LIAM WIDDICOMBE
One of Brisbane’s busiest inner-city streets will be closed for six years and 50 bus routes changed to allow work to begin on the new Queen’s Wharf Casino.
It is the start of a ten million dollar project needed to begin construction of the new multi-billion dollar entertainment resort, located between William and George streets.
William street, used by over 8000 vehicles a day, will close between Elizabeth and Margaret Street for 6 years – with the closure to be implemented sometime before Christmas, allowing for the demolition of the Executive Building and the Neville Boner Building in early January 2017.
However for construction to take place, over 50 bus routes will have to be redirected and major upgrades to 11 inner-city intersections will be needed to allow buses to utilise new routes throughout the city.
Upgrading these intersections and bus routes is expected to take six to seven months and must be completed by the January 1st deadline.
A spokesperson for the Brisbane City Council says the road works are essential for easing congestion that will be caused by the eminent construction.
“These essential works are required to be completed by the end of this year and Council is doing everything it can to ensure all works are completed on time,” A spokesperson told the Brisbane Times.
However many Brisbane residents have already started express their annoyance at the major roadworks, saying many other projects need to be given higher priority.
“Why spend so much money on these buildings and roadworks when there are more important upgrades such as the M1 and other roads that are overloaded.” Mathew Thomas said.
“We need better schools and hospitals before we need another casino.”
The Brisbane City council is expected to formally ask the Queensland government to cover the cost of the roadworks in a council meeting on Tuesday, the cost of the roadworks is estimated close to $10 million.
Some changes the public can expect to see are:
- New bus stops will be built in Mary Street and Charlotte Streets;
- Most buses from the Riverside Expressway will have to come off on Elizabeth street;
- Translink and Brisbane City Council will soon provide information on 50 new bus routes.
- Changes to cycle ways.
Key Dates:
- 2017 – Construction starts on Queen Street Wharf, following the demolition of non-heritage listed buildings.
- 2018 – Foundations laid for core development area.
- 2019 – Foundations completed along with major carparks – Heritage works begin.
- 2020 – Core development starts to take shape as construction progresses above ground.
- 2021 – Internal furbishing commences for Hotels and Casino.
- 2022 – Opening of Queens Street Wharf including all hotels and public areas.
A comprehensive rundown of all development plans can be viewed here:
http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/major-projects/queens-wharf-brisbane.html