Frequently asked questions

What is a transit oriented community?

Transit oriented communities are communities that are built around public transport. These communities are vibrant residential, employment, transport and community hubs, which provide a range of social facilities such as restaurants, child care, shops, gyms and workplaces.
(Source: Department of Infrastructure and Planning)

Why is this project happening?

Varsity Station Village is an opportunity for the Queensland Government to progress the development of a transit oriented community around the new Varsity Lakes rail station. Transit oriented communities provide many benefits including:

• safer, more vibrant urban centres
• improved access to work, shopping and recreational facilities
• easier access to community facilities and employment
• reduced traffic congestion and increased access to public transport
• less air pollution due to reduced reliance on cars
• a wider variety of housing options
• shorter and easier trips to work and recreation
• reduced reliance on private vehicles
• higher quality pedestrian and cycling paths
• protection of open space
• increased sense of community.

When will the land be available for development?

It is expected that the process for land sale will begin in 2010.

When will it be built?

The TrackStar Alliance are currently constructing the railway line, access roads and station. Construction of Varsity Station Village will follow the appointment of a developer for the site. It is likely to be constructed in stages and should be completed by 2020. Developers will be required to demonstrate how they will manage construction impacts as part of the development application process.

When will there be leasing opportunities?

Once the land is sold developer/s are likely to offer tenancy opportunities.

I heard the land had been contaminated?

One of the past uses of the site was a landfill, which was used as a disposal facility for hard fill materials or building/construction waste including wood, bricks, concrete, metals and plastic piping. The land affected was wholly contained within the rail corridor itself and all of this material will have been removed prior to the opening of the station.

When will the station be open?

The TrackStar Alliance is currently constructing the extension of the rail line from Robina to Varsity Lakes and the new Varsity Lakes train station. The TrackStar Alliance is also constructing the roads required to service the new rail station and a 300 space park’n’ride facility. The station is due to open in late 2009.

What parking will be available?

The aim of Varsity Station Village is to encourage people to regularly use alternatives to the private vehicle such as walking, cycling and public transport. The provision of parking in the village is marginally lower than might be found in other developments to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport.

A park’n’ride facility with 300 car parks for commuters will be built as part of the station. There will be both on-street and basement parking for residential and commercial uses within the village and a limited number of short term parking spaces along the streets.

Will there be bus connections at the station?

Yes, the existing bus services will be rerouted to service the station. As the Village grows the number of services will be increased to cater for the demand. By 2026 it is expected that the village will be serviced by buses every 3 to 4 minutes during peak hours.

Will there be a pedestrian overpass to Reedy Creek?

Pedestrian and cycle access across the motorway to Reedy Creek will be provided along Bridge Road through dedicated cycle lanes and footpaths. Bridge Road will be constructed by the TrackStar Alliance. This new connection will significantly improve access for Reedy Creek residents to both the new station and the village. There is opportunity for a pedestrian overpass to Reedy Creek in the longer term however there are no current plans to construct this.

When will the motorway upgrade and road infrastructure be happening?

The Varsity Lakes to Tugun section of the Pacific Motorway upgrade planning study is being led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. For further details about the project phone +61 7 5596 9500^a.

Have noise impacts been considered?

Noise is the most widely reported form of pollution affecting any community. Although the Pacific Motorway and the railway are the greatest potential sources of noise for the Village, other sources include the airport, public roads and local noise sources such as neighbourhood machinery (lawnmowers and air-conditioners). The Pacific Motorway, rail corridor and platform are below the level of the village which will help to reduce noise levels from these sources.

The following measures will also be undertaken:

• Shops and commercial buildings are planned closer to the station to reduce impacts on residences.
• Community noise considerations in body corporate rules within the Village.
• Treating the station buildings with acoustic design will help to reduce noise levels.
• In the design of residential buildings, locating utility areas closer to noise sources, and bedrooms further away.

How many people will be living in the Village?

Varsity Station Village has the potential to accommodate between 600 and 900 residences, possibly accommodating 1,500 to 2,000 people. Residences will be provided as one to three bedroom dwellings, with the majority of these being located in the Northern Quarter.

How many shops will be in the Village?

Varsity Station Village will contain up to 9,200m² of retail floor space. There is the potential for Varsity Station Village to accommodate a full size supermarket. This supermarket would be complemented by specialty retail tenants, aiming to support the needs of the local community.

How many people will be working in the Village?

There is potential to provide up to 50,000m² of commercial space. This could contain large corporate headquarters and small and medium size leasing opportunities. In terms of employment this could generate up to 2,500 office jobs, and up to 350 retail jobs.

Will there be public space?

Providing open space and public areas are important for creating a vibrant atmosphere and a functional community. There are a number of public spaces throughout the Village. Details can be found in the Village Guide, or Varsity Station Village draft Master Plan.

Why are the residential buildings so close to the substation site?

Careful consideration has been taken in deciding on the positioning of the various types of buildings. To reduce the impact of noise on residences, shops and commercial buildings have been planned closer to the station. Additionally, there are principles in the draft Master Plan which aim to minimise the visual impact of this infrastructure in the Northern Quarter, such as positioning the buildings in the northern end to be oriented away from the substation.

What community involvement has there been so far?

To date, the project team has undertaken a range of consultation activities. These include the release of the Village Vision in November of 2007, community newsletters, public displays, newspaper adverts and the Varsity Station Village website. The Village Guide and the draft Master Plan were released for community consultation on November 2008.

^a Operates Monday to Friday 8am-5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays.

Last updated 24 August 2009