After reaching major project milestones early this year, with the completion of the new roundabout at Selwyn Street, the extension of Selwyn Street to Helen Street, the multi-stage revitalisation of the Beaudesert Town Centre is progressing. Improvement works have included additional parking and new infrastructure to make Beaudesert Town Centre streetscape a welcoming, safe public space whilst maintaining the unique character of the town.
These significant improvement works have improved safety for pedestrians and motorists, with the inclusion of new crossings and connections. The roundabout helps to manage peak traffic flow and the addition of parking spaces along the extension of Selwyn Street caters for residents and visitors. Furthermore, new off street parking at Davidson Park provides additional parking spaces for cars and caravans.
Construction continues to make headway with the next stages of the works well underway with water main replacement works, major sewer works and new structures to build the stormwater.
Rectification of drainage issues in the town centre have seen the substructure of Short Street completely re-built to accommodate flood mitigating infrastructure. Brisbane Street and Eaglesfield Street have undergone major and complex work to address longstanding issues with flooding and the road substructure.
When completed, these works will deliver major drainage improvements which are vital to businesses in the Beaudesert town centre and the safety of the community during major rain events.
The delivery of these significant works, are amongst many projects across the Scenic Rim that have been designed to improve the liveability and prosperity of our region.
Brisbane Street and Eaglesfield Street intersection
Works to improve the underground stormwater network on Brisbane and Eaglesfield Streets commenced in April 2024 and are expected to be completed early 2025.
To ensure the safety of both workers and the community, access to Eaglesfield Street from Brisbane Street has been temporarily closed to undertake water main replacements, build sewage protection and install new stormwater infrastructure.
Access will be reinstated at this intersection soon however further stormwater works will continue along Eaglesfield Street, under a partial road closure, minimising traffic and pedestrian movements. Detour routes and alternative access points will be made available and community are encouraged to follow posted detour signs and to plan travel routes accordingly.
Scenic Rim Regional Council and its contractors are mindful of the impacts construction has on residents and will keep residents and businesses up-to-date and informed with timely and accurate information. Residents and businesses can expect construction noise, vibration and temporary water supply interruptions and will receive notifications advising of the impacts once dates and time can be confirmed with the contractor and / or Urban Utilities, dependent on the works being undertaken.
Upgrades to Brisbane Street will continue to transform the area into an attractive space for residents, local businesses and visitors. Avenues of trees and footpath improvements will create a new pedestrian entrance into the centre of Beaudesert with a creative walkway along Brisbane Street.
Currently, on the western side of Brisbane Street, the contractor is working to install and complete kerb works, the footpath and landscaping. This section is currently closed to pedestrians, and is planned to re-open in October, which will allow the public to utilise this side of the road and access the new parklands area. Motorists are advised to follow the lane markers until the completion of these works.
The existing pedestrian crossing on Brisbane Street, in front of Council offices will remain in place to allow access across the road. The crossing will be upgraded and an alternative crossing point will be made available during a temporary closure to ensure pedestrian safety.
Short Street and Brisbane Street intersection
Works to improve the underground stormwater network on Short Street commenced in March 2024. The Short Street drainage project will address a longstanding issue with flooding and the road substructure, delivering major drainage improvements which are vital to businesses in Beaudesert Town Centre and the safety of the community during major rain events.
In preparation for the installation of the stormwater extension into Brisbane Street, access to Short Street is closed from Brisbane Street, with excavations to commence in the northbound lane of Brisbane Street on Thursday, 5 September 2024. These works are expected to take three months to complete (weather and construction conditions permitting). Conducting major construction works in the drier weather minimises the risk of delays caused by rain and adverse weather conditions, allowing for a more efficient and timely completion of the project and to minimise disruptions to community. Please refer to the Notification of Works for more detail.
Local businesses will remain open during the construction works. Council will continue to coordinate the works with the Contractor and business owners to ensure operations can continue. The construction works may bring temporary changes, and we encourage you to support your favourite shops and services in the town centre.
Residents and business owners will experience temporary road closures and traffic detours for the duration of this stage as well as the restriction of pedestrian movements from Brisbane Street and William Street intersection to Brisbane Street and Eaglesfield Street intersection.
There will be noise associated with the operation of plant and equipment and water services will be temporarily affected as the final water main replacement works commence. Impacted businesses and residents will be issued an Urban Utilities shut down notice prior these works and planned to occur during the evening to minimise disruptions.
Additional Information
Short Street and Helen Street businesses will be open and accessible via Selwyn Street
There will be restricted parking outside the Council Administration Building. Customers are encouraged to access public carparks within Beaudesert town centre.
Nightworks will be undertaken to reduce the impact of utilities closures on businesses.
Your safety and convenience are our top priority. Variable Message Boards (VMS) are now in place throughout the area to help you navigate and stay informed during the ongoing construction works. Heavy vehicles are encouraged to use the bypass as the alternative route.
Future works have been planned to run concurrently to minimise impacts to community. These works include installation of drainage chambers, which is an underground structure designed to manage and direct the flow of stormwater, reducing the risk of overwhelm during heavy rainfall to regulate the water flow. These complex infrastructure works are a crucial component in protecting the town centre if and when a major rain event occurs.
As works continue, it's important to be aware of the changes in traffic conditions and flow, pedestrian access, parking and accessing businesses, and temporary impacts to utility services.
Information regarding current and future works are publicly available via this website, Notifications of Works and newspaper and social media releases.
Council acknowledges there will be inconvenience to local residents, business owners, pedestrians and motorists while these works are being undertaken. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
Gateway Precinct
The town centre Gateway precinct project is well underway. The parklands have been designed to create a green community meeting place that reflects local history, stories and culture. Artworks will be featured on pavements and structures to tell local stories. The centrepiece of the precinct will be a new events deck and stage and grassed amphitheatre area which will be a multi-use space where people can meet, gather and celebrate. The Beaudesert Railway Station will remain in its original location, providing a historical reference point for the precinct. The precinct will also recognise and honour the unbroken and ongoing connection to country of the Indigenous people of the region through the creation of yarning circles.
Other new features include picnic areas, a public toilet block with disability access, and the installation of lighting to improve public safety.
Improvements to infrastructure and the streetscape in Beaudesert Town Centre will deliver a built environment that maintains the unique character of the area, provides a relaxed rural atmosphere, creates welcoming public spaces and also, yields a social and economic dividend for the community.
Progress on this stage of the project can be seen here.
Outcome
Beaudesert Town Centre will be transformed into a functional green space that is welcoming to the local community and visitors. Brisbane Street will have reduced lane widths to lower travel speeds and increase pedestrian safety, new pedestrian crossings for pedestrian safety and improved connectivity to the park and community facilities, parallel parking to increase footpath widths and for cyclist safety, roundabouts and continuous medians to better manage peak traffic conditions and allow simple and safe traffic movements through the town centre.
Key features of the road design include:
Durability: The materials and construction methods used will provide long-lasting support for daily traffic.
Safety: Enhanced structural integrity will ensure safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Accessibility: The design allows for easy access for essential services and emergency vehicles, promoting community safety.
Reduction of heavy vehicles within Beaudesert town centre.
We appreciate your support and patience as we work to improve our community's infrastructure.
The Beaudesert Town Centre project will reap many benefits for the community, including:
Greater access to the business centre and community facilities after the expansion and upgrade of carparks and the connection of Selwyn Street to Helen Street.
Major stormwater improvements - upgrades to town centre stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding and to improve road and pedestrian safety.
Improved connection between Brisbane and Helen Streets
A facelift of Brisbane Street to create a greener avenue and new pedestrian entrance to the centre.
A new communal space for community gatherings and public events with amphitheatre terraced seating, events deck and stage, new public toilet, public artwork and landscaping.
Additional off-street carparking available for cars, trailers and caravans accessible from Helen Street and has provided easy access to all town centre shops and amenities.
Renewed confidence for business to invest within the Beaudesert Town Centre.
BEAUDESERT TOWN CENTRE FLYTHROUGH
Project Timeline
Current Phase: 2020-2025
Beaudesert Gateway Stage 1
Caravan and car parking
Complete
Beaudesert Town Centre Transport Improvements
Selwyn and Brisbane Street traffic and pedestrian improvements
Complete
Beaudesert Town Centre Drainage Improvements
Brisbane, Eaglesfield and Short Street drainage upgrades
Underway
Beaudesert Gateway Stage 2
Upgrade parklands with amphitheatre, shelters and new public toilet facility.
Underway
Brisbane Street Improvements
Brisbane Street pedestrian safety improvements
Underway
Community input
The revitalisation of the Beaudesert town centre incorporated ideas and improvements captured through extensive consultation with the local community.
Council sought community input in 2016 for the Beaudesert Town Centre Masterplan, and when the Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation Project was presented in 2019. Targeted focus groups were held with community and businesses in 2020, to inform the development of detailed designs.
Feedback highlighted the following four key community priorities, which were considered in the planning of the town centre revitalisation:
greening with shade trees and boulevards
creating community spaces
welcoming gateways with improved amenities
walkable streets and linkages.
The Beauy Hub - Beaudesert town centre revitalisation display
Located at 113 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert, The Beauy Hub was Council's dedicated space to provide Beaudesert residents and business owners, and the Scenic Rim community with opportunities to stay informed on the progress of the revitalisation of the Beaudesert town centre.
The Beauy Hub was open from Tuesday 6 April until Friday 13 August 2021 and hosted 26 public sessions including community group workshops and meet-the-designer sessions, with approximately 150 people dropping in to view the information display. Council officers also held one-on-one sessions with business owners directly affected by the upcoming constructions works.
Council will continue to engage with community to plan, deliver and activate community facilities for this project. Council encourages community to stay engaged, any enquiries should be directed to Council on 07 5540 5111 or by email to mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au quoting "Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation Project".
Want to find out more about the revitalisation of the Beaudesert town centre?
Contact Council via email or Telephone: 07 5540 5111.
The Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government in association with Scenic Rim Regional Council.
