Massive elevated park proposed to connect Brisbane’s CBD and stadium precincts
Architects have proposed an elevated green canopy over Roma St railway yards that would create 7.5ha of new parkland connecting Brisbane’s CBD to major venues.
An elevated walkable green canopy over the Roma St railway yards has been proposed to transform inner-city Brisbane and connect major venue precincts.
The Roma Street Canopies, by leading Brisbane architect firm bureau^proberts, is proposing a new network of pedestrian-friendly green parklands and pathways linking the CBD, Roma Street Parkland, Suncorp Stadium and the Victoria Park stadium precinct.
Built atop a large-scale structure suspended above the existing railway yards, it could create 7.5 hectares of new green space.
Bureau^proberts managing and creative director Liam Proberts said the walkways would allow people to catch a train to Roma St and walk to Victoria Park in 15 minutes.
“The topography and landscape of the area are part of Brisbane’s identity,” he said.
“However the historical railway transport nodes that bring us into the city have split the inner-city apart for pedestrians.
“The technology exists to build above the existing rail yards, and this initiative will create a large-scale elevated canopy that will carry earthworks, landscaping, plantings, trees and the other infrastructure required to develop new parklands.”
Bureau^proberts has been discussing the proposal with the state and local governments, and potential developers for a market-led proposal that could be submitted to Economic Development Queensland next year.
“There has been an overwhelmingly positive response acknowledging that this isn’t an everyday initiative,” he said.
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“We are getting cost advice at the moment so that we can move towards the next step.”
The proposal includes new buildings outside the railway corridor, allowing for more than 1000 apartments, hotels and other facilities like another convention centre to be built on and around the site.
“We’re aware that this can’t be a government only initiative, so our strategy here has been to create private sector property that can help fund this initiative,” Mr Proberts said.
He said it wouldn’t need to be built before the 2032 Games.
“Creating a strong connection for the city to the Olympic and entertainment precinct and to other parts of the city, we think is an initiative well beyond the Olympics itself,” he said.
“The Olympics is a great catalyst for us to be thinking about how our city works and how to be adventurous in planning for the future.”
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The Property Council of Australia has endorsed the proposal.
Executive director Jess Caire said: “This is exactly the kind of bold, future-focused vision Brisbane deserves.
“This aspirational concept has the power to unlock enormous potential, connecting key precincts while creating new housing and vibrant public spaces.”
She said elevated green corridors paid homage to the city’s subtropical climate, making it more walkable, less car dependent while boosting economic activity.
“Ambitious plans like this will not only enhance Brisbane’s liveability and long-term prosperity but also cement our position as a global city for decades to come,” she said.
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Originally published as Massive elevated park proposed to connect Brisbane’s CBD and stadium precincts
