Amid towering hospital works, a new railway station taking shape and the bustle of Meadowbrook’s growing medical precinct, a patch of scrubby land is being transformed into something much more tranquil — a little place to sit, relax and catch your breath.
Construction is underway on Armstrong Place West, where shaded gathering spaces, gardens and walking paths will give hospital workers, patients, students and residents somewhere to escape the surrounding activity.
Federal Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger said the growing precinct needed somewhere people could slow down.
“This really is the heart of our community here,” Mr Holzberger said.
“The hospital, the new rail station, all of the medical industry which has grown up around the emergency care clinic — but the heart also needs that room to breathe, and that’s what this space provides.”
Councillor representimg Meadowbrook Tony Hall said the project would transform an underused space beside Loganlea Road into somewhere people actually wanted to spend time.
“Let’s turn it into something more inviting, give people a place to come, relax and gather their thoughts,” Cr Hall said.
The construction contract is about $1.25 million and covers a new public space featuring seating, landscaping, improved lighting, public art, a dry creek bed feature and better pedestrian connections.
Across the road, Armstrong Place East already offers basketball and futsal courts and outdoor gym equipment.
Cr Hall described the western upgrade as the quieter counterpart to those facilities.
“This is actually the second stage of a project,” he said.
“On the opposite side, we have a basketball court and a futsal court, so this is going to be the yin to that yang.
“On that side, we’ve got a lot of activity, and that side’s been very well used. I know there’s a lot of doctors and nurses go and play basketball there.
“But this side’s going to be a bit more about relaxing and taking it easy.”
Cr Hall hopes the two spaces will offer something for everyone, whether they’re looking for exercise, somewhere to enjoy a coffee or simply a moment of peace.
“You can go on that side and throw a ball or kick some soccer balls, and you can come over here, relax, have a coffee and take in the environment.”
He said creating a recognisable identity for Meadowbrook was also an important part of the precinct’s transformation.
“For me, it’s very important that everything we do in Meadowbrook is iconic to Meadowbrook, so people can really identify the area by what’s there,” he said.
The project comes as two major developments reshape the surrounding precinct.
Loganlea railway station is being relocated 500m south, opposite Logan Hospital, with improved accessibility and walking connections expected when construction finishes in 2027.
Meanwhile, Logan Hospital’s $874.7 million second-stage expansion is expected to deliver another 112 beds, new operating theatres and other clinical facilities by late 2027.
Logan mayor Jon Raven said public spaces were an important part of ensuring the growing precinct remained welcoming.
“Major rail and hospital upgrades are underway, and council is making sure Meadowbrook works better for residents, workers, students and visitors to our city,” Cr Raven said.
“Projects like Armstrong Place East and the Loganlea Road Healthy Street Project are already well loved by locals.
“Armstrong Place West is the next step in Meadowbrook’s transformation.”
The park upgrade forms part of the $41.2 million Loganlea–Meadowbrook Infrastructure Program under the South East Queensland City Deal, supported by federal, state and council funding.
For Cr Hall, the vision is about more than improving the appearance of an underused piece of land.
“On this side, we don’t have a place in Meadowbrook where you can sit down, be next to nature and have a coffee, so here’s a great opportunity to do that,” he said.
“It’s really about bringing back to the community a place for them, a place they can feel at home and a place that’s iconic to Meadowbrook.”
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