Exclusive designs have been released of the new Pimpama station in the Gold Coast, as part of the transformational Cross River Rail project — with locals invited to have their say on the designs.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said major infrastructure like the Cross River Rail project was an important part of the government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
Ms Palaszczuk said the images released are part of a consultation on the design of the new Pimpama station, running until August 7 2021.
“My government is delivering new infrastructure on the Gold Coast to create jobs and stimulate the local economy at a time we need it most,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“In the future, this new station will ensure that locals benefit from Cross River Rail – being able to catch a train within minutes of arriving during peak times.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said there would be a staged approach to community consultation on the designs for each of the three new Gold Coast stations, starting with Pimpama on 12 July.
“The $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project will transform the way we travel across all of South East Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.
“The three new stations at Pimpama, Helensvale North and Merrimac, which are Palaszczuk Government election commitments, will help reinvigorate transport in key growth areas on the Gold Coast line.
“They are an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s record $27.5 billion roads and transport investment over four years, which is creating 24, 000 jobs and helping to drive Queensland’s economic recovery.
“These detailed designs are the next step in delivering these new stations for the Coast, and I urge locals to have a look at them and provide their feedback.”
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the new Pimpama station would transform public transport on the northern Gold Coast, together with new stations at Helensvale North and Merrimac.
Ms Scanlon said, “Just last year Pimpama’s population grew 13.7 per cent, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in our region.
“Which is why we need more public transport that’s convenient and accessible – and why we’re investing in three new train stations and expanding light rail on the coast.
“With this important next step, we’ll see early works happening very soon and major construction happening in 2022, to create a pipeline of jobs alongside record investment on the M1 and Coomera Connector.”
Mr Bailey said early investigations commenced for Pimpama and the other stations in January 2021, which included geotechnical works, survey work, utility identification and environmental studies, including heritage, flora and fauna.
“These early investigations, as well as feedback already received from the community, have been crucial in refining the concept designs,” Mr Bailey said.
“Some of the design features for Pimpama include a new signalised intersection at the station entry off the Old Pacific Highway, improved pedestrian access, upgraded lifts to improve passenger movement, and provision for a future car park expansion.
“Feedback from the detailed design will be used to inform the final design for construction.”
Mr Bailey said early construction works were expected to commence in late 2021, with major construction to commence in 2022, completed in time for Cross River Rail’s opening in 2025.
“All three new Gold Coast stations will mean greater access to convenient rail services and easier travel within the Gold Coast as well as to Brisbane,” Mr Bailey said.
Mr Bailey said community consultation for Pimpama station was open until 7 August 2021.
Ms Palaszczuk said, “We’ll continue to deliver projects that help to rebuild our economy and cut commute times for Gold Coasters.”
For more information about Pimpama station and to have your say, visit Cross River Rail’s website.
Detailed designs for Helensvale North and Merrimac will be released in late 2021 and residents can sign up for works notices and updates here.
To see what the new Pimpama station could like once complete, use the online panorama tool.
