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$87m street renewal contract paves way for the delivery of Brisbane Athlete Village

Written by Monica Gameng | Aug 10, 2024 12:30:00 AM

Preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games continues to progress across Queensland with an $87 million contract award for the Northshore Brisbane – Street Renewal Program. 

BMD has been appointed to undertake the first phase of early works for the program, which will involve the delivery of new and significantly upgraded roads as well as landscape and services infrastructure – including a sub-tropical boulevard along Macarthur Avenue that features separated cycleways, footpaths and landscaping. 

Works on site will commence this month. 

“As a proud Australian contractor with 45 years’ experience, BMD is looking forward to being part of the Northshore Brisbane Street Renewal Program – a visionary project that will redefine urban connectivity and community vibrancy. 

“Having delivered necessary infrastructure upgrades within Northshore Brisbane since 2016, BMD’s experience, capability and collaborative approach to contracting will pave the way for the Brisbane Athlete Village and beyond. 

“BMD’s focus is on powering performance and leaving enduring legacies in the communities we operate in. Projects like this are an opportunity to create jobs and work with local businesses to ensure great local benefits as well as a diverse, inclusive and connected workforce,” BMD CEO Scott Power said. 

Brisbane Athlete Village (source: Queensland Government)

Enabled by Economic Development Queensland, the Northshore Brisbane – Street Renewal Program will pave the way for the development of the Brisbane Athlete Village, which will host international athletes and para-athletes during the 2032 Games. 

Once fully completed, the Street Renewal Program is anticipated to be a benchmark of sustainability, resilience and innovation. 

At full maturity of the trees, it is estimated that 70 to 80 per cent of the road verges will be covered in shade, providing a sun-safe, cool environment for residents and visitors, including those participating in the Games. 

Smart and multi-functional light poles will also be installed throughout the precinct to support enhanced connectivity and security. 

Following the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Brisbane Athlete Village will be repurposed into diverse housing such as social, affordable, hotel, retirement and market with community, recreation and leisure facilities. 

“Our city has so much opportunity – opportunity that we can capitalise on now. 

“These early works will transform Northshore Brisbane now, well ahead of 2032, and deliver a better, more connected Brisbane. 

“Northshore will become home to Team Australia, and incredible athletes and para-athletes from right around the world, when Brisbane hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“After the Games, this area will be repurposed into much needed housing, including social and affordable homes. 

“This is the kind of legacy my government is seeking to deliver for Brisbane, and Queensland,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

Brisbane Athlete Village (source: Queensland Government)

The overall Street Renewal Program will be delivered over six years. Once completed, the works will provide: 

  • Approximately four kilometres of new and upgraded road connection that offers signalised two-way access across Northshore 
  • Improved access to Kingsford Smith Drive with a new road connection that offers signalised two-way access 
  • Extensive landscaping with approximately 1,000 new trees and thousands of shrubs planted across Northshore to create cooler streets and promote walking, cycling, and e-mobility 
  • Access for all with universal design principles and wider than standard verges, increasing comfort and safety for everyone 
  • Improved flood immunity through raised and graded roads and upgraded drainage 
  • Separate cyclist and pedestrian facilities for major new streets 

“The Northshore Brisbane Street Renewal Program continues the transformative journey of Northshore with an accelerated delivery that will open up parts of this riverfront precinct much earlier than originally planned. 

“Not only will these works support the delivery of the Brisbane Athlete Village, ensuring seamless access and enhanced facilities for athletes, visitors and residents alike, cementing Northshore Brisbane as a vibrant hub of activity and connectivity, creating a lasting legacy of urban revitalisation and economic growth for the city,” Minister Grace Grace said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Northshore Brisbane; Economic Development Queensland (1, 2); BMD; Inside Construction; Roads & Infrastructure Australia