Demolition begins on CBD transit hub
THE development of a multimilliondollar CBD bus hub has taken a significant step forward with demolition works set to start next week.
The $ 146,289 tender is the first step towards construction of the new Ogden St facility, which is set to provide a major activation of the CBD.
The tender was awarded company Markwell Group.
Deputy Mayor Les Walker said Markwell had a strong history in North Queensland and had outranked its competitors during the tender process in terms of value for money and environmental credentials.
Weighting given to local tenderers had also helped the group’s bid.
“This facility has been a long time coming and when completed will transform the area,” Cr Walker said.
“Public transport and the ease of access to the CBD’s shopping and restaurant precincts is important now and will be even more important in the future.”
Cr Walker said the bus hub would integrate well with the new stadium and also link up with the $ 28 million waterfront promenade.
“A lot of work has gone into the design process in consultation with local residents and businesses to ensure potential issues are being addressed.”
Cr Walker said Townsville City Council took possession of the site on July 1, paving the way for Markwell to start demolition this month once all necessary permits were obtained.
“We have conducted some community consultation to date and once the design contract tender is awarded at the end of August, extensive consultation will be carried over a three to fourmonth period,” he said.
The bus hub project has received $ 4 million in funding from the State Government and is being project managed by the council.
Cr Walker said the tender for the detailed design contract was still open.
Construction of the bus hub is expected to be completed next year.
Cr Ann- Maree Greaney said a purpose- built bus hub was something the CBD needed to improve the public transport system in the city.
“This will be a good outcome for the city as their will be a dedicated new site that will provide good public transport access to the CBD,” she said.
“Community consultation to local will be continuing so the community can have their say about the bus hub and get the best results for the city.”
Markwell Demolitions managing director Gavin Markwell said he was thrilled that the council was supporting local business.
Mr Markwell said the six- week demolition process would have a minor impact on adjoining premises.
“Generally we take everything away as we demolish it and the effects of the surrounding residents and business will be minimal,” he said.
The concept designs and information about the project are available on the council’s website: https:// www. townsville. qld. gov. au/ building- planning- andprojects/ council- projects/ t ownsvillecity- bus- hub