Help shape future of Margate’s business precinct by sharing ideas for vibrant public space

RESIDENTS can share their ideas to help breathe new life into this business district with a vibrant public space at its heart.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is calling for ideas to breathe new life into Margate business district. File photo.

RESIDENTS can share their ideas and help shape a plan to breathe new life into this business district with a vibrant public space at its heart.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is working on a project to create a precinct in Baynes St, Margate, where people can relax, catch up with friends, grab a bite to eat and shop, and enjoy pop-up events and live entertainment.

Partial closure of the street, north of Brisbane, could be an option if there is public support for the move.

The council will hold a pop-up office in Baynes St next week and conduct an online survey to seek a range of community views about the project.

Councillor Koliana Winchester said she wanted to work with businesses and residents to come up with the best possible plan.

“We want the community to help us shape what this space might look like and how council can best equip this space to attract more people to this area,” Cr Winchester said.

“A range of concepts and ideas will be available for people to have their say on and to share their own ideas with council which is really exciting.”

Cr Winchester said it was clear the community was crying out for new, activated public spaces that provided entertainment and stimulated business activity following the council’s recent consultation with the community on a masterplan for foreshore areas across the Peninsula.

She said she had been working to progress plans for a civic park.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is calling for ideas to breathe new life into Margate business district. File photo.

Commerce and Industry Redcliffe Peninsula (CIRP) president Nick Tzimas said it was vital people had their say. Mr Tzimas said other parts of the Peninsula had “gone ahead” because people in those areas had been proactive.

“We would like to see some area where there can be some music and entertainment, somewhere for kids to play – it needs to be family and children-friendly,” Mr Tzimas said

He supported the idea to close Baynes St east of the roundabout. “If it is going to be successful, they will have to close part of the road.”

Businesses were facing challenges including lack of amenity, lighting and employment which resulted in increased crime, he said.

“It (this project) is extremely vital in ensuring the area has a future,” he said.

Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Ryan Elson said businesses in Margate would benefit from a partial closure of Baynes St.

“If we make no change, nothing will happen,” Mr Elson said. “A green, grassy area for kids to play and parents to sit is pretty inviting to me. I think it’s a great idea. I congratulate the council and CIRP.”

Mr Elson said the chamber would be putting forward ideas and he urged others to do the same.

HAVE YOUR SAY

■ A pop-up office will be open in Baynes St on July 15 from 9am-3pm and on July 17 from 8.30am-4pm

■ An online survey is at yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

■ Email ideas to the council’s planning team at RegEnvPlan@moretonbay.

qld.gov.au