The Queensland Government has released tenders for Shorncliffe Station, with works to get underway in 2025.
The renovation will include:
- Raising 90m of platform to include boarding points
- Refurbished 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.
Shorncliffe Station, originally called Sandgate, was designed by famed Queensland Railways Architect Henrik Hansen.
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.
The station is 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 preserved and catalogued.
Since 2022, Shorncliffe locals have provided input into the project through community consultation, feedback and engagement sessions.
The Queensland Government remains committed to enhancing the state’s rich rail history while delivering safer, modern and more accessible public transport for all customers.
Shorncliffe’s tender process follows the recent reopening of Burpengary station with five more full station upgrades under construction at Bundamba, Morningside, Lindum, Banyo and Buranda. Cross River Rail’s upgraded Dutton Park station will also reopen in coming months.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish, said, “We’re proud to be getting the job done to deliver a modern and reliable rail 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 the 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.”
Member for Sandgate, Stirling Hinchliffe, said, “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.”
Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland, Neil Backer, said, “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.”
Image: Queensland Rail
