Derelict Wynnum Fish Market redevelopment on the way as works start on fish and chip shop

Sitting derelict for almost a decade, the developers behind the “iconic” reconstruction of a former fish market site are edging closer to a start date.

A derelict site which was once a popular fish market on Brisbane’s bayside is finally set for an “iconic” transformation with the people behind the $3 million project edging closer towards a construction start date.

A fish and chip shop will replace the old Wynnum Fish Market at 18 Fox St, where the doors were closed in 2012, before demolition works recently started on the building to make way for the area’s newest dining venue.

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

Adam Lipke, who last year bought half the land to partner alongside original owner Sue Lawson, changed the development plans in November from a fish and chip shop and microbrewery to just focus on the eatery.

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

The plans were approved in February but works have been delayed due to complications including Covid as well as Mr Lipke’s other commitments as president of Wynnum Manly Junior Rugby League and Ms Lawson’s commitments as the owner of several pubs in Bundaberg.

Mr Lipke said they were currently in the process of getting quotes for the works on the site but no exact date has been set yet.

He also said he expected the project to bring a significant number of jobs to the bayside.

Original artist impressions of the development application for 18 Fox St, Wynnum. Picture: Supplied

The new restaurant would sit in a picturesque location along the Wynnum Creek, which has also experienced massive change over the past year, due to the State Government’s War on Wrecks program, which saw the removal of derelict boats in bayside waterways.

Original artist impressions of the development application for 18 Fox St, Wynnum. Picture: Supplied

Mr Lipke said the new venue would add another feather in Wynnum’s growing entertainment cap after the launch of several bars and restaurants since the Covid pandemic.

“The process has been slow but it is coming all together,” he said.

Original artist impressions of the development application for 18 Fox St, Wynnum. Picture: Supplied

“This will be an incredible venue right along the water, making use of Wynnum’s beautiful and untapped scenery and capitalising on the massive growth in the area recently.

“I think this venue will become an iconic venue on the bayside.

“Wynnum is just going from strength to strength and everything that is happening is just going to bring more and more people to the area.”

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

Councillor for Wynnum Manly Peter Cumming (ALP) said he would love to see the project come together soon after the site has sat unused for nine years.

He also said the venue, once finished, would add a whole other dimension to the entertainment options on the bayside.

“There’s no doubt it’ll be a huge boost for the area,” he said.

“But it’ll give Wynnum another waterfront dining option, which compared to Manly, Wynnum doesn’t have many of.

“It will really add something not only to the area, but to the popular Esplanade and continue to make the Esplanade a destination for locals and visitors to the bayside.”