Cairns Regional Council flags massive redevelopment proposed for city’s showgrounds
A run-down Cairns events precinct could be radically transformed into a favourite destination for foodies, cultural exhibits and live music with a drain turned into a canal and residential apartments established.
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A run-down Cairns events precinct could be radically transformed into a favourite destination for foodies, cultural exhibits and live music with a drain turned into a canal and residential apartments established.
Cairns Regional Council has tabled four projects it will lobby for in the lead up to the federal government election headlined by a dramatic makeover of the city’s showgrounds.
Funding for a master plan would be the next step towards creating a vibrant multi-use site across the 17ha venue, located just minutes from the city’s CBD in Parramatta Park, mayor Amy Eden said.
“It’s time for a broader vision than just sports and major events,” Ms Eden said.
“Given the significant size and strategic location of the Cairns showgrounds and Barlow Park precinct, this project has the potential to be an iconic development for Cairns.”
Upgrading the showgrounds’ ageing facilities could drive economic growth and create new opportunities for the region.
“Part of this site could become our version of the much loved Eat Street site in Brisbane,” Ms Eden said.
“We could revitalise and rejuvenate the Fearnley St drain into a canal with a walking and cycling greenway.
“It could host concerts from music superstars and provide an example of residential developments that demonstrate what’s possible for tropical urbanism and architecture.”
Under the proposal, “urban living options” would be explored including residential living apartments or hotels.
“We can add vibrancy, increase housing supply and create a more connected city centre as well as drive potential revenue for the site,” Ms Eden said.
“The redevelopment may include open green spaces, pedestrian friendly pathways, community recreation areas, making the showgrounds an accessible and inviting place for all residents and visitors of our city.
“The precinct could evolve into a vibrant multi-use community asset and modernise event infrastructure while still supporting its traditional uses.”
The precinct’s revitalisation could have the added benefit of reviving Cairns’ bid to relocate the North Queensland Cowboys’ NRLW team to Barlow Park.
“If we can get a great anchor tenant in the Cowboys at the facility at Barlow Park, (establish) the high performance centre there which has a lot of other community uses as well … that would help kick that event precinct bid off,” Division Two councillor Matthew Tickner said.
The council has committed to keeping the Cairns Show at its longstanding home on Mulgrave Rd regardless of whether the site is redeveloped.
A proposal to buy a stake in the North Queensland Airport Group, a “blue sky” idea proposed by Ms Eden recently, was not included in the council’s list of priorities.
The federal election must be held by May 17, 2025.
Cairns Regional Council’s Funding Priorities
Cairns Major Events Precinct — Federal government to support the establishment of a high performance facility within the major events precinct adjacent to Barlow Park. Federal government to fund the Major Events Precinct Masterplan.
Cairns Celebrates 150 Years — Federal government funding to support delivery of Cairns Celebrates 150 Years events in 2026.
Muddy’s Playground Revitalisation — $1m in federal funding to support project delivery, 50 per cent of project cost with matching co-contribution from the council.
Red Arrow — Eastern Side Upgrade Federal Government to partner with the council through the provision of $575,000 in federal funding to support project delivery.
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Originally published as Cairns Regional Council flags massive redevelopment proposed for city’s showgrounds
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