Brisbane City Council has unveiled two new projects as part of the $120 million transformation of Victoria Park.
The Council says the Urban Pump Track and Spring Hill Common are two of the first milestone projects to be completed through the creation of Brisbane’s biggest new park in 50 years.
Designed to suit both children and the young-at-heart, the 260m bike course takes advantage of the park’s natural topography to challenge riders of all ages and abilities.
The track is due to open later this year, with local company JMac Constructions delivering the project.
“Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital continues to grow and the transformation of Victoria Park is a key part of this,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“I promised Victoria Park would be a place for everyone and that’s exactly what the Spring Hill Common and Urban Pump Track are.
“The Spring Hill Common offers a place for people to relax and will host events for all ages while our Urban Pump Track will cater for thrill-seekers of all-abilities.
“Our record of delivering new lifestyle destinations has helped shape Brisbane’s reputation as a great place to live, work and relax.
“We know Brisbane residents love to visit their local parks and Victoria Park is creating even more for people to see and do in our city.”
BMD Group CEO, Scott Power said the JMac Constructions team was pleased to once again collaborate with Council on the construction of the Urban Pump Track project.
“With over 260 metres of specially designed asphalt track, the Urban Pump Track’s innovative design supports riders’ skill progression and we hope to see it become a popular attraction for potential athletes and community,” he said.
“With the project tracking at about 80% completion, remaining works are set to involve the completion of the carpark, bio basins, amenities block, pathway network and surrounding softscapes”.
Bicycle Queensland CEO, Alton Twine said the organisation was excited to the the pump track close to completion.
“Facilities like these are an important part of investment in recreational infrastructure for Queensland, and this development is a big bonus for riders and families in and around inner Brisbane,” he said.
“All forms of bike riding have had a huge boost in uptake over the past five years. From those making trips by bike, to riders exploring the rail trails, singletrack and back roads, bike riding is increasing in popularity.
“Having a pump track of this calibre in the heart of Brisbane is a great step in ensuring all riders in our state capital have access to a range of facilities.”
The Council says Spring Hill Common will provide another venue to host events, including Brisbane Festival’s Voices of Victoria Park which will be held on Sunday 8 September.
Featuring tiered seating, open play spaces and sprawling views across the hills of Victoria Park, the newest space is also the perfect place to relax with a picnic, unwind and connect to nature, the Council says.
Future stages of the 64-hectare lifestyle and leisure project includes high ropes courses, water holes, wetlands, a nature play gully and Tree House lookout and café.
“Victoria Park is Brisbane’s biggest backyard, with plenty for residents to see and do in the outdoors,” said Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair, Councillor Tracy Davis.
“Brisbane residents put forward more than 51,000 ideas for Victoria Park and the Spring Hill Common and Urban Pump Track are just two of many we’re bringing to life.
“It’s great to have all three levels of government supporting this new lifestyle destination and we’re looking forward to progressing more of these ideas to make Victoria Park even better.”
Victoria Park is one of 22 South East Queensland projects which will benefit from the $285.8 million South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund.
Under this agreement, the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council will each contribute $40 million to deliver Victoria Park catalyst projects, including an all-abilities ‘Adventurescape’ playground, a ‘Parkway Loop’ boulevard and a new active transport bridge.
