Observatory Park (western reservoir upgrade) - Spring Hill
Brisbane City Council is undertaking upgrade works to the western reservoir at Observatory Park, Spring Hill, to provide an improved experience for visitors and patrons. These works are part of Council's commitment to protecting our unique building heritage.
Project summary
| Address | 226 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill |
|---|---|
| Ward | Central |
| Project outcomes | Upgrade access to the western reservoir to protect our unique building heritage and create an improved experience for visitors and patrons |
| Latest update | Construction is anticipated to begin in early July and be completed by late 2020, weather and site conditions permitting. |
About the project
Observatory Park is in the Wickham Park precinct – a collection of parks that forms a green gateway between the Brisbane Central Business District and Spring Hill.
The park contains some of Brisbane's most treasured heritage sites, including the Old Windmill and Spring Hill Reservoirs. The eastern and western reservoirs were built in 1871 and 1882 respectively and decommissioned in 1962 due to the changing needs of the Brisbane water supply.
Today, the western reservoir is used for public art, theatre, and stage performances. Lighting, signage, stairs, and pathways have been progressively installed over the years to help improve access to the reservoir and surrounding park area.
The upgrade works planned for the western reservoir will create an improved experience for visitors and patrons to the State heritage-listed building. The works will include:
- replacing the existing gate entering the western reservoir from Wickham Terrace
- building a new pathway from Wickham Terrace to the front entry stair landing at the western reservoir
- upgrading the entrance and exits to the building, including stairs and landings
- improving emergency exit lighting
- installing an underground water connection to the demountable toilet block at the back of the building
- associated electrical works.
Project timing
Construction is anticipated to begin in early July 2020 and be completed by late 2020, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Construction impacts
Construction will take place between 6.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Council is committed to keeping the community informed of construction in the area and will provide advance notice prior to any out-of-hours activities.
During construction, residents and businesses in close proximity to the works can expect an increase in noise, dust and vehicle movements with reversing beepers and flashing lights. For the safety of workers and visitors to the park, the work area will be fenced for the duration of the works.
Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the local community, and Council thanks residents, local businesses and visitors for their patience and understanding while we undertake these important works.
More information
For more information about this project, you can:
- phone the project team on 1800 884 681 during business hours
- phone Council on 07 3403 8888 outside of business hours
- email the project team
- write to:
Observatory Park - western reservoir upgrade project
City Projects Office
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001.