The University of Queensland’s new eastern entry walkway has officially opened, improving access for the thousands who will cross the new elevated platform each day.
The eastern walkway is part of a $5.2 million revitalisation of the main thoroughfare connecting the UQ Lakes Busway, the Eleanor Schonell Bridge and the new CityCat terminal with the central St Lucia campus.
UQ Property and Facilities Director Alan Egan said the majority of people coming to UQ now arrived via the eastern entrance.
“During the teaching period there are more than 40,000 trips to and from UQ each day,” Mr Egan said.
“Half of the people who catch public transport, cycle or walk, cross the Eleanor Schonell bridge and then the new walkway.”
The 180-metre walkway, designed by Cox Rayner Architects, features solar panels to help power the campus and an elevator to assist those with limited mobility.
New walkway drone footage from The University of Queensland on Vimeo.
UQ transport systems manager Mr Mark Kranz said the advent of new infrastructure had changed the demographics of surrounding suburbs.
“Surveys we have conducted have found that, since the building of the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, more UQ students and staff have moved to suburbs such as Dutton Park and Fairfield,” Mr Kranz said.
“Having a walkway like this not only makes the commute to the St Lucia campus easier, but it encourages people to catch public transport or to walk.”
The area surrounding the elevated path has been reinvigorated with the planting of more than a dozen native trees, new garden beds and 2000 square metres of turf.
The Brisbane City Council, which built the CityCat terminal, contributed $750,000 to the walkway project.
The walkway was opened today at a function attended by:
- Councillor Julian Simmonds, Councillor for Walter Taylor Ward
- Mr John Story AO, Chancellor, UQ
- Mr Maurie McNarn AO, Chief Operating Officer, UQ
- Mr Michael Rayner, Director, Cox Rayner Architects
- Mr Joe Morgan, Brisbane City Council
- Mr Nick Gardner, Managing Director, FKG Group
Media: Casey Fung +617 3346 7887, c.fung@uq.edu.au
