One of Brisbane’s oldest train station is on track for an upgrade with a focus on preserving its heritage.
The Queensland Government has released tenders for work on the Shorncliffe station, north-east of Brisbane, which includes partially raised platforms, a new kiss ‘n’ ride, additional accessible parking, a new bike enclosure and increased safety, security, accessibility.
Built in 1897, Shorncliffe station, then known as Sandgate, was a resort station for people travelling from Brisbane to the beach for picnics.
State Transport Minister Bart Mellish said the major upgrade, which will start next year, would honour the station’s significant heritage while making it easier for everyone to catch the train for years to come.
“The heritage charm will be protected and enhanced during the upgrade with the 1940s air raid shelter retained and the building returned to its 1914 footprint,” Minister Mellish said.
He said the station was a historic treasure trove with more than 400 objects of heritage significance discovered in the subfloor of the old station building during early works, including train tickets, clothing, newspapers, and bottles.
“The artefacts, some dating back to the 1890s, have been meticulously preserved and catalogued.
“A 1940s sailor’s cap, unearthed in the dig, was even reunited with its owner’s family seven-decades later. It’s just one example of the delicate care, precision and attention Queensland Rail has been giving to this historic upgrade.”
Minister Mellish said Shorncliffe locals have provided input into the project through community consultation, feedback and engagement sessions.
He said the renovation would include:
- Raising 90m of platform to include boarding points.
- Fefurbished heritage building.
- A new kiss ‘n’ ride.
- Additional accessible parking.
- Accessible ticket windows and bathrooms.
- Improved customer comfort.
- Hearing augmentation loops.
- Improved lighting and CCTV.
- Customer information screens.
“There will also be space for 36 bicycles in a new, secure bike enclosure – complementing the suburb’s substantial bike path network and promoting easy active transport,” he said.
