Author // Georgina Auton, Place Graceville
The Graceville train station has been under construction for a while now and locals are (understandably) getting pretty excited for its completion.
We caught up with State Member for Yeerongpilly, Mark Bailey, about what we can expect when it’s done.
“Graceville Station was identified as a priority to upgrade as the existing station had limited access and the area has many young families and senior citizens who will benefit from an at grade access,” said Mr Bailey.
“It will also provide better access to the train system for people with disabilities in the area.”
Image: Supplied
Once the station is completed, we’re told it’ll have a whole list of awesome new features designed to help our community and better cater to the needs of everyone.
The station is going to have new lifts, raised platforms for step-free train access, a new accessible toilet and extended waiting shelters for those dreaded rainy days.
Other great new accessibility features like hearing aid loops and and tactile layouts will also be part of the new station.
In terms of safety, there’ll also be new lighting and upgraded CCTV.
We noticed the original and historic “Graceville” lettering is still up at the station and we asked Mr Bailey about the decision to keep it.
“During the design phase, the community provided feedback regarding maintaining the look and feel of the station building,” Mr Bailey said.
“We’ve been able to take this feedback into account and preserve the original “Graceville” lettering as part of the upgrade.”
He said it’s an important piece of local history that will remain.
Mr Bailey said that during the process he has inspected the work site and listened to community members and business owners.
“People are excited at the prospect of having an independently accessible station with much improved and more modern customer facilities with new security features,” he said.
If you’re one of the locals asking “But when’s it going to be done”, Mr Bailey said that the station upgrade is scheduled to be competed this year, with weather and construction conditions permitting.
He said that all efforts are being made to finish the project with as little disruption to the community and as soon as possible, while making sure passengers still have access for their trains!
Mr Bailey said that he’s looking forward to joining with the community to open and celebrate the new station when it’s completed.
Image: Supplied