestrians and cyclists,” Cr Cooper said.

“Over the next six months, some weekend works will be required as the project progresses however access to and from Racecourse Road will be maintained.

The spot where the right-hand-turn into Racecourse Rd would have once been. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

“Council is committed to working with local businesses in the Racecourse Road precinct to ensure it continues to be a vibrant destination through Council grants and initiatives.

“In the past, Council has partnered with the Racecourse Road business group to install security cameras, light up the street trees and host community events to draw more foot traffic through the precinct.”

A council spokeswoman said the closure of the right-turn lane from Kingsford Smith Drive into Racecourse Road was closed more than eight years ago and was unrelated to the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade.