Wynnum cinema development to open before Christmas

Finally some good news during the coronavirus pandemic with the long awaited cinema for Brisbane’s bayside set to open sooner than first thought. See how it has progressed in a matter of months.

HEAT the popcorn up because the first ever cinema on Brisbane’s bayside could be open sooner than first thought.

Like some other developments in the area, including the $10 million rejuvenation of the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club, the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for some parts of the project, which includes a unit complex and cinemas, in Berrima St in Wynnum Central to be fast-tracked.

Construction started in May last year and was expected to be completed after 18 months, meaning a grand opening possibly by January.

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But the man responsible for the development, Justin Ham from Berrima Develop Pty Ltd, said residents might be able to catch the latest films in their own backyard before Christmas.

Construction work at the new Wynnum cinema in Berrima Street yesterday. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

“We’ve still been full steam ahead with the construction during this pandemic,” he said.

“We’ve been even able to move forward quicker with some things and the work that Hutchinson Builders have done.

“We’re up to level five (of six) of the complex at the moment so it’s all coming together which is great to see.

“We’re definitely looking at opening before Christmas, that would be a great time to open.”

An artist impression of what the cinema complex will look like.

The development has been a longtime coming for Wynnum residents, who have made it clear they wanted a cinema in the bayside for more than two decades.

Movie fans will have to wait a little longer however, to see which operator will be at the location after an announcement party scheduled for March 21 was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Wynnum’s Bay Terrace. Picture: Renae Droop

Mr Ham said the decision would be announced at a similar event as soon as the Waterloo Bay Hotel could be reopened.

The cinema could meet some competition in either 2024 or 2025 after a development application was made by Shayher Properties to redevelop the Wynnum Plaza in Wynnum West with the project to include cinemas as well as 187 units.

“I’m not sure where that proposal is at right now but I think any competition is good,” Mr Ham said.

The Wynnum Shopping Centre, or Wynnum Health Hub, after being redeveloped. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

Mr Ham, who also rejuvenated the Wynnum Shopping Centre on the corner of Bay Tce and Florence St, submitted a development application to the Brisbane City Council on Monday to add another building to what he has called the Wynnum Health Hub.

The proposal is to put a new building where the loading dock on the Florence St side of the hub, which features a 24-hour gym, a physiologist and more, with an agreement already reached for a new health business tenant once the development is approved and built.

The improvements continue on from Mr Ham’s efforts to improve Wynnum Central with more footpath dining on Bay Tce expected after coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

The site for the Cinema at Berrima St back in February. Picture: AAP/Regi Varghese