Transforming Brisbane's network of ferry terminals into accessible transport nodes

The program for the design of multiple replacement and new Ferry Terminals along the Brisbane River was driven by the need to meet legislated accessibility requirements, achieve efficient ferry operations, expand the network and provide a customer experience that is consistent with the more recent terminals constructed after the Brisbane 2011 flood.

The scope of the project includes ferry terminals at New Farm Park, Guyatt Park, South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, Dockside and Mowbray Park.

The terminal designs aspire to create transport nodes that are integrated into a broader ferry network, while meeting complex functional requirements including significant site-specific constraints and opportunities, the required types and numbers of ferries to be accommodated, tidal and flood impacts on the structures and maintaining compliant access to the ferry across the tidal range under the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT). 

Passenger experience 
A “kit-of-parts” approach enables each design to respond to its unique site, while maintaining a consistent look and feel across the network, including a predictable layout, queuing, wayfinding and signage.

The roofed pontoon accommodates passenger waiting and seating with proximity to the boarding gates, improving boarding speed and significantly benefitting people who are mobility impaired. The pontoon allows for dual berthing of CityCats and/or KittyCats, each with differing freeboards, improving the operational efficiency across the network.

Accessibility
The design achieves DSAPT compliance through 80% of the tidal range. Fixed walkways are not steeper than 1:20 and the articulated gangway features 3 ramping sections with landings that stay horizontal as the tide ebbs and flows.

Design inclusions over and above AS1428 and DSAPT requirements resulted from design input from Disability reference groups and specialist accessibility consultants so that the terminals are independently accessible to as many users as possible.

Resilience
An innovative gangway parallel to the flow of the river, in lieu of a more traditional perpendicular alignment, significantly reduces flood loading and therefore cost, as structural member sizing is reduced. An easily replaced “crumple zone” absorb impacts from large pieces of debris and protects the pontoon structure from significant damage during flood events. Adjustable ballast trims each terminal and provides the flexibility accommodate future vessel types with varying freeboards.

Significant material research was undertaken as the materiality of the ferry terminals needs to be highly durable in a marine environment. Crime prevention through environmental design (CEPTED) has been considered from the earliest design stages as passive surveillance of all public areas was a critical design consideration. Aesthetics are improved by the integration and coordination of services and structure to conceal elements such as wiring and plumbing.

Each terminal responds to its unique site conditions, while a kit-of-parts approach maintains a consistent passenger experience across all the terminals. The new Ferry Terminals not only enhance the passenger experience, but they also contribute to the urban fabric of the city and enable more patrons to enjoy independent, accessible travel.