Broadbeach Carousel: What is planned for old attraction

Controversy surrounded the demolition of Broadbeach’s historic carousel. Now, plans for its former site can be revealed.

The horses were put into storage. Picture: Jerad Williams

PLANS for the old Broadbeach carousel site can be revealed, more than six months after the historical attraction was dismantled.

Area councillor Paul Taylor said tables and chairs would be placed in the heart of Broadbeach Mall as a temporary measure to allow locals to enjoy the area before more permanent alterations are made.

The carousel was removed earlier this year.

“We will be putting in tables and chairs in there until we figure out what we are doing there,” he said.

“I would like to see something like a water feature - one that kids can play with like bubble jets.

“But there is a basement underneath it so we will have to work that out.”

Cr Taylor said the carousel remained in storage while the council considered its next step.

Demolition work were conducted earlier this year. Picture: Jerad Williams

Councillors in January voted unanimously to remove the favourite family ride after Cr Taylor raised concerns about its safety.

The Bulletin earlier this year obtained a report, presented to councillors in a closed session, which shows council officers conducted an expressions of interest process to get a suitably qualified community group to take ownership of the carousel.

The carousel is in storage. Picture: Jerad Williams

The EOI only attracted a single applicant, and that application was not successful.

The report said the cost for refurbishment of the site had yet to be determined. Council is not making public an estimate provided by officers.

“No capital funding has been allocated for the reinstatement of the existing carousel site in the 2018-19 budget. These works could potentially be funded from savings identified in the March Budge Review,” the report said.