The Schrinner Council has begun the formal process to acquire the landing site for the future Toowong green bridge.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner today announced Council has issued the owner of the property with a notice of intention to resume for a small section of the site following ongoing discussions.
The notice is for 2365 sq m, or less than 20 per cent, of the 1.2 hectare Coronation Drive riverfront property which was formerly the ABC’s Brisbane headquarters.
Cr Schrinner said Council is eager to preserve the land now for the future Toowong to West End Green Bridge.
“We have paused our two green bridges connecting to West End while we concentrate on Brisbane’s rebuild and recovery following the devastating floods,” Cr Schrinner said.
“However, we remain committed to building these two bridges which are strongly supported by local residents.
“Buying the Toowong location now so it is available when we are ready to proceed just makes sense.
“While this is just a small section of the site, riverside property isn’t going to get cheaper in the long term so making this purchase now is in the best interests of ratepayers.”
The draft concept design for the 280-metre green bridge includes a landing at Orleigh Park, West End as well as riverside greenspace surrounding the Toowong side landing.
The bridge will include a dedicated path for riders and a separate shaded path for walkers.
Two green bridges, Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek, are under construction and due to be completed in early 2024.
Cr Schrinner said he was confident the green bridge program will receive further financial support from other levels of government.
“Our green bridge program will significantly improve Brisbane’s connectivity,” Cr Schrinner said.
“These bridges will change the way residents and visitors move around some of Brisbane’s most popular precincts.
“Destinations like the above-water restaurant on the Kangaroo Point Bridge will ensure they also become landmarks in their own right.
“That’s why our Green Bridges have recently been recognised by Infrastructure Australia as nationally significant projects.
“The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge has already attracted Federal Government funding through the South East Queensland City Deal – the first time the Federal Government has funded active transport infrastructure.
“Our bridges will be fantastic assets during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and I’m confident all levels of government can work together to make that happen.”