Calls for council to fund revamp for trendy Oxford Street

Council has been called on to improve streetscaping at a trendy Brisbane shopping strip, as empty shops threaten the precinct’s survival.

Empty shops on Oxford Street, Bulimba. Picture: Brian Bennion

UPMARKET Oxford St has been put forward as a candidate for council’s $29 million Village Precinct Projects scheme.

Councillor Kara Cook (Morningside) has launched a petition calling on council to revamp streetscaping for the iconic shopping strip as a priority following concerns raised by traders on the number of empty shops in the precinct.

Cr Cook met with retailers in August and has organised a meeting with traders and Member for Bulimba Di Farmer this week to address concerns.

■ TRADERS HOLD CRISIS MEETING TO HALT EXODUS

■ STILL HOPE FOR BRISBANE’S RETAIL STRIPS

Cr Cook said the precinct was a “textbook case” for funding under the Village Precinct Projects scheme.

She urged residents to sign the petition.

“The LNP council admitted a petition signed by a mere 141 people was enough to convince them to sign off on a $2 million upgrade for the Gaythorne shops,” she said.

“After meeting with traders I believe we have an even stronger case and I am urging the community to show their support for an Oxford St makeover.”

Andrea Trutwein, owner of House on Oxford, says the street has to hold on to its unique shops. Picture: AAP/Jono Searle

Cr Cook said traders had inquired about updated planting and landscaping, additional seating, public artwork, decorative lighting and decorative signage to designate Oxford St as a precinct and recognise its unique character.

Retailers at The Corso at Seven Hills recently won a $1.2 million upgrade under the council scheme after a 12-year campaign from the traders, Cr Cook and her predecessor Shayne Sutton.

“Council must not be allowed to sit on their hands like that again,” she said.

“This is critical. Oxford St traders are crying out for support now before more businesses close their doors.

“The council planning chair has acknowledged residents did not want to go to ‘tired and old’ shopping strips and said council had a part to play to help stimulate these shopping areas.”

The traders meeting will be held today, October 10, from 7-8pm at the Bulimba Golf Club.

To sign the petition click here