Council funding resurges suburban high streets
Brisbane City Council is throwing a spotlight on local high streets, with works underway across the city as part of a more than $9 million commitment to creating vibrant neighbourhood centres.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Council’s Village Precinct Projects created high quality, attractive and accessible neighbourhood centres, which in turn helped boost the local economy.
“Brisbane is a great place to live, work and relax and we want to make it even easier for residents to do business in our city,” Cr Quirk said.
“Brisbane is home to more than 124,000 thriving small businesses, and our Village Precinct Projects are all about supporting local businesses, driving economic growth in local retail areas and helping enhance the local identity of these areas.
“Brisbane’s Future Blueprint identified that Brisbane is becoming a city of neighbourhoods, and Council’s delivery of Village Precinct Projects will help to rejuvenate and improve the amenity of these local retail villages.
“We have already seen significant improvements to the public realms at Chermside and New Farm and now Council is getting on with creating liveable places and welcoming neighbourhood centres for the local community and visitors to enjoy elsewhere across the city.
“Works are now underway at Aspley, Gaythorne and Jindalee and further works will soon commence in Wavell Heights and Inala.”
Cr Quirk said community feedback was vital to identify what should be delivered as part of the projects.
“Council works with local residents and business owners through a project launch, newsletters and one-on-one meetings with traders to find out what they want and the amenities they need for their local area,” he said.
“Delivery of new street furniture such as seating, bins, bike racks and drinking fountains as well as upgrading footpaths can dramatically change the accessibility and feel of a local shopping street.
“Combine that with new trees and gardens, public art and community events and a suburban shopping street can be transformed into a popular and welcoming high street for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
City Planning Chairman Matthew Bourke said Council had committed to revitalising suburban high streets as residents needed to have high quality and welcoming precincts close to home.
“Projects like this ensure residents are close to the services they need and the lifestyle and leisure opportunities they want,” Cr Bourke said.
The Village Precinct Projects are ongoing, with current projects planned for completion in June 2019 and Aspley to be completed in November 2019.