RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: SteelPan on December 12, 2020, 15:05:38 PM

Quote from: nathandavid88 on December 11, 2020, 15:14:15 PM
Also important to realise that it would be a walkway that connects into QW's carpark...

Unless....they connect to somewhere...OTHER....than the carpark?   

To be an underground walkway, it would have to connect with the belowground levels of Queen's Wharf, correct?

There is nothing in the belowground levels of Queen's Wharf besides carparking.

I wouldn't mind an under retail arcade connection to Albert Street station. It would enhance the CBD as an unique retail destination.

Quote from: verbatim9 on December 16, 2020, 15:00:34 PM
I wouldn't mind an under retail arcade connection to Albert Street station. It would enhance the CBD as an unique retail destination.

Yes and who's paying for it?

None of you foamers want to admit that building some basement level shops tunnelling under a busy street is going to cost 10x more than just building a Normal above ground shopping center in the CBD and getting a commercial return that way.

Retail Thread---->https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13478.msg243902.msg#243902

In Queensland---> Brisbane's newest pedestrian bridge starts to take shape

QuoteThe Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge that will link South Bank with the new Queens Wharf development has reached a major milestone, with a 120 tonne concrete pile cap now erected in the middle of the Brisbane River.

Media release

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93437

Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge taking strides to completion

7th October 2021

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

The Queen's Wharf Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge decking is now more than 30 per cent complete as it takes shape across the Brisbane River.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles inspected the progress of the bridge today.

"The $3.6 billion Queen's Wharf Brisbane development is supporting thousands of construction jobs," Mr Miles said.

"The Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge will provide a vital link connecting, what will be, two of Brisbane's busiest social and entertainment precincts, in South Bank and Queen's Wharf.

"Reaching 30 per cent completion on the bridge decking is a terrific milestone and tangible recognition for those working hard to deliver this infrastructure for Queensland.

"In fact, the entire $3.6 billion Queen's Wharf Brisbane development has reached another milestone in providing employment opportunities for Queenslanders.

"We now have 1000 workers on site, delivering the $3.6 billion project, with that workforce expected to grow by a more than 500 workers over the next six months.

"Once fully completed, the precinct will employ over 8,000 workers, as it welcomes around 1.4 million visitors a year.

"Queen's Wharf Brisbane will transform the CBD and provide long-term economic benefits for the entire state.

"Without doubt, it will be one of the biggest entertainment and gathering hubs during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games." 

Destination Brisbane Consortium Project Director Simon Crooks said the bridge was progressing on track.

"We're very pleased with how the Neville Bonner Bridge is coming along," Mr Crooks said.

"When it's finished, it will span 322 metres across the Brisbane River and right now, we are more than 100 metres combined at both ends.

"It's certainly exciting to see it take shape, knowing it will be a feature piece of the spectacular entertainment precinct that will be Queen's Wharf Brisbane."

ENDS

In Qld--->Walk this way: First look as Queens Wharf's 1000 tonne span hits fresh milestone

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1446030800659619845

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93928

Steel superstructure installation with crowning arch underway on Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge
29th November 2021

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles



Another milestone has been reached on the Queen's Wharf Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge with major infrastructure elements being installed this week.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles joined Minister for Education and Member for McConnel Grace Grace at Southbank to see the future icon taking shape.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge will be a focal icon for the $3.6 billion Queens Wharf development.

"The uplift of steel superstructure will happen over three nights. Two arch segments, both measuring 60 metres long and weighing in at 90 tonnes each, and the crowning arch which will sit 30 metres above the river," Mr Miles said.

"It will add to Brisbane's collection of unique bridges and enable greater connectivity across the city, joining what will be two of Brisbane's busiest social and entertainment precincts, South Bank and the Queen's Wharf."

Member for McConnel Grace Grace said the workforce is growing at a steady pace and is expected to peak with up to 2000 workers onsite daily next year.

"Once fully completed, the precinct will employ over 8,000 workers, as it welcomes around 1.4 million visitors a year," Ms Grace said.

"This is a major development that will transform our city and our state, boost our economy and further entrench Brisbane's place on a world stage.

"Brisbane is now an Olympic City and without doubt, Queen's Wharf will take its place amongst other transformative infrastructure that will be delivered in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Destination Brisbane Consortium Project Director Simon Crooks said this week's installation brought together months of planning between the bridge contractor and the Consortium.

"The elegant and elongated iconic landmark that is the Neville Bonner Bridge is starting to take shape," Mr Crooks said.

"We are expecting around 10,000 people to cross this bridge a day when it opens in 2023 with the main integrated resort development, connecting two great Brisbane precincts."

The entire Queen's Wharf Brisbane development now has more than 1300 workers onsite every day.

Artist impressions are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4odwal7ytfsjsfr/AADv8yRW4-zQsRFIaGkCRKP-a?dl=0

ENDS

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1465184441370697728

The bridge we don't need and nobody asked for!

https://twitter.com/cbdbug/status/1465265961838075904

Brisbanetimes --> Cards on the table: Queen's Wharf delayed amid issues with builder $

QuoteQueen's Wharf Brisbane, the $3.6 billion integrated casino and resort complex being built on the river opposite South Bank, has been hit by another delay.

Reporting its earnings on Thursday, The Star Entertainment Group advised that Queen's Wharf was expected to open progressively from mid-2023.

The company had previously pushed the 2022 opening plan to early 2023, however a "revised construction schedule from the builder" has since forced another rethink - and raised the question of who should pay.

"The contract provides for liquidated damages based on this revised schedule, however the builder advised of a claim for an extension of time and costs in January 2022," The Star told the market.

Another major project in the CBD, Waterfront Brisbane, has also been delayed.

The Star will vacate its existing Treasury Casino once Queen's Wharf is ready, with the older building set to be converted to high-end retail. ...

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1528387998492295169

7News--->https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1528666518476959744

Brisbanetimes --> Queen's Wharf faces opening delay and cost blow-out

QuoteQueen's Wharf has blown its budget and fallen behind schedule, blaming bad weather and the COVID-19 pandemic for delaying completion of the casino and entertainment complex.

It was the latest blow for the casino's would-be operator, Star Entertainment Group, which has already faced a devastating public inquiry in New South Wales ahead of a similar review in Queensland. ...

Couriermail --> Neville Bonner Bridge to be completed by the middle of the year $

QuoteConstruction of Brisbane's newest pedestrian bridge will be finalised by the middle of the year ahead of its opening to the public at the end of 2023.

Only four sections are left to be installed on the Neville Bonner Bridge as the city shaping infrastructure project nears completion.

Acting Premier Steven Miles has confirmed final construction works are expected to be done by mid-2023 – but the bridge will remain closed until the end of the year as works continue at Queen's Wharf.

"The bridge won't be open to the public until the integrated resort development commences opening," he said. ...

Only four more segments need to be added to the Neville Bonner Bridge before it is completed. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/97207

On top of the world: Sky Deck to take CBD and economy to new heights

18th February 2022

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

Today's first look from the jewel of Queen's Wharf Brisbane is set to send interest soaring in the $3.6 billion precinct that will unlock a wealth of economic opportunities for Queensland.

The Sky Deck is poised to become a tourist magnet as the centrepiece of the world-class Queen's Wharf Brisbane development taking shape in the heart of the Brisbane CBD.

The massive Queen's Wharf Brisbane project is delivering 2,000 jobs during peak construction and 8,000 jobs in total including through the supply chain and hospitality once open.

The Sky Deck will include a restaurant, bar and events space. There will also be a glass floor viewing platform at the mid-way mark.

Work is powering ahead on site, with the Sky Deck's second bridge soon to be lifted into place.

Once open, it will offer a vantage point 100 metres above the Brisbane River for up to 1,500 people to enjoy stunning views of the city year-round.

The Queen's Wharf Brisbane redevelopment area is state-owned land located between the Brisbane River and George Street and between Alice and Queen streets.

Covering more than 12 hectares of CBD land, the area will feature about 50 new bars, cafes and restaurants, a casino, four world-class hotels, luxury retailers, about 1,500 residential apartments, repurposed heritage buildings, green spaces and the Neville Bonner Bridge.

The development is expected to open in late 2023.

Yesterday the Palaszczuk Government unveiled plans to expand the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA) connecting the new Stadium, Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro with a walkable connection to South Bank and Brisbane CBD via Brisbane City Council's new green bridge.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:

"The sky's the limit for Queensland – and this magnificent attraction will showcase that to the world in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond," Mr Miles said.

"The Sky Deck will be a magnet for the estimated 1.4 million international, interstate and local visitors to the city each year.

"Not only is it supporting thousands of good jobs during construction, it will support more jobs in hospitality and the supply chain.

"The world-class precinct will change the face of Brisbane, connect the city and attract new visitors and investment, all while celebrating and preserving the city's heritage.

"The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will change Brisbane the way Expo 88 did.

"We're expanding the Woolloongabba PDA and redeveloping the Gabba Stadium that will provide a link from the Gabba to South Bank and to the City and Queen's Wharf.

"I can't wait to see this game-changing precinct open and take Brisbane to the next level and I can't wait to see the world come here for the Games and see what Queens Wharf has to offer."

Quotes attributable to Member for McConnel Grace Grace:

"The Sky Deck will become a Brisbane icon as the world's eyes turn to the River City.

"Brisbane is already one of the best places in the world to live and work, and in the lead up to 2032 all eyes will be on our iconic city.

"They Sky Deck will be a major draw card, and the perfect place to take it all in and enjoy what Brisbane has to offer.

"Queens Wharf will transform Brisbane, with the precinct set to be the place to be when it opens.

"The Palaszczuk Government is proudly working with Destination Brisbane Consortium to deliver jobs in construction and in hospitality."

Artist impressions Queen's Wharf Brisbane, Sky Deck:
> https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lhzf63j137u7in5/AAB7EWmYGRFK92h0YHsb8tGqa?dl=0



 

Brisbane Times--->'Iconic and remarkable': Queen's Wharf Brisbane to open for Christmas

QuoteBrisbane's $3.6 billion Queen's Wharf Brisbane resort and casino will officially open before Christmas, Star Entertainment Group's chief operating officer Kelvin Dodt said on Monday.

If we'd pushed on with the BAT tunnel [and CRR] we'd be on the verge of having our own "Circular Quay" where trains, buses and ferries meet, all at the State's big new multi-billion dollar show-piece tourism development.

Don't get scared....I've read there are cities in the world with...wait for it....MORE than one underground line passing through them....incredible I know....and so far, no sign of the Devil suddenly appearing from below!

  Brissy mmmaaatteeee it's always the late 70's so relax.....

Brisbanetimes --> 'We are disappointed': Another setback for Queen's Wharf project

QuoteThe long-awaited Queen's Wharf casino and resort complex will not start opening to the public until April 2024 at the earliest.

In a statement to the stock exchange on Monday, the Star Entertainment Group advised the change in timelines, less than three months after declaring there would be a staged opening from Christmas. ...

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98197

Final piece of Sky Deck lifted into place at Queen's Wharf
12th July 2023

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

. Sky Deck completed with final piece moved into place at Queen's Wharf Brisbane
. Specialist teams worked through the night to complete this major milestone for the $3.6 billion project
. 725 tonnes of steel used to build Sky Deck, all manufactured in Beenleigh

The final piece of the Sky Deck at Queen's Wharf has been lifted into place, 100 metres above the Brisbane river.

Acting Premier Steven Miles joined The Star's Chief Operating Officer, Kelvin Dodt, to mark the milestone.

The $3.6 billion Queen's Wharf Brisbane development delivered nearly 2,000 construction jobs on site at peak, with 8,000 jobs expected in total, including the supply chain and operational roles.

The Sky Deck is a 250-metre long crescent-shaped platform, which offers views from the Brisbane CBD to Moreton Bay and Mount Coot-tha and will be a tourism drawcard in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.

The team involved in doing the very technical lift were sourced for their expertise on similar projects in Dubai and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

The Queen's Wharf Brisbane redevelopment, which is being delivered by Destination Brisbane Consortium, is located on state-owned land between the Brisbane River and George Street and between Alice and Queen streets.

It is the first development in Brisbane to be awarded 6-star Green Star Communities rating in recognition of its social, environmental, and economic sustainability designs that will benefit locals and future visitors to this world-class integrated resort development.

The open-air rooftop Sky Deck is a first for Brisbane, open 365 days a year for up to 1,500 people with a signature restaurant, all day casual dining, a hero bar and a sky-high events space.

The first stage of the development is expected to open in April 2024.

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Steven Miles:

"The Sky Deck is poised to become a tourist magnet as the centrepiece of the world-class Queen's Wharf Brisbane development, so to be here to mark this milestone is great.

"As we move closer toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, all eyes will be on this city and it's developments like this that will attract even more people to town to get their picture on the glass floor viewing platform, to visit a restored heritage building or have dinner overlooking Brisbane.

"Seeing the finished Sky Deck is extra special, as the completed deck is made from Australian steel, manufactured just up the road at Beenleigh.

"The massive Queen's Wharf Brisbane project is delivering nearly 2,000 jobs during peak construction and 8,000 jobs in total including through the supply chain and hospitality once it's open."

Quotes to be attributed to Chief Operating Officer of The Star Brisbane, Kelvin Dodt:

"This is a special and long anticipated moment for Queen's Wharf and The Star Brisbane but more widely it is a game changer for Brisbane and Queensland tourism."

"This will become one of the city's most recognisable skyscapes elevating Brisbane's already growing international reputation as a must-visit destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

"Just as importantly, Sky Deck will be for the people of Brisbane as a vibrant public space to enjoy day and night, whether for important occasions, a casual catch up or just to take in the views."

"We are well underway with the internal fit out of The Star Grand hotel, which will offer direct access to one of the city's largest ballrooms and other new, exciting entertainment, dining and tourism spaces as part of the integrated resort."

"Our city and Queen's Wharf was featured in TIME as one of the 100 world's greatest places of 2023, alongside the pyramids of Egypt and Barcelona, so The Star is thrilled to be further focussing the spotlight on Brisbane and our great state."

More information:

The Sky Deck was lifted in three parts.  The first lift was on 14 September 2022 and the second lift on 6 March 2023.

The Queen's Wharf redevelopment will cover more than 12 hectares of CBD land, the area will feature about 50 new bars, cafes and restaurants, a casino, four world-class hotels, luxury retailers, about 1,500 residential apartments, repurposed heritage buildings, green spaces and the Neville Bonner Bridge.

ENDS

Blah blah blah

Star in a trading halt due to a potential takeover by Hard Rock Casinos based in the USA.

Related article ---> https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/companies/the-star-shares-rally-on-takeover-talk-20240520-p5jezq.html

Couriermail --> Opening date for Queen's Wharf locked in $

QuoteBrisbane's shining Queen's Wharf crown will open on August 29 in a watershed moment for the River City.

After delays in construction totalling almost two years - and turbulence engulfing operator Star Entertainment Group, the first stage of the $3.6 billion game changer will officially open in less than two months, heralding a new era for the future Olympic city. ...

Coinciding with Riverfire this year.

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1808172501777932432

It's an impressive project, but how much better would it be without that ugly highway right next to it!?

Time for Brisbane to have a Boston inspired 'big dig'?

Put an Infrastructure Levy/Toll of $1 in each direction on tha REX to fund a new tunnel from Toowong Cemetery to Buranda as well as the Busway extension from UQ to Indooroopilly. Once these open close the Rex but retain the Captain Cook Bridge for local access from Alice Street outbound and to Margaret Street inbound.

Reclaim and reconfigure Ann street as a local street as well as Turbot Street.

Quote from: Habitant on July 03, 2024, 12:41:07 PMIt's an impressive project, but how much better would it be without that ugly highway right next to it!?

Time for Brisbane to have a Boston inspired 'big dig'?

or a remove and replace with parkland (aka no tunnel) like Bonaventure Expressway in Montreal



https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonaventure_Expressway

That wouldn't be practical as you would still require emergency vehicle access in and out of the area as well as for local access for residents, ride share, buses and taxis.

Ideally you would convert a lane in each direction for the sole purpose of active transport.

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 03, 2024, 15:17:20 PMThat wouldn't be practical as you would still require emergency vehicle access in and out of the area as well as for local access for residents, ride share, buses and taxis.

Ideally you would convert a lane in each direction for the sole purpose of active transport.

Area would be just as accessible as it is today.  Freeways full of traffic block emergency service vehicles. 

^^ At the end of the day, the Riverside Expressway is a necessary piece of infrastructure to allow vehicular access into the CBD from south of the river (including for a large number of buses as well), it's not something that can just be done away with.

At the same time, I can't see a government being able to justify spending many billions of dollars and years worth of disruption on replacing a functioning piece of infrastructure with a tunnel, purely for aesthetic reasons.

Yet. Cities have done just that (remove freeways not build tunnels) and despite claims of carmageddon the actual outcomes have been major reductions in traffic and significant improvements public transport use.

Cities all over the workd are stopping cars entering their CBD's.

You can't prevent all vehicles from entering a CBD - supermarkets need food brought in, office towers and apartment buildings need their rubbish collected, construction vehicles and materials need to be brought in for new development (and in massive quantities for something the scale of Queen's Wharf or CRR), public transport routes need to be retained, etc.

Before the REX and Captain Cook Bridge were built, the Victoria Bridge was the main access point to the CBD from South of the River. With that now a Green Bridge, all inbound traffic needing to access the Brisbane CBD would only have two options - driving up Main Street Kangaroo Point to use the Story Bridge (and then needing to be funnelled down the already congested Ann Street to get into the city), or driving down the two lane Grey Street, South Bank to go over the William Jolly Bridge (and then needing to be funnelled around Skew Street and onto Roma Street). The Go Between Bridge is there too, but it isn't really a great option for direct CBD access, as it funnels all cars down the ICB, which doesn't give you a right hand turn until you hit Musgrave Road at Red Hill (which then takes you through Spring Hill).

Like it or not, removing the REX and Captain Cook Bridge would result in gridlock through any combination of Kangaroo Point, the Valley, South Brisbane, and Spring Hill, if not all of the above.

Quote from: nathandavid88 on July 04, 2024, 11:38:12 AMYou can't prevent all vehicles from entering a CBD - supermarkets need food brought in, office towers and apartment buildings need their rubbish collected, construction vehicles and materials need to be brought in for new development (and in massive quantities for something the scale of Queen's Wharf or CRR), public transport routes need to be retained, etc.

Before the REX and Captain Cook Bridge were built, the Victoria Bridge was the main access point to the CBD from South of the River. With that now a Green Bridge, all inbound traffic needing to access the Brisbane CBD would only have two options - driving up Main Street Kangaroo Point to use the Story Bridge (and then needing to be funnelled down the already congested Ann Street to get into the city), or driving down the two lane Grey Street, South Bank to go over the William Jolly Bridge (and then needing to be funnelled around Skew Street and onto Roma Street). The Go Between Bridge is there too, but it isn't really a great option for direct CBD access, as it funnels all cars down the ICB, which doesn't give you a right hand turn until you hit Musgrave Road at Red Hill (which then takes you through Spring Hill).

Like it or not, removing the REX and Captain Cook Bridge would result in gridlock through any combination of Kangaroo Point, the Valley, South Brisbane, and Spring Hill, if not all of the above.

of course not all traffic is removed but it is severely restricted in both types and time. Certainly no cross/through CBD trips (aka Elizabeth, Anne and Turbot St)

Again the evidence from around the works says the carmageddon does not result!

I think you could keep the CCB, but I'd love to see the REX gone and just replace that stretch with a conventional city street with normal traffic lights in lieu of the offramps.

Quote from: nathandavid88 on July 04, 2024, 11:38:12 AMLike it or not, removing the REX and Captain Cook Bridge would result in gridlock through any combination of Kangaroo Point, the Valley, South Brisbane, and Spring Hill, if not all of the above.

Removing the Rex and building a tunnel from Toowong Cemetery to Buranda wouldn't just be for aesthetic reasons, it would alleviate a lot of traffic along Coronation Drive.

The Captain Cook bridge would need to be retained, maybe just with one brand new 4 lane, two way connector ramp from Alice Street. This would alleviate local access and logistical issues. In addition, you would convert one or two lanes on the Captain Cook bridge for active transport and a transit only lane for buses and emergency vehicles.

The faster way to get this done would impose a token toll/levy along the Rex. This would fund the tunnel and other important PT projects urgently needed around the city. The tunnel could be free to use, as a result from such a funding model.

^^ No Government is going to fund such a product, toll/levy or not, for as long as the Riverside Expressway remains fit for purpose, and nor should it.

On the massive list of actual necessary infrastructure, replacing the Riverside Expressway is far, FAR down the list. We'll probably have high speed rail down the east coast before the REX is tunnelled. 

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 04, 2024, 12:14:58 PMRemoving the Rex and building a tunnel from Toowong Cemetery to Buranda wouldn't just be for aesthetic reasons, it would alleviate a lot of traffic along Coronation Drive.

No it wouldn't, because that isn't how traffic works.  It will end up encouraging more people to drive across town who currently would not.  It will result in billions in public monies spent for the privilege instead of on more productive transport infrastructure.  Even if built with totally private money, it is going to make it more expensive to do anything else due to competition for resources of all kinds involved with delivery of projects of this scope.  It's like putting out a fire with kerosene.

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 04, 2024, 12:14:58 PMThe faster way to get this done would impose a token toll/levy along the Rex. This would fund the tunnel and other important PT projects urgently needed around the city. The tunnel could be free to use, as a result from such a funding model.

A toll on the Rex isn't going to magically result in the billions of dollars needed for more public transport infrastructure. 

If anything, the entire CBD should be tolled and people using the Clem 7, the Story Bridge, the Rex, the William Jolly Bridge and the Go-between Bridge should be able to do so for free as long as they aren't crossing the inner city cordon that would be set up.