Gold Coasters have been given a sneak peek at plans for the new Pimpama train station, with the Palaszczuk Government announcing today the start of detailed design for the glitter strip's three new Cross River Rail stations.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said about 20 full-time jobs would be created through the transformational project's detailed design process.
GHD, along with its architecture arm GHD Woodhead have been awarded the design contract for Pimpama, Merrimac and Helensvale North stations.
"This is the very first important step towards building three new stations on the coast as part of my government's $56 billion infrastructure guarantee," the Premier said.
"Investing in these stations alongside our $1 billion M1 upgrade, $1.5 billion second M1 and $709 million light rail stage 3 is an important part of our economic recovery and will put the Gold Coast in the fast lane when it comes to transport and jobs through COVID-19."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said in addition to creating 20 full-time roles, as many as 100 GHD workers would be involved during the detailed design process.
"Most of the workforce is local, including graduate engineers and scientists and cadet technicians based in GHD's Gold Coast and Brisbane offices," he said.
"GHD will refine the existing concept designs for each station, producing detailed designs, documentation and approvals ready for construction.
"As part of the detailed design phase, additional studies will be undertaken including construction methodology, noise modelling, flood modelling and flora and fauna studies.
"Community feedback and input is being considered as part of the detailed design phase and there will be another opportunity for public consultation on the updated designs later this year, with nearby communities to be notified well in advance."
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the important step with design would ensure the stations would be ready by 2025 when Cross River Rail begins operation.
"The first concept images are exciting for our community, and show the opportunities that the Palaszczuk Government is creating by investing in public transport on the coast," Ms Scanlon said.
"Getting started now means that within a few years Gold Coasters in our booming northern suburbs will be able to catch a train to the rest of the Gold Coast, to Brisbane and connect with our light rail."
GHD's General Manager, South Queensland Operations Richard Evans said the company was delighted to work on the detailed designs of the three stations, having already delivered the station concept designs and business cases.
"These three new stations will play a vital role in the continued growth of the Gold Coast and Queensland communities," he said.
Gold Coast stations fast facts:
- As part of Cross River Rail, three new Gold Coast stations will be constructed at Pimpama, Helensvale North and Merrimac;
- Early investigations are underway, including geotechnical works, surveying and environmental studies;
- Community consultation took place in late 2019 on concept designs for the new stations, with more than 1150 people providing feedback;
- Pimpama land acquisition is nearing completion, with all sites expected to be acquired or ownership transferred by mid-2021;
- Detailed designs for all three stations will be developed during 2021 and will inform the preferred construction methodology and timing.
- Stations will be operational in time for Cross River Rail's opening in 2025.
