Ministerial Statement: $2.6 million kiss of life for Bell Street

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Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
12/10/2010

$2.6 million kiss of life for Bell Street

The State Government and Ipswich City Council will breathe new life into a rundown Bell Street, with a $2.6 million facelift.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale made the announcement during a live ABC Radio Mornings outdoor broadcast with Madonna King in Ipswich this morning.

Ms Nolan said the upgrade would enhance the Bell Street precinct and reinforce its role as the heart of the Ipswich public transport network.

The upgrade will include:

·footpath re-surfacing and additional landscaping;

·kerb extensions;

·new seating and street furniture;

·better lighting and increased security camera coverage to improve safety;

·highly visible signage for public transport and locality information;

·new established street trees;

·public art;

·increased bus interchange capacity.

The upgrade is a direct result of co-operative action between the Bligh Government and Ipswich City Council.

The Taskforce has been meeting regularly this year after community representatives raised concerns about crime in the area and the tired looking appearance of the street.

Ms Nolan said the new Bell Street would provide a fresh, modern approach to Ipswich for people arriving by public transport.

"Bell Street is the public transport hub of the city. This refurb of the bus facilities will build on the $2 million redevelopment of the railway station which was undertaken in 2008."

Ms Nolan said the State Government would contribute $1 million to the project with council funding the remainder and being responsible for community consultation and construction.

Ipswich City Council Mayor Paul Pisasale said the Bell Street precinct was in desperate need of a revamp.

"The Bell Street upgrade is a small but significant step in positioning Ipswich as the major regional centre servicing the western corridor," Cr Pisasale said.

"For many arriving in Ipswich by public transport, Bell Street is their first impression of the city.

"It is important that this area of the city creates a good first impression to visitors and is a safe and welcoming place for regular public transport users."

Work on the Bell Street upgrade is expected to start in the first half of 2011.

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