Revealed: Work starts on three new rail stations which will change northern Gold Coast

Work is to begin on the ground this week on building the Gold Coast’s three new railway stations with the State Government under pressure to change the name at one northern stop. HOW THEY’LL LOOK WHEN FINISHED

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WORK is to begin on the ground this week on building the Gold Coast’s three new railway stations — and the State Government is under pressure to change the name of one of them.

The Palaszczuk Government will consider a request from councillors and residents to change Helensvale North station to Hope Island station.

Pimpama heavy rail station designs.

Councillors considered an investigation by council officers which suggests the government can build “themed” stations to suit the local areas.

The new Pimpama station could have an “urban village” format linking it to the nearby shopping centre.

Helensvale North station has limited opportunities for nearby land use given the flooding risk but the Coomera River site offered the opportunity for a “water inspired design”, being the city’s only railway stop on the water.

Plans for the Helensvale North railway station to be one of three new stations delivered as part of Cross River Rail.

The latest designs show Pimpama will have 330 car spaces, Merrimac 278 and Helensvale North 174.

Merrimac Station could have a “green station” design because it was located so close to the city’s Greenheart project.

“The new stations are expected to bring both challenges, such as increased traffic, and opportunities — better access to services and increased choice of public transport,” the report said.

A Cross River Rail Delivery Authority spokesperson said geotechnical works would start at Pimpama this week.

Design plans for the new Merrimac railway station on the Gol d Coast, to be delivered as part of Cross River Rail.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk first announced Labor’s commitment to the three stations in the lead-up to the 2017 election. Council expects the $120 million worth of works will be completed by 2024.

“Community feedback and input provided during consultation for the concept designs in late 2019 is being considered as part of the detailed design phase currently underway,” the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority spokesperson said.

“There will be another opportunity for public consultation on these updated designs later this year, with nearby communities to be notified well in advance.”

Asked if Helensvale North could be renamed Hope Island Station, the spokesperson said: “The delivery authority is aware of community feedback regarding the name of the Helensvale North train station, and this will be considered in line with the station design.

The Pimpama City shopping centre — it can be linked to the new train station. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Residents are encouraged to provide feedback and can register for updates on the Cross River Rail website, including about opportunities to get involved during the consultation period.”

Helensvale-based councillor William Owen-Jones urged residents to take part in consultation, and comment about a potential name change and need for more parking.

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“The State is responsible for public transport,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Hope Island has a population of around 12,000, forecast to double over the next 20 years.”

Hinterland-based councillor Glenn Tozer said residential development around Merrimac station would be problematic given the flooding concerns.

Connecting the new station to surrounding areas through open space and parkland “might make sense”.

Location of the planned Helensvale North Rail Station.

“There’s an undersupply of sporting fields for the need in our city so maybe those could be located nearby,” he said.

Cr Tozer said bikeways and pathways to service a new train station should be primarily funded by the state government, not the ratepayer.

“We’ll be happy to work with the state on that,” he said.

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