RAIL - Back On Track Forum

I'd like to see platform screen doors installed at inner city stations.

Quote from: #Metro on July 10, 2019, 22:44:56 PM
I'd like to see platform screen doors installed at inner city stations.

That would be alright as it will lead to potential automation of the network, as well as fully air-conditioned platforms

Brisbane Central platforms, lifts and escalators to be upgraded


BrisbaneTimes-------->https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-central-platforms-lifts-and-escalators-to-be-upgraded-20190710-p52605.html

QuoteBrisbane Central platforms, lifts and escalators to be upgraded

TONY MOORE JULY 10, 2019

On Tuesday, Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said a contract for the work would be filled soon and work would begin "late 2019".

Loading

"The major escalators connecting Central to the Anzac Square Arcade will be the first to be replaced," Mr Easy said.

"This work is expected to start in early 2020.

"The replacement of lifts to platforms one to four will start later this year too."

Additional escalators will go down to platforms three and four.

Mr Easy said the escalator and lift replacements would continue through 2020 and 2021 and the complete project would be finished in 2023.

Overhead equipment over platforms one to four will be replaced before these platforms are raised to meet disability access standards, he said.

Mr Easy acknowledged the staged upgrade would take longer than initially predicted.

"Every train service on our network passes through this location every day," he said.

"More than 21 million customers move through Central Station each year, so upgrades to lifts, escalators and platforms needs to be carefully sequenced and planned."

Mr Easy said some work had been completed before last year's Commonwealth Games.

Artists' impression of Brisbane Central station's $65 million upgrade.

"The station's back-of-house facilities were upgraded in 2017 and we refurbished the station's concourse and platforms in 2018 including the replacement of roof sheeting, column cladding, new lighting and fans and painting," he said.

"The upgrade program was put on hold in 2018 ahead of the Commonwealth Games to ensure the station was fully operational for the event.

"Since then, we've revised the delivery strategy for the remaining works to minimise disruption to commuters and services as much as possible."

No final decision had been made on proposed changes to Central Station's heritage building on Ann Street, which includes the clock tower.

"We've also revisited plans to change the roofing and facade on the outer concourse of Central Station that were shown in the project's initial artist impressions," Mr Easy said.

"Given the importance of the station's heritage building and clock tower, external changes to Central Station's facade will need to be considered in accordance with future planning and development activities for this area of the city."

Central Station: what work is planned and when

In late 2019

Replacement of lifts to platforms 1-4 begins

From early 2020

Replacement of outer concourse escalators

Mid-2020

Overhead line equipment replacement on platforms 1-4

Replacement of lift to platforms 5 and 6 and outer concourse lift to Ann St

Late 2020

Replacement of escalators on platforms 5 and 6

Early 2021

Beginning of early platform upgrade works

Early 2022

Platform upgrade design finalised

Start of main platform upgrade works

Early 2023

Replacement of escalators to platforms 1 to 4 and installation of an extra escalator to platforms 3 and 4

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 11, 2019, 00:42:48 AM
Brisbane Central platforms, lifts and escalators to be upgraded


BrisbaneTimes-------->https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-central-platforms-lifts-and-escalators-to-be-upgraded-20190710-p52605.html

QuoteBrisbane Central platforms, lifts and escalators to be upgraded

TONY MOORE JULY 10, 2019

On Tuesday, Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said a contract for the work would be filled soon and work would begin "late 2019".

Loading

"The major escalators connecting Central to the Anzac Square Arcade will be the first to be replaced," Mr Easy said.

"This work is expected to start in early 2020.

"The replacement of lifts to platforms one to four will start later this year too."

Additional escalators will go down to platforms three and four.

Mr Easy said the escalator and lift replacements would continue through 2020 and 2021 and the complete project would be finished in 2023.

Overhead equipment over platforms one to four will be replaced before these platforms are raised to meet disability access standards, he said.

Mr Easy acknowledged the staged upgrade would take longer than initially predicted.

"Every train service on our network passes through this location every day," he said.

"More than 21 million customers move through Central Station each year, so upgrades to lifts, escalators and platforms needs to be carefully sequenced and planned."

Mr Easy said some work had been completed before last year's Commonwealth Games.

Artists' impression of Brisbane Central station's $65 million upgrade.

"The station's back-of-house facilities were upgraded in 2017 and we refurbished the station's concourse and platforms in 2018 including the replacement of roof sheeting, column cladding, new lighting and fans and painting," he said.

"The upgrade program was put on hold in 2018 ahead of the Commonwealth Games to ensure the station was fully operational for the event.

"Since then, we've revised the delivery strategy for the remaining works to minimise disruption to commuters and services as much as possible."

No final decision had been made on proposed changes to Central Station's heritage building on Ann Street, which includes the clock tower.

"We've also revisited plans to change the roofing and facade on the outer concourse of Central Station that were shown in the project's initial artist impressions," Mr Easy said.

"Given the importance of the station's heritage building and clock tower, external changes to Central Station's facade will need to be considered in accordance with future planning and development activities for this area of the city."

Central Station: what work is planned and when

In late 2019

Replacement of lifts to platforms 1-4 begins

From early 2020

Replacement of outer concourse escalators

Mid-2020

Overhead line equipment replacement on platforms 1-4

Replacement of lift to platforms 5 and 6 and outer concourse lift to Ann St

Late 2020

Replacement of escalators on platforms 5 and 6

Early 2021

Beginning of early platform upgrade works

Early 2022

Platform upgrade design finalised

Start of main platform upgrade works

Early 2023

Replacement of escalators to platforms 1 to 4 and installation of an extra escalator to platforms 3 and 4

^^Doesn't look like they will attempt to redesign the concourse into a world class transit oriented retail space that compliments the commuter space. Unfortunately in reference to the concourse it's dinosaur thinking and not looking towards future. Just the status quo. Most cities integrate a level of unique retail into their major city stations anchored by at least one major tenant usually 1000-1200sqm supermarket and a Starbucks or something similar that is open for longer hours. The current retail activation on the concourse is limited and poor. What an Easy way out for Nick Easy!

4 years to complete this project, what an absolute f&%king joke this government is. Meanwhile in Sydney they are completing a $1b upgrade to Sydney Central station in the time we a merely doing a minor upgrade.

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/mediacentre/central-station-upgrade-update

Central Station upgrade update

11/07/2019

New timelines have been announced for the next stage of upgrades at Central Station.

Queensland Rail's CEO Nick Easy said a contract for the supply, installation and maintenance of new escalators would be awarded in the coming weeks.

"The major escalators connecting Central to the Anzac Square Arcade will be the first to be replaced," Mr Easy said.

"This work is expected to start in early 2020.

"The replacement of lifts to platforms 1-4 will start later this year too.

"Escalator and lift replacement works will continue throughout 2020 and 2021, as well as the replacement of overhead line equipment on platforms 1-4 which needs to happen before we can start platform raising works."

Mr Easy acknowledged the staged upgrade of Queensland's busiest rail station would take longer than the timeframes initially predicted.

"Every train service on our network passes through this location every day," he said.

"More than 21 million customers move through Central Station each year, so upgrades to lifts, escalators and platforms needs to be carefully sequenced and planned.

"The station's back-of-house facilities were upgraded in 2017 and we refurbished the station's concourse and platforms in 2018 including the replacement of roof sheeting, column cladding, new lighting and fans and painting.

"The upgrade program was put on hold in 2018 ahead of the Commonwealth Games to ensure the station was fully operational for the event.

"Since then, we've revised the delivery strategy for the remaining works to minimise disruption to commuters and services as much as possible.

"We've also revisited plans to change the roofing and façade on the outer concourse of Central Station that were shown in the project's initial artist impressions.

"Given the importance of the station's heritage building and clock tower, external changes to Central Station's facade will need to be considered in accordance with future planning and development activities for this area of the city.

"We thank customers for their patience and are committed to delivering these improvements through the revised schedule."

The next stage of the revised upgrade program will involve:

   -     the replacement of lifts to platforms 1-4 will start in late 2019

   -     the replacement of the outer concourse escalators will start in early 2020

   -     overhead line equipment replacement on platforms 1-4 will start in mid-2020

   -     the replacement of the lift to platforms 5/6 and the replacement of the outer concourse lift to Ann St will start in mid-2020

   -     the replacement of the escalators on platforms 5/6 will start in late 2020

   -     platform upgrade early works will start in early 2021

   -     platform upgrade design will be finalised by early 2022

   -     main platform upgrade works will start in mid-2022

   -     the replacement of escalators to platforms 1-4 and the installation of an additional escalator to platforms 3/4 will commence in early 2023, in line with the platform upgrade.

ENDS

Sounds as though there has been a bit of a glitch around the Central Station heritage status and values.

"We've also revisited plans to change the roofing and façade on the outer concourse of Central Station that were shown in the project's initial artist impressions. Given the importance of the station's heritage building and clock tower, external changes to Central Station's facade will need to be considered in accordance with future planning and development activities for this area of the city."

I didn't think the heritage facade was going to be looked at?  But they should always maintain and clean it from pollution. Overseas heritage aspects are retained but incorporated with modern elements that the community expect. Retail (not just Macca's Lol) escalators, fast lifts, seamless accessibility boarding, multiple fast responsive ticket gates, digital real time way finding signage, modern low energy LED lighting (not just coloured led lights strung up from Bunnings) and next generation passenger information screens. I suspect the work has also been spread over several years due to budget constraints.

**Just unrelated Ipswich Station is a shocker something out of a 1970's  horror movie

Quote from: kram0 on July 11, 2019, 08:53:03 AM
4 years to complete this project, what an absolute f&%king joke this government is. Meanwhile in Sydney they are completing a $1b upgrade to Sydney Central station in the time we a merely doing a minor upgrade.

Agree, it's shocking. By the time they finish the upgrades, it will be time to start all over again.

I never bought the Comm Games rhetoric either: it's not like Central station is closing. It's just getting normal renovation work like you'd see in any city all over the world, and Comm Games visitors to Brisbane were a drop in the ocean in the overall scheme of things. The government simply wanted an excuse to delay, that or the folks at QR are so horribly inward looking they have no perspective. That last one seems likely, actually.

Must be a nice gravy train for the "delivery partners", 4 years of overnight work instead of about 4 months.

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 11, 2019, 00:57:24 AM
^^Doesn't look like they will attempt to redesign the concourse into a world class transit oriented retail space that compliments the commuter space. Unfortunately in reference to the concourse it's dinosaur thinking and not looking towards future. Just the status quo. Most cities integrate a level of unique retail into their major city stations anchored by at least one major tenant usually 1000-1200sqm supermarket and a Starbucks or something similar that is open for longer hours. The current retail activation on the concourse is limited and poor. What an Easy way out for Nick Easy!

Do you really think the biggest issue with Central station right now is the lack of a Starbucks?

They could definitely do more with it, but Central station proper isn't a big place, and it's not practical to expand. It wasn't built to be "grand" (nothing built in Brisbane in that era was) and it's now boxed in.

Now Roma Street - which of course is the true central station - Roma Street once it's rebuilt will probably be the ode to capitalism you're looking for. But they're completely demolishing the Transit Centre to get that space. The short-sighted "build it in" development of the past applies to both Roma Street and Central, except one is an abomination on the streetscape, the other is covered in heritage listings.

Quote from: AnonymouslyBad on July 11, 2019, 22:14:02 PM

Quote from: kram0 on July 11, 2019, 08:53:03 AM
4 years to complete this project, what an absolute f&%king joke this government is. Meanwhile in Sydney they are completing a $1b upgrade to Sydney Central station in the time we a merely doing a minor upgrade.

Agree, it's shocking. By the time they finish the upgrades, it will be time to start all over again.

I never bought the Comm Games rhetoric either: it's not like Central station is closing. It's just getting normal renovation work like you'd see in any city all over the world, and Comm Games visitors to Brisbane were a drop in the ocean in the overall scheme of things. The government simply wanted an excuse to delay, that or the folks at QR are so horribly inward looking they have no perspective. That last one seems likely, actually.

Must be a nice gravy train for the "delivery partners", 4 years of overnight work instead of about 4 months.

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 11, 2019, 00:57:24 AM
^^Doesn't look like they will attempt to redesign the concourse into a world class transit oriented retail space that compliments the commuter space. Unfortunately in reference to the concourse it's dinosaur thinking and not looking towards future. Just the status quo. Most cities integrate a level of unique retail into their major city stations anchored by at least one major tenant usually 1000-1200sqm supermarket and a Starbucks or something similar that is open for longer hours. The current retail activation on the concourse is limited and poor. What an Easy way out for Nick Easy!

Do you really think the biggest issue with Central station right now is the lack of a Starbucks?

They could definitely do more with it, but Central station proper isn't a big place, and it's not practical to expand. It wasn't built to be "grand" (nothing built in Brisbane in that era was) and it's now boxed in.

Now Roma Street - which of course is the true central station - Roma Street once it's rebuilt will probably be the ode to capitalism you're looking for. But they're completely demolishing the Transit Centre to get that space. The short-sighted "build it in" development of the past applies to both Roma Street and Central, except one is an abomination on the streetscape, the other is covered in heritage listings.

No I never said that the potential concourse development reconfigured and redesign out to Edward Street was the only priority. It's an opportunity to include it into the redevelopment. I understand how Central is built in,  but there is nothing wrong in investigating for better use of space and a retail configuration. Successful retail activation on the concourse together with rents can help bring in income for unutilised dead space.  Working with capitalism is better than being in denial with capitalism.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1174398796060446720

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1331847112158453761

I was speaking to one of the tenants at Central the other day and she advised that the concourse redevelopment is about 18 months away. The whole concourse is getting guttered apparently and new retail going in. Not sure what though. I hope this allows for a Coles Local or IGA Locali with a wine and craft beer bar. It's all the trend in the USA and Europe and starting to appear in NSW as well. They could pretty much utilise the whole concourse and the ground floor of the office tower on Edward Street. This will allow enough space for a substantial modern retail redevelopment that would provide much needed activation. The current bars located on the concourse are outdated and better to be integrated into a small format grocery store.

Knowing Cinderella City Brissy...the result will be underwhelming!

I use to think I was the only one in Brisbane of the view that if QR [QGovt] could get away with not running the trains they'd do it....wow, the time's they are a changing when others are sharing similar thoughts!   

Couriermail --> Multimillion dollar facelift for Central Station still not finished $

QuoteAlmost five years after the State Government announced a $67 million makeover of Brisbane's busiest train station, vital upgrades to Central Station continue to stall.

Originally slated to finish in 2019, the project was put off to make sure there were no disruptions during the 2018 Commonwealth Games but a new date for when the work would be completed has never been released.

The multimillion-dollar makeover was set to include key works like raising four of the six platforms, extended cover over some of the platforms, new lifts, a new roof – which would extend over the Edward Street end of the concourse, an extra escalator from the concourse to Anzac Square and new floor, walls and lighting treatments.

Raising the platforms means passengers at Central will no longer have to step up into trains – which can be problematic for people with disabilities and parents with prams.

When announcing the project in 2016 Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the upgrade would support 750 jobs and "revitalise the historic station".

Opposition spokesman for transport Steve Minnikin said with only $8 million of the original budget being spent, the project was looking like just "another broken promise".

"The thousands of commuters who use this station every day shouldn't be treated like second class citizens," he said. ..

Finished, it's hardly started. 

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10688.msg251238.msg#251238

New escalators at Central station

Views of Bne Facebook ---> https://www.facebook.com/groups/viewsbrisbane/permalink/3323209154576636/

Few photographs around Central Station 8th June 2022











Photographs R Dow 8th June 2022

Expect a substantial change to the previous Central Station upgrade. My mate said they have essentially ripped up previous plans to start again.

^^ Changes related to the Central becoming less Central after CRR?

Worth noting also that the Sofitel above is currently up for sale.

Quote from: kram0 on November 04, 2022, 09:22:42 AMExpect a substantial change to the previous Central Station upgrade. My mate said they have essentially ripped up previous plans to start again.

My first move would be to get rid of the car parking that takes up half the Concourse.  Buy some parking in the BCC Car park across the road. Works in San Francisco...and 100's of other cities.

O Central! My Central!

 

Quote from: nathandavid88 on November 04, 2022, 12:18:45 PM^^ Changes related to the Central becoming less Central after CRR?

Worth noting also that the Sofitel above is currently up for sale.

No, he indicated while he has not see the plans as yet, he has heard they are more substantial than previously announced.

He is currently on the detailed design of Kuruby to Beenleigh quad project, but will still get info for central and let me know when he does. His current role also includes being across an extension to GC Airport which is currently in the costings phase.

Quote from: kram0 on November 11, 2022, 15:06:23 PMHis current role also includes being across an extension to GC Airport which is currently in the costings phase.

the best way to give the Gold Coast a train to the airport post-CRR is, after all, to build the line to the GC Airport 

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1618802081934233600

Those escalators even though relatively new have been banging and clicking at the bottom of escalator, especially the down escalator.

I am glad something is getting done.

 
 Hypothetical question:

If modifications were made to Central Station to allow access to Platform 1 direct from Ann Street, which line would make the most sense to stop on platform 1?

Quote from: ezekial on June 28, 2023, 18:52:00 PMHypothetical question:

If modifications were made to Central Station to allow access to Platform 1 direct from Ann Street, which line would make the most sense to stop on platform 1?

Given the revised line pairings coming into effect when CRR opens in a couple of years, the track configuration through Roma St and towards the Merivale Bridge probably means the Cleveland/Ferny Grove line is the logical choice to run through P1 (although the Ann St facing platform is more like a platform 0 perhaps?). Current directional running would suggest Cleveland is likely to be the logical choice.

If you could take track configuration out of the equation, personally I think the airport line would be the most appropriate one to have direct street access to. One of the things I really liked in Hong Kong was you could check in at a couple of key MTR stations and drop your bags, and creating such a space around Central and/or Roma St, and seamless access to the airport train from the street might just add that extra little bit of convenience for visitors to Brisbane.