Overview
If you've lived in Brisbane long enough, you've probably become accustomed to seeing parts of the city torn down and turned into shops, apartments and offices. Don't go thinking that the latest Hamilton development is just doing the same thing, though. In fact, it's turning that trend on its head.
Brisbane residents should say goodbye to the old Caltex service station on Kingsford Smith Drive, and prepare to welcome to a brand new park instead. The transformation is part of the next stage of the Northshore masterplan, which has already brought plenty of greenery to that part of the city — plus the wonder that is the Eat Street Markets, too — and just generally made what was once an industrial area look a whole lot different.
Hercules Street Park, Northshore.
As announced by the State Government, the new Hercules Street Park will span two hectares, and include a central multi-use open space with amphitheatre seating that could be used for events and sporting matches. The space will also feature a tree-lined 250-metre jogging path, picnic shelters, barbecues and a small dog off-leash area.
It all forms part of what's shaping up to be Queensland's largest waterfront urban renewal project, with 15,000 people expected to live at Northshore — and another 15,000 expected to work there as well — once construction is finished. That's not bad for a section of town that used to boast Brissie's main wharves, and even once housed a prison. In fact, the now-bustling Kingsford Smith Drive was initially built as an access road to the jail.
For more information, keep an eye on the Northshore website.