Proposal to turn derelict fish market site into flash microbrewery gaining momentum

The business revival on Brisbane’s bayside continues with the development proposal to turn the derelict site of an old popular fish market into a flash new microbrewery gaining momentum.

The site of a proposed development for a seafood restaurant, bar and takeaway at 18 Fox St, Wynnum.

THE business revival on Brisbane’s bayside continues with the development proposal to turn the derelict site of an old popular fish market into a flash new restaurant gaining momentum.

An application to build a fish and chip restaurant, hotel, function facility and microbrewery at the location of the former Fox St fish markets is currently being assessed by the Brisbane City Council.

The proposal is up for community consultation, until September 30, with council encouraging residents to have their say on the application.

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The Fox St fish markets was a popular place for baysiders before closing its doors in 2011.

ALP Councillor (Wynnum Manly) Peter Cumming said it would be great for the area to have something new at the location next to the Wynnum Creek.

“This is a prime site that has been vacant for far too long,” he said.

Proposed development sign outside 18 Fox St. Picture: Gillian Smalley

Lawson Hospitality Group general manager Mark Lawson said the development to reinvigorate the old Fox St fish markets was incredibly important to his family.

The site has been owned by the Lawson family for more than 20 years and despite being closed for almost a decade, the man responsible for the development wanted to give bayside residents a place where they could create special memories.

“We want to turn this eyesore into a special place,” Mr Lawson said.

“This site, the development and the Wynnum area in general is really important to us. I was born and bred in the area, played rugby league for the Wynnum juniors, so this means a lot to us.”

Mr Lawson said the potential development started to gain momentum a year ago.

“My mum had always wanted to do something with the site but just had been caught up with other things, so then I got involved 12 months ago and started putting the wheels in motion and engaging the right people to help make this happen,” he said.

Councillor Peter Cumming in front of the site for the proposed microbrewery on the Wynnum foreshore, Wynnum. Picture: AAP/Regi Varghese

“Given the craft beer explosion around the world but in Brisbane especially, we wanted to give Wynnum it’s own microbrewery as well.

“But fish and chips is obviously what the site is famous for, so we will still have that as well as healthy food options for walkers in the area.

“We want to keep as much of the history of the building as we can while also improving it and making it a great place for locals to come and have fun and also for families to create special memories as well.”

Cr Cumming said he was in favour of the development application and believed it was much-needed for the area.

“I hope the development proceeds,” he said.