The Queensland government has opened public consultation on the first stage of station precinct designs for a new rail line in South-East Queensland, for which planning is currently underway.
The project, dubbed “The Wave”, involves construction of a new heavy rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya in the state’s Sunshine Coast, tying into the existing North Coast Line north of Beerwah Station.
The initiative is a key part of the Queensland government’s 2032 Delivery Plan of infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is currently planned in two stages – a first stage connecting five stations between Beerwah and Caloundra, and a second stage from Caloundra to Birtinya.
According to the Queensland government, the “landmark public transport project [is] set to revolutionise travel across the Sunshine Coast.”
“Once operational, the new rail line will provide the fastest and most reliable way for Sunshine Coast residents to travel to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond, saving passengers over 45 minutes compared to driving in peak times,” the state government has said.
The service will also integrate with a metro-style connection to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said, “The Wave will transform the way people move around the Sunshine Coast by supporting more jobs, better connectivity and stronger communities right across the region.”
The architecture, urban and landscape design of the first stage of the project, which includes two new stations at Bells Creek (Aura) and Caloundra, and upgrades to Beerwah station, is being led by Grimshaw, supported by Aspect Studios and Mode as part of the Coastal Trax consortium, which also includes Acciona, Georgiou, Mott MacDonald and Aurecon.
According to Grimshaw, the design includes active transport links, bus connections, park and ride facilities, local road upgrades and recreational parkland.
“For Grimshaw, the opportunity is to shape The Wave as more than transport infrastructure: a connected sequence of stations, landscapes and civic spaces supporting movement, growth and long-term liveability for communities across the region,” the firm noted in a communique.
Locals have been invited to have their say on key station design elements including landscaping, public spaces, accessibility features, wayfinding, street furniture, public art opportunities and the overall look and feel of the precincts.
According to the state government, “community feedback received during the consultation period will directly inform the project’s detailed design, helping ensure the stations reflect the character of the Sunshine Coast while meeting the needs of future generations.”
Public consultation for the first stage of the project is open until 14 September on the Queensland government’s website.
The Queensland government has said the second stage of the project is currently in procurement, with design and pre-construction contracts expected to be awarded in late 2026, and community consultation on the stage two station precinct designs scheduled for early 2027.
Major construction for The Wave is expected to commence in early next year, subject to federal environmental approvals.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
