Construction tender awarded for $5 million Northshore riverside park

5 October 2007

Issued by the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations

Construction has commenced on the first stage of Brisbane’s largest urban redevelopment, the Port of Brisbane Corporation’s Northshore Hamilton project - an 80-hectare master-planned community, which will house 10,000 residents.

A $5 million contract for construction of the 2.5-hectare riverfront park at Northshore had been awarded to Basic Construction Services, Transport Minister John Mickel announced today.

Walton Construction (Qld) Pty Ltd was awarded the contract for the $1.6 million Riverside Café and Information Centre, which is also to be completed as part of the first phase of works.

“The Riverside Park will open up to the people of Brisbane riverfront land that has not previously been accessible, and will provide a social meeting point for local residents and the wider community,” Mr Mickel said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Gary Fenlon inspected work activities including earthworks and the removal of existing pavements at the site today. Mr Fenlon said the park construction is scheduled for completion in March 2008.

“Construction of the Riverside Café and Information Centre will begin early-October, for completion in February 2008,” he said.

The Northshore Riverside Park, Riverside Café and Information Centre will incorporate world-leading design features.

“The Northshore Hamilton Master Plan has been developed to reflect best-practice ecologically sustainable development, and these principles have been incorporated into the park design,” Mr Fenlon said.

Key features include water sensitive urban design, extensive planting of native species and drought-tolerant plants, and the use of recycled water for landscape establishment.

The Riverside Café and Information Centre will have a solar hot-water system and natural ventilation to reduce the need for air conditioning, and recycled materials will be used in construction.

Stage 1 also involves extending Macarthur Avenue and providing services, including water, sewerage and power.

Tenders were called in July, with the contract to be announced by mid-October. Expressions of Interest for the first residential development will be called in late 2007.

“After years of planning and preparation, it is extremely rewarding to see construction begin on this important urban-renewal project“, Mr Mickel said.