Riverbank Redevelopment progresses into 2016
Published on 08 January 2016
Work has recommenced on the Rockhampton Riverbank Redevelopment Project following a short break over the festive season.
The redevelopment is a $30 million dollar project aimed at revitalising the riverbank precinct, helping to stimulate the economy while creating a much-anticipated asset that will provide the region’s residents with an exciting destination and leisure area.
Over the next few weeks the construction work will include installation of stormwater and electrical conduit pits on the Riverbank side of Quay street (between Fitzroy and Denham Streets), as well as pedestrian footpath works on the River side of Quay Lane.
Chair of the Riverbank Redevelopment Steering Committee, Mayor Margaret Strelow, said minimising disruption to trading businesses during the redevelopment has been a priority within project plans, as has minimising disruption to traffic.
“Our plans are to ensure business continuity for all traders along the riverbank redevelopment during construction and we are conscious of the potential impacts these works could have and have scheduled works accordingly.”
Mayor Strelow said Council had a clearly mapped out program of works and would maintain contact with traders and business owners along the development to keep them informed of works that may impact on their operation.
“Council is also committed through its direct and public communications and its website to make members of the public aware of works that may be taking place and in particular any interruptions to traffic flow to minimise inconvenience,” she said
From the end of February light poles on the heritage building side of the road will be removed, and works will require the closing of Quay Street to vehicular traffic between Fitzroy and Denham Streets from mid-June. However, pedestrian access will be maintained for businesses to continue operating.
By mid May 2016 the project team hopes to commence concrete pavement works with an anticipated completion date early to late September, and granite and stonework to commence July this year with an early October completion.
It is anticipated the full roadway between Fitzroy and Denham Street will be reopened in the fourth quarter of this year, possibly as early as late October.
“The project team has maintained a commitment to a tight construction schedule with limited impact to trading businesses and traffic in the area, and work has proceeded on time and on budget to date,” Mayor Strelow said.
“Many people have commented on how quickly the development is progressing. Council is pleased with the progress to date and we’re all keen to see this redevelopment take shape and be completed because of the benefits it will bring to the entire region.”
Mayor Strelow said Council had been heartened by the business confidence that was growing around the Project.
“One hundred and sixty temporary positions will be required during the Project construction phase, and we believe there will be 800 permanent jobs created in the construction sector from this project and the estimated flow-on of private investment over the next ten years.”
She said the development was aiming for the highest standards of project management in respect of budget expenditure, safety and preservation of heritage assets along the riverbank.
Schedule for upcoming work:
- Stormwater and electrical conduit/pit installation on Riverbank side of Quay Street (between Fitzroy and Denham Streets) to be completed by week ending 19 February 2016
- Pedestrian footpath works to commence on River side of Quay Lane week commencing 18 January 2016 (excavation and preparation of Lean mix concrete works)
- Change traffic from Heritage Building lane to Riverside Lane (traffic to still travel South to North) to occur approximately week commencing 22 February 2016
- Electrical Services/conduiting works to commence week commencing 22 February 2016 on Heritage Building side of Quay Street
- Ergon disconnection and removal of light poles to Heritage Building side of road to commence week starting 29 February 2016
- Close both vehicle lanes to Quay Street (Fitzroy Street to Denham Street) mid June 2016, with pedestrian footpath access kept open for business foot traffic
- Concrete pavement works to commence mid May 2016 with completion approximately early September 2016
- Paver works to commence early July 2016 with completion early October 2016
- Full roadway between Fitzroy and Denham Streets to be re-opened late October 2016
- Stage 1E works (Fitzroy Street carpark and road/pedestrian pavement works under Fitzroy Bridge) will commence end of February 2016 with estimated completion date of June 2016. Note that for the duration of this work southbound road access under Fitzroy Bridge will be closed.