Creating better community connections and setting a new design precedent for one of Brisbane’s most historic yet fastest-growing suburbs are central to the architectural vision for the $750 million Albion Exchange transit-oriented development (TOD).
Hames Sharley Principal Jason Preston is spearheading the interdisciplinary design firm’s work on Stage One of Geon Property’s 10-stage 4-hectare masterplan (in partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Queensland Rail).
Mr Preston explained that as part of this initial stage, they are seeking to deliver – pending council approval – two residential towers featuring 309 apartments, a podium-level retail and commercial hub located above the existing Albion train station, and high-quality pedestrian and cyclist-friendly public spaces.
“As a genuine TOD, this development will be transformative for Albion in a variety of ways, and from a design perspective, we consider Stage One a defining opportunity to connect the suburb both from east to west and from its history to its future.”
Albion is one of just 10 Brisbane areas (of 137 SA2 statistical areas) expected to more than double their population between 2016 and 2041, with Queensland Government data predicting an increase from 2,973 residents to 6,543 residents in the forecast period.
“We genuinely consider Albion Exchange to be at the intersection of today and tomorrow and so our design has sought to honour the suburb’s strong community and rich history while also catering for the residential and infrastructure needs of its future population,” Mr Preston said.
However, the way the railway splits the suburb has been a subliminal problem in Albion for several years and is a key design challenge the firm has sought to overcome.
“The train station is part of the fabric of the community. There have been numerous generations who have used the station and know how it operates, but have also recognised its shortfalls and disjointed connectivity,” Mr Preston shared.
Albion Exchange is set to be developed over 15 years, with the train station to remain fully operational throughout. Hames Sharley’s design had to acknowledge this, resulting in the public open space straddling the railway station at one end and creative approaches to how people go up and down to the station.
This includes a combination of stairs and lifts and will look and feel like a series of green terraces, in which Mr Preston said will allow people to pause and take in the views – particularly in and around the public open space – and allow them to meander and take their own path.
“Albion Exchange will encourage people to be outside as much as possible, taking advantage of this amazing climate we have in Brisbane,” concluded Mr Preston.
“Ultimately, we are trying to reconnect the community, and in doing so we hope to give back to the city a pretty amazing public space in which Albion locals and Brisbane residents can come together.”