It is time to stop the talk and start delivering the much-mooted Cleveland CBD redevelopment, Mayor Karen Williams told the first meeting of the Cleveland CBD Revitalisation Committee today.
Councillor Williams, who chaired the meeting, said Council was determined to work with stakeholders to bring the project to fruition.
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“Today is the day we start to take action,” she said.
“Redland City is an important part of south-east Queensland, and Cleveland is a vital and unique part of Redland City.
“There has been talk about the Cleveland CBD rejuvenation for over a decade. We need to do this right, and we need to do it now.
“We have an open mind and an open door, a work plan and we will be out there building relationships with stakeholders.
“This is about action now, not about pretty pictures.”
The special committee established to drive the revitalisation project comprises the Mayor as Chair and Councillors Murray Elliott (infrastructure portfolio chair), Craig Ogilvie (Division 2 Councillor and destination management and CBD activation portfolio chair), Julie Talty (planning and development portfolio chair) and Mark Edwards (corporate services portfolio chair).
Cr Ogilvie said: “I am confident that Cleveland will emerge from the economic doldrums, and challenge from the newer Victoria Point, to be the place to work, play and live in the Redlands.”
The committee today viewed a presentation on the Cleveland Centre Master Plan and another on the proposed investment incentives package, which expanded on the announcement by Mayor Williams at a development forum in October last year.
“Cleveland needs more people to generate commercial and retail activity. The committee is determined to work with stakeholders to deliver this and we will use the Master Plan as a guide,” Cr Williams said.
“I have already had discussions with key stakeholders, including Stockland, who have indicated an interest in being part of the revitalisation, and with Government Ministers to convince them to relocate government offices to Cleveland.
“We also acknowledge that Council’s need for office space could be a catalyst for investment.
“Importantly, we have put the Cleveland CBD forward to the government as a potential Priority Development Area under the new Economic Development Act.”
Cr Williams said the incentives package was aimed at potential investors, particularly in the education, health and tourism sectors.
“We want to work with the industry to deliver the goals of the Master Plan. At the same time we acknowledge that Cleveland is unique and we want to ensure its special and natural appeal is enhanced,” she said.
“Council cannot overcome all the external factors that influence investment but we can do a lot to show people that our door is open, that we are willing to be flexible, and that we want their business.
“We are confident our incentives package sends the right message, and may be the difference between projects going ahead, or slipping by the wayside.”
Subject to endorsement by Council on 27 February, the package will be in place from March 2013 through to June 2015.
The Cleveland CBD Revitalisation Committee will meet every two months.
