More than a wall: Brisbane's Northern Busway protects Herston's cultural heritage
The porphyry used in the wall was sourced from local quarries. The wall is heritage listed.
Over the past seven decades, countless visitors to the hospital precinct and the Brisbane Ekka would have passed by the wall. The wall was a highly visible feature of the hospital and surrounds.
In the original concept design for the new busway along Bowen Bridge Road, it was initially proposed that the porphyry wall be partially demolished to accommodate the busway.
To ensure the cultural heritage values of the area were preserved, the projects alliance team of Abigroup Contractors, SMEC and the department commenced a redesign of the infrastructure around the porphyry wall. The team looked at the feasibility of keeping the wall in place.
The end result is a revised design that keeps the wall. The redesign ensures the proposed piers for the raised bridge structure overhead will avoid any direct impact with the wall. This is an important contribution to preserving Brisbane's cultural heritage.
The design in the vicinity of the porphyry wall was incorporated into the final construction of the Northern Busway from the Royal Children's Hospital to Windsor.
The busway is nearing completion. Commuters will see a refurbished wall, public art and specially designed lighting to showcase the wall's unique properties.
The alliance team's approach to cultural heritage in a major infrastructure project is an example of how cultural heritage values can be successfully included into major infrastructure
Porphyry wall in the 1960's.
Artist impression of porphyry wall to final busway design
Last updated: 28 July 2009
