Tenders released for Shorncliffe station upgrade

Tenders are now out to market for the major upgrade of Queensland’s historic Shorncliffe station, with construction to begin in 2025. 

The upgrades on the 130-year-old station will be carried out to honour of its significant heritage while, at the same time, improving access for all commuters. 

“We’re proud to be getting the job done to deliver a modern and reliable network for all Queenslanders. 

“Our 50-cent fare trial has been a massive success, and with upgrades underway on our rail network across the state, we’re keen to ensure more Queenslanders can enjoy public transport and make te most of this fantastic cost-of-living initiative. 

“Shorncliffe station already has a rich history and now we’re ensuring it has a bright future and continues to serve the entire community for the next century. 

“With the tender process in full swing we’re a significant step closer to delivering a more accessible Shorncliffe station while honouring the historic charm that makes this station so unique,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said. 

The upgrades will include: 

• Raising 90 metres of platform to include boarding points 

• Refurbished heritage building 

• A new kiss ‘n’ ride 

• Additional accessible paring 

• Accessible ticket windows and bathrooms 

• Improved customer comfort 

• Hearing augmentation loops 

• Improved lighting and CCTV 

• Customer information screens 

The renovation of Shorncliffe station will also involve the delivery of a new, secure bike enclosure with enough space for 36 bicycles, which complements the suburb’s significant bike path network and promotes easy active transport. 

The station was originally called Sandgate and it was designed by famed Queensland Railways Architect Henrick Hansen. 

“I’m so pleased to see the next stage of the Shorncliffe Station upgrade out to tender, and this long-awaited project underway. 

“Sandgate is growing fast, so it’s vital to undertake the necessary upgrades to cater for the future of our local public transport system whilst preserving our heritage. 

“We need public transport that is affordable and accessible – especially in our outer suburbs – because it gives us choices for jobs, education, health care, and recreational activities,” Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said. 

The station’s heritage charm will be protected and enhanced during its upgrade, with the 1940s air raid shelter to be retained and the building returned to its 1914 footprint. 

Shorncliffe locals have provided input into the station upgrade through community consultation, feedback and engagement sessions since 2022. 

The release of tenders for the Shorncliffe station upgrade follows the recent opening of Burpengary station and builds on the station upgrades that are under construction at Bundamba, Morningside, Lindum, Banyo and Buranda. 

The Queensland Government is committed to enhancing the State’s rich rail history while delivering safer, modern and more accessible public transport. 

“Queensland Rail is committed to connecting communities and by modernising and improving our stations we’re making sure everyone can catch the train without barriers. 

The Shorncliffe community have been so patient while our teams meticulously sifted through hundreds of heritage artefacts and preliminary works during the early stages of the project but with tenders called, we’re really making tracks. 

“It’s extremely important that we get this project right and treat the heritage building – and piece of our local history – with respect and that’s exactly what we’re doing. 

“The Shorncliffe station upgrade is in addition to the accessibility upgrades at Burpengary, Bundamba, Banyo, Morningside, Buranda and Lindum stations. 

“Whether you use a wheelchair, push a pram or you’re travelling with luggage, upgrades like the ones we are undertaking across South East Queensland make a real difference in our customers’ lives,” Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Neil Backer said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Rail (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine