Albert Street Archives - Fortitude Valley News

New Train Station to Remain ‘Albert Street’ After Community Consultation

The new Albert Street train station, the first constructed in Brisbane CBD in over a century, will retain its current name. This decision follows a public consultation period where residents were invited to offer suggestions for the station’s name.

The Cross River Rail website hosted a dedicated page presenting four potential names that adhered to Transport & Main Roads’ stringent criteria. The public also had the opportunity to propose alternative names.

While the initial four options garnered support, many submissions passionately advocated for a name incorporating “Meanjin,” a term acknowledging Brisbane’s Aboriginal heritage.

Recognising the enduring nature of a train station name, authorities sought advice from Traditional Owner groups. This consultation revealed differing perspectives on the spelling, origins, and pronunciation of any Indigenous name for Brisbane.

Until a consensus can be reached, authorities have decided to defer any changes, meaning the station will remain as “Albert Street.” However, the consultation process highlighted considerable support for renaming Central Station, with “Anzac Square” emerging as a popular choice.

Preliminary discussions have been held with the veteran community regarding this proposal. Further dialogue with Queensland veterans and federal approval for using the term “Anzac” would be necessary before any action is taken.

The Transport and Main Roads Minister acknowledged the community’s input and emphasised the importance of careful consideration regarding Indigenous names. He also expressed interest in potentially renaming Central Station and indicated that this would be explored further.

Published Date 02-October-2024

New Inner City Brisbane Train Station Needs a Name

Queenslanders are invited to participate in naming the first new train station in Brisbane CBD in over a century. Situated on Albert Street, the new train station is part of the transformative Cross River Rail project.

The Albert Street facility promises enhanced rail travel across South East Queensland and improved access to the southern CBD, setting a significant milestone in Brisbane’s public transport development.

Historically, public transport stations have been named after their geographic locations, such as nearby suburbs, significant streets, or landmarks, ensuring ease of navigation for users.

Albert Street New Station — *Photo Credit: Cross River Rail*

Four proposed names have, so far, been proposed: “Albert Street,” “Brisbane City,” “City Botanic Gardens,” and “Frog’s Hollow,” each reflecting distinctive aspects of the local area. However, residents are also encouraged to propose alternative names, reflecting a broad opportunity for public engagement.

The naming of the station holds cultural importance as well, with the potential name “Frog’s Hollow” reflecting an historical Brisbane neighbourhood known for its natural low-lying geography. This option, among others, illustrates the effort to tie the new station to Brisbane’s rich historical tapestry. The discussion also includes names significant to the Aboriginal community, such as “Meanjin,” which denotes the central Brisbane area in the Turrbal language, highlighting a growing recognition of indigenous heritage and its integral role in public spaces.

The selection of the station’s name is crucial for user orientation and the station’s integration into the existing Translink network. The aim is to select a name that resonates with both historical significance and practical orientation. A name accurately reflecting the station’s location can facilitate transit use and community connection.

Residents wishing to influence the station name are encouraged to visit the Cross River Rail project’s website and submit their feedback or suggest new names.

SUGGEST A NAME

Following the public consultation, the collected feedback will be reviewed, and a recommendation will be made to the minister, who will make the final decision on the station’s name.

Published 10-Sept-2024

Fascinating Finds from 1880s Unearthed at the Cross River Rail Project

Archeologists digging for possible artefacts in Albert Street, the site of the city’s Cross River Rail project, have unearthed some fascinating finds from the 1880s that once belonged to Chinese traders.

In the lower part of the area near the botanical gardens, diggers have discovered key items that supported the existence of The Nine Holes, allegedly Brisbane’s first Chinatown.

Found among the artefacts were ceramics, late 1800s coins, horseshoes, pairs of intact leather boots and cut-offs, bottles and crockery, old books, perfume containers, and beautifully decorated opium pipes.

Also among the discoveries was a part of a cellar with a concrete floor that had a set of puppy or small dog paw print.

In his interview with ABC Radio Brisbane, the heritage consultant for the Cross River Rail project, Dr Kevin Rains of the Niche Environment and Heritage, said that the discovery showed the “very ethnically diverse population” where The Nine Holes stood. There were regular people doing their ordinary, domestic, day-to-day activities in a neighborhood that actually had a bad reputation.

The Nine Holes was a row of eateries, leather goods stores, grocers and hotels in Frog’s Hollow, the district named after the abundance of frogs that lived in the low-lying swampland. Mostly occupied by Chinese immigrants, the building with nine “holes” were actually shops-cum-houses combined for the working class.

Frog’s Hollow was also known for its opium and gambling dens, sly grog shops, and prostitution. It was the red light district at that time and was regarded as the “poorest and dilapidated” neighborhood in Brisbane.

Dr Rains is in the midst of analysing the artefacts and preparing the report for the state government. The discoveries could eventually be housed at the Queensland Museum.

Meanwhile, the Cross River Rail project will see a new rail line below the Brisbane River to ease congestion and improve accessibility. The Albert Street station will be able to service 67,000 passengers every day when the project is completed.