Fitzgerald Avenue

Avenue of dreams will be pride of Springwood

Planning has begun on Logan City Council’s proposed multi-million-dollar facelift of Fitzgerald Avenue at Springwood with community consultation to commence soon.

Proposed additions include a clock tower or significant landmark, a vine arbour with creative lighting, footpath seating, urban art, way-finding signage and landscaping.

Fitzgerald Avenue runs between Rochedale Road, adjacent to the M1, and Cinderella Drive.

Proposed upgraded pedestrian walkways and cycle pathways will also improve access to the area and will provide safer connections to neighbouring shopping centres and other Springwood amenities and attractions.

The final design will be shaped by the input from the community.

The streetscape enhancements along Fitzgerald Avenue will reflect the same style and furniture palette of other nearby place-making projects including shared pathways between Carol Ave and Laurinda Crescent and Murrajong Road to Dennis Road and the Murrajong Road, Paxton Street and Carol Ave streetscape project.

The project is co-funded with $1.5million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) and more than $1.2 million from Councillor Lisa Bradley’s Division 1 Local Infrastructure Program.

The LRCI Program supports local councils to deliver priority road and community infrastructure projects supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the pandemic.

Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin, Jim Chalmers, said the upgrade would take advantage of the proposed realignment of nearby M1 on and off ramps as part of the motorway widening and the extension of the Southeast Busway.

“To create more local jobs and support our businesses to prosper and grow, we understand that we must invest in local infrastructure,” he said.

“Upgrading Fitzgerald Avenue will make Springwood a more attractive place to visit and do business. That’s exactly what we want – to encourage local investment and create opportunities for our people.”

Cr Bradley said the upgrade of Fitzgerald Avenue would deliver significant positive economic and social outcomes for Springwood and the local community.

“More shade areas, gardens and shelters along Fitzgerald Avenue will enhance the vibrancy of Springwood as a destination that is embraced by locals and is attractive to visitors,” Cr Bradley said.

“The proposed upgrade will also encourage local businesses to explore and expand coffee and food offerings and further develop a night-time economy in a safe and visually appealing green city centre.”

Economic Development Chair, Cr Jon Raven, said the enhancement of Fitzgerald Avenue was one of the key outcomes of Council’s 2016 Springwood Summit.

“Fitzgerald Avenue is a busy area in the heart of Springwood and this upgrade will help tie together other exciting improvements across the precinct,” Cr Raven said.

Once community consultation is completed, construction is expected to begin in early 2023.