Pier kiosk goes back up for tender

AN iconic Brisbane bayside location could have a kiosk for the first time in half a century with the lease set to go up for tender.

Plans for the Shorncliffe Pier kiosk from the Brisbane City Council PDonline.

THE long awaited return of a kiosk near Shorncliffe pier could be nearly over, with the lease going up for tender in coming weeks.

There has not been a kiosk in the area for about 50 years.

A tender for a new kiosk was awarded last year, however Cr Jared Cassidy (Deagon) said it did not go ahead because there was too much financial risk.

“The original tender was for construction and operation,” he said.

“If you’ve only got a two or three year lease that’s not a lot of time to spread out the financial commitment.

“It’s a reasonable risk someone has to take.”

Shorncliffe Pier on a beautiful sunny day. Picture: Michelle Smith

Businesses, community groups and organisations will be able to apply for the new tender and conditions.

“The terms are relaxed and will probably be a bit more flexible and longer (lease),” Cr Cassidy said.

“It’s not for a set time, that will be a negotiation between council and the successful tender.

“Existing businesses in Sandgate and coffee shops are interested and not-for-profits had contacted me (last time) and will be interested in this (new tender).”

Sandbag was awarded the tender in 2017 to build, fit out and operate the kiosk - a 15 square metre shipping container, food and drink outlet.

It was expected to open in January but, after a lengthy decision making process, the community organisation announced it had withdrawn from the project.

There is a history of kiosks near Shorncliffe Pier.

The Spanish mission-influenced kiosk building which overlooked Shorncliffe Pier in September 1935. The kiosk and dance floor (at the bottom of the stairs) were demolished in 1974. Historic images such as this one (courtesy of the John Oxley Library) will feature on the exterior wall of the new kiosk at the pier.

There was a kiosk and bandstand in Moora Park from 1897, part of which still stands today.

A larger kiosk was build on the cliff in 1932. The top floor was used for weddings, birthdays and civic functions and included an open air dance floor below the building. It closed in 1968 and was demolished in 1974.

2 October 1928 --- Opening of Sandgate Kiosk (NNH4370)

Cr Cassidy said there had been strong interest from the community to build a new kiosk.

“People I’ve spoken to who use the area once in while or regularly ... say it’s a beautiful area but they’d like to spend more time there and have a bit more opportunity to catch up with friends and have a coffee,” he said.

“The rest of the foreshore has coffee shops and fish and chip shops nearby.”

Cr Cassidy invited people to apply for the tender and expected community groups would have a strong case to put forward with their profits going back to the community.

The area is also on the Ramsar Convention list and, in line with BCC policy, reducing straws, bottles and plastic was important.

“Successful tenders should think about reducing their waste footprint,” Cr Cassidy said.

The tender will be announced on the Brisbane City Council website.