Brisbane's vibrant Fortitude Valley has a new gateway following a $32.1 million makeover of the precinct's railway station.
Minister for Transport John Mickel and Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace launched the redeveloped and renamed Fortitude Valley Station on 10 October 2008.
"This major revamp is not simply a 'lick of paint' - we've invested in new lifts, escalators and stairways to significantly improve safety and access for all passengers," Mr Mickel said.
"The station also has an impressive, modern design and features innovative artworks that pay homage to Brisbane and Fortitude Valley's rich and diverse music history.
"The station is one of the busiest on South East Queensland's urban rail network, with more than 2.5 million passengers travelling through per year.
"Features of the station include a lift, escalator and stairway to each platform from the concourse, enhanced CCTV coverage, brighter lighting and improved information signage."
Mr Mickel said passengers could absorb some of Brisbane's music history.as they waited for their train thanks to artworks throughout the station.
"On the concourse, animated artwork featuring soundwaves and lyrics from songs by Brisbane bands, will be projected onto a glass space almost 13 metres wide and four metres tall within a few weeks," he said.
"Lyrics from songs such as Powderfinger's smash-hit Passenger will be projected for all commuters to see.
"Large, abstract works by Brisbane-based artist Jennifer Marchant adorn each of the four platforms, featuring soundwave patterns and quotes from author Andrew Stafford's book Pig City, which maps the rise of a host of home-grown bands from The Saints to Savage Garden.
"Some of the quotes refer to bands specifically, including Savage Garden, Powderfinger, The Saints, Regurgitator, Custard, The Go-Betweens and Screamfeeder.
Ms Grace said 'people power' had been behind the renaming of the station - formerly known as Brunswick Street.
"The idea initially came from the community as local businesses and residents had championed for a name change for some time, believing the name 'Brunswick Street' station didn't represent the overall local community and was confusing for visitors," Ms Grace said.
Mr Mickel said "It's hard to remember what the station used to look like with its tired, old ramps - the redevelopment brings it up to speed with its surroundings and gives the Valley a new lease of life".
For more information about catching a train to Fortitude Valley, please visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
