First look: New designs showcase how Gold Coast railway station will look
Gold Coast commuters are being given a sneak peek at advanced plans for the city’s newest train station. FULL DETAILS >>>
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GOLD Coast commuters are being given a sneak peek at advanced plans for the city’s newest train station.
The Palaszczuk Government will on Monday announce plans for the start of detailed design work for the Glitter strip’s three new Cross River Rail stations at Pimpama, Merrimac and Helensvale North.
WORK STARTS ON THREE NEW STATIONS
Early investigations are underway including geotechnical works, surveying and environmental studies after 1150 people took part in consultation.
The new image for Pimpama station shows a modern two-level station surrounded by trees.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk expects about 20 full-time jobs would be created through the transformational project’s detailed design process.
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GHD, along with its architecture arm GHD Woodhead, have been awarded the design contract.
“This is the very first important step towards building three new stations on the Coast as part of my government’s $56 billion infrastructure guarantee,” the Premier told the Bulletin.
“Investing in these stations alongside our $1 billion M1 upgrade, $1.5 billion second M1 and $709 million light rail stage 3 is an important part of our economic recovery and will put the Gold Coast in the fast lane when it comes to transport and jobs through COVID-19.”
Transport Minister Mark Bailey predicted as many as 100 GHD workers would be involved during the detailed design process.
CONTROVERSY OVER LOCATION OF NEW STATION
“Most of the workforce is local, including graduate engineers and scientists and cadet technicians based in GHD’s Gold Coast and Brisbane offices,” he said.
“GHD will refine the existing concept designs for each station, producing detailed designs, documentation and approvals ready for construction.
“As part of the detailed design phase, additional studies will be undertaken including construction methodology, noise modelling, flood modelling and flora and fauna studies.
“Community feedback and input is being considered as part of the detailed design phase and there will be another opportunity for public consultation on the updated designs later this year, with nearby communities to be notified well in advance.”
Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the important step with design would ensure the stations would be ready by 2025 when Cross River Rail begins operation.
“The first concept images are exciting for our community, and show the opportunities that the Palaszczuk Government is creating by investing in public transport on the Coast,” she said.
“Getting started now means that within a few years Gold Coasters in our booming northern suburbs will be able to catch a train to the rest of the Gold Coast, to Brisbane and connect with our light rail.”
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GHD’s General Manager, South Queensland operations Richard Evans said the company was “delighted” to work on the detailed designs of the three stations, having already delivered the station concept designs and business cases.
“These three new stations will play a vital role in the continued growth of the Gold Coast and Queensland communities,” he said.
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