Redland City has one of Australia’s largest developers appointed to create the masterplan for billion-dollar harbourside precincts.
Walker Corporation, which is known for its large-scale waterfront projects including the $400 million Hope Island Resort, will now create detailed plans for the 67ha Toondah Harbour and 42ha Weinam Creek priority development areas.
Both areas have been subject to extensive community consultation since the projects were initiated in January 2013.
Redland City Council and the State Government earlier this year revealed that revised plans for Toondah Harbour would include a new plaza and passenger ferry terminal, 400-berth marina precinct, mixed-use urban village and apartments, with buildings up to 10 storeys.
Weinam Creek plans would also include a 400-berth marina and the area would be revitalised with a new waterfront esplanade, shops, cafes, apartments and parking.
Cr Williams said the Walker Corporation’s commitment to community values was key to its selection for the projects.
“The next step of the process is for a detailed design to be developed that matches the final development scheme, which was developed in consultation with the community,” she said.
“It needs to be understood that as yet there is no detailed design for either site; that will be worked through with the Walker Corporation and key stakeholders.
“But the final design will reflect the needs of the community as outlined during the original consultation phase.
“A key part of this will be the retention of public open space.”
Corporation chairman Lang Walker said both sites – the current ferry terminals for access to the Moreton Bay islands including Stradbroke – were currently underused.
His vision for the revitalisation included boardwalk dining and environmentally sustainable designs to attract both locals and tourists.
“I think the infrastructure is the important thing here, the proximity to Brisbane,” Mr Walker said.
“You’re offering another lifestyle opportunity for people and you are still close to Brisbane.”
State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jeff Seeney said the projects would dramatically grow the tourism sector and create thousands of jobs.
He anticipated the first signs of construction would start early in 2014.
Original article published at www.news.com.au by Paula Shearer , The Courier Mail 19/9/2014