Council approve proposal to turn derelict fish market site into “iconic” bayside restaurant

A derelict waterfront site on Brisbane’s bayside that has stood empty for almost a decade is set to be transformed into an “iconic” new restaurant.

A picturesque waterfront location left ruined by an unused and derelict former fish market building for almost a decade, will finally be transformed into a venue developers believe will become an “icon” of the bayside.

The former Wynnum Fish Market site at 18 Fox St will be given a long-awaited multimillion-dollar facelift after the Brisbane City Council recently approved the development proposal for a flashy, new fish and chip restaurant.

Council’s decision comes after Mark Lawson, the son of the landowner Sue Lawson, first submitted an application for a fish and chip eatery along with a microbrewery at the location in 2018.

Site of Wynnum Seafood in Fox Street Wynnum is to be redeveloped. Picture: Renae Droop

But the proposal angered some local residents, who believed a late-night entertainment venue would cause distress to people living in the surrounding streets.

Then Wynnum businessman Adam Lipke formed a partnership with Mrs Lawson after he bought half the land.

Site of Wynnum Seafood in Fox Street Wynnum is to be redeveloped. Picture: Renae Droop

The two then changed the development proposal in October to just feature a fish and chip restaurant, which council approved on February 2.

The site, which has been closed since 2012, is also expected to include a beer garden and ice cream parlour with Mr Lipke expecting the project to cost around $3 million.

“This is the perfect location for a great new venue, where people can eat, have a beer right along the water and enjoy what the bayside has to offer,” Mr Lipke said.

“I think once it’s finished, it will be an iconic venue for Wynnum and the bayside.

“It will be huge for the area, the value of houses in Wynnum will go through the roof. Wynnum is going ahead so quickly.”

Adam Lipke is heavily involved in the Wynnum community, as a local business owner and also having been president of the Wynnum Manly Junior Rugby League Club for more than a decade. Picture: Renae Droop

Mr Lipke said there was no date set for the start of construction yet.

“We are just changing some designs from the development application,” he said.

“We’re also in the middle of getting quotations for the kitchen and equipment.”

Lipke said more plans for the site will be finalised by early next month.

The new eatery will add to a rapidly growing entertainment scene in Wynnum, with the new cinema to open next month and a list of new restaurants, bars and cafes recently opening their doors in the area.