Developer’s request for footpath dining sparks concern as Wynnum boom continues

A bayside suburb, formerly known as a ghost town, could be in for an overhaul with a prominent developer pushing for alfresco dining similar to Bulimba.

Diners could fill the streets of a booming bayside suburb as a developer fast-tracks plans to help a CBD precinct eclipse some of Brisbane’s most popular entertainment areas.

Berrima Develop Pty Ltd director Justin Ham, the man responsible for more than $74 million worth of projects in Wynnum including the historic new cinema, has submitted a request to the Brisbane City Council to remove car parks in the suburb’s CBD.

The request includes the removal of two parking spaces outside Kebab Zone and Pierre’s Golden Chicken on the popular Bay Tce in order to fit in more footpath dining.

The popular Bay Tce, Wynnum. Picture: Renae Droop

It also comes after residents have packed the outdoor dining area following the opening of The Fat Duck, a new tapas and cocktail venue where Mr Ham is a part owner, which has proved a huge success since launching in December.

“It finishes the activation of Bay Tce in our centre,” Mr Ham said.

“Take a look at Fat Duck street dining area, it will be the same as that.

“We have seen our tenants at the Fat Duck trade very well with the increase room for footpath dining.

Developer Justin Ham believes more footpath dining will take Wynnum’s CBD to another level. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“This will drive employment and provide better street food dining offerings in Wynnum ready for the cinema and holding customers and community in our area not letting their entertainment money leave the area.”

But the request has sparked concern from some baysiders, who believe there was already a shortage of car parks in Wynnum and also think the move may have a negative impact on some businesses on the strip.

Pierre's Golden Chicken on Bay Tce, Wynnum

“My personal thoughts are that there has not been enough community consultation to understand the consequences of removing those car spaces,” Bobby Urosevic, manager of Pierre’s Golden Chicken, said.

“It may seem like, ‘just one or two spaces’, but where does it stop? Everyday I have customers complain about the lack of parking in Wynnum.

“The simple task of going to the post office has become arduous, finding a park in Coles or Woolworths is near impossible at times and estate agents have been fined multiple times for parking outside their own premises.

“More needs to be done to improve traffic flow, provide more parking and understanding the needs of the community before making any decision on this or any other matter.”

The outdoor dining area at The Fat Duck, Wynnum packed on a Friday night.

Councillor for Wynnum Manly Peter Cumming (ALP), who has started a petition against the request which has gained almost 90 signatures, said he did not believe additional outside dining would benefit the takeaway businesses on Bay Tce.

“I think the removal of the two carparking spaces outside Pierre’s and the Kebab Zone would damage both businesses as it would make it more difficult to get a park to call in for a takeaway,” he said.

“In my opinion, whether the removal of carparking is worthwhile depends on the type of businesses. It is good for The Fat Duck but not for the takeaway shops.”

'The King' Wally Lewis was one of many people to enjoy The Fat Duck which has become a favourite among baysiders since opening in December.

Brisbane City Council City Planning Chair Krista Adams said they had told Cr Cumming Council did not support the parking removal multiple times – once on January 22 and again on February 3.

OTHER BAYSIDE NEWS

Last drinks! Family leaves iconic pub after 51 years

Wynnum’s most influential people named for 2021

“As the petition is already lodged, it will be carefully considered and a full response will be provided after it closes,” she said.

But Mr Ham said most were in support of the request.

“My thoughts are there is a clear lack of understanding of the situation,” he said.

“All operators in our centre and the coffee club, including Joan Pease are in support of this proposal. Our tenants are in full support.

“Mary from Kebab Zone, whose shop is directly next to the area, wants this to occur. It’s two car parks. We have 250 plus onsite car parks in our centre.”