Ferry operator’s Toondah plan to overhaul Expo tower; build waterfront cafe, new ticket office

The controversial Toondah Harbour could be set for a fresh look under the latest plans to modernise the port.

The Sealink Tower at Toondah Harbour was sourced from Expo ‘88 and will be overhauled under the Sealink concept. Picture: Sealink

Prominent barge and ferry operator Sealink has unveiled a new concept plan to turn Cleveland’s controversial Toondah Harbour ferry terminal into a modern destination venue complete with restaurant, café and shops.

The proposed upgrade would overhaul the site’s iconic tower, which was sourced from the former Expo '88 site and has not been upgraded since.

Sealink’s general manager for southeast Queensland Ben Renwick said the idea included a major overhaul of the terminal’s layout to separate the passenger ferry terminal from the car barge terminal and build a new bus stop.

Sealink general manager Ben Renwick at the Toondah Harbour ferry terminal which he says could be reconfigured to make it safer. Picture: Contributed

Mr Renwick said the “simple” Sealink idea, still in a preliminary concept phase, would include moving the bus stop from inside the passenger terminal to a Redland City Council car park across the road.

Under the plan, buses would drop passengers off at a newly designed turning circle near the council car park, eliminating the need for them to navigate around vehicle traffic.

He said a separate bus terminal would make the precinct a lot safer and ensure better use of the land at the site, which was not inefficient at the moment with water taxis and vehicle ferries sharing space.

The concept plan includes separate terminals for ‘walk-on’ passenger ferries and a different terminal for car barges. Picture: Judith Kerr

“Sealink’s vision includes establishing distinct zones for different types of ferry services with water taxis operating from the northern end of the terminal and vehicle ferries would be serviced at the southern end,” Mr Renwick said.

“Ticketing offices would be centrally located with our upgrade plan proposing a reconfiguration of parking facilities, with the potential to add 150 new spaces.

“One of the most significant changes is the replacement of the outdated Sealink tower, originally sourced from Expo ‘88.

An aerial view showing the Toondah Harbour ferry terminal with the Redland City Council carpark at the top of the image which could be turned into a bus stop. Picture: Google

“The proposal also includes future-proofed berths, a two-level café, public amenities, a bus interchange, and a new integrated passenger terminal.

“This redesign aims to enhance the overall experience for users, making it easier and more efficient to navigate the terminal.”

Mr Renwick said the Sealink concept, although not yet funded, was designed to spark discussions with stakeholders and government bodies while Walker Group, the developer of the site, has 12 months to redesign its plans.

The Sealink plan aimed to upgrade the facilities with minimal environmental impact, particularly on the Ramsar wetlands and migratory shorebird habitats and does not include dredging a new ferry channel.

Parking and traffic flow at the terminal would be simplified under the Sealink idea. Picture: Judith Kerr

However, Mr Renwick said it may involve minor modifications to the existing swing basin to accommodate larger vessels.

The Sealink proposal is limited to the terminal area, where Sealink has four leases and excludes Sealink’s freehold land.

Sealink is awaiting further talks with the state government and other partners to advance the concept into a formal development plan.

Walker Group withdrew its initial plans to build 3600 units at the site in April after the federal government indicated it did not meet environmental criteria.

Walker’s Toondah 2.0 designs are yet to be revealed but are likely to include cafes, restaurants and waterfront attractions.

Originally published as Ferry operator’s Toondah plan to overhaul Expo tower; build waterfront cafe, new ticket office