Plans for Brisbane’s newest pedestrianised green bridge have been finalised and lodged for approval, according to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
Construction of the bridge would be fast-tracked, subject to approval, according to the Brisbane City Council and work is to commence later this year.
Schrinner said it would provide a “critical connection” for the 2032 Olympics Athletes Village at Northshore Hamilton.
“Once complete the new bridge will provide a critical connection for people walking, cycling or scooting along our new Lores Bonney Riverwalk, and also the Brisbane 2032 Athletes’ Village at Northshore Hamilton, which is set to host more than 10,000 Olympians and officials, and 5000 Paralympians,” he said.
The commencement of construction would be subject to approval from independent planners. Schrinner said the construction would provide $67 million in local industry investment and about 140 jobs.
Schrinner said the investment in a green bridge would better connect the area for active transport users.
“The final design, which has been submitted as part of the application, has been refined following community feedback, and shows an 80m-long bridge with an arch design,” he said.
Schrinner said the colour palette reflected the area’s Moreton Bay fig trees and Newstead Park, and would include LED lighting, rest stops and a direct connection to the Riverwalk.
It is part of a $550-million green bridge program across the city, along with the Kangaroo Point green bridge, which has also been expedited.
Northshore Hamilton will be a key precinct in the delivery of the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032 and it has been earmarked for a “transformation” similar to South Bank.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the plans would rejuvenate the existing industrial land
“The Olympics will do for Northshore Hamilton what Expo 88 did for South Bank,” Miles said.
“The Village will host more than 10,000 athletes and team officials for the Olympic Games and more than 5000 for the Paralympics.
“Our Athletes’ Village will be on Economic Development Queensland-owned land within the Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area (PDA).
“Hosting the 2032 Games will mean a 10-year pipeline of construction jobs, trade and investment opportunities, and legacy projects that will benefit Queenslanders for decades to come.
“The legacy of the Village precinct is already incredibly important.”
After the Games the village would be reimagined for aged care, residential, retirement living, social and affordable housing, key worker, and build-to-rent accommodation.
The Northshore Hamilton PDA was in the final stages of review and would be released for public comment later this year.
A Vaxxas biomedical facility was also hedged for the Northshore precinct, where the manufacture of world-leading, needle-free vaccines would be undertaken, which, Miles said, could also be used for Covid-19 vaccines.
