THE first stage of council’s Weinam Creek development – to get under way this year – will include ground-level car parks and a footbridge between the Moores Road site and the Redland Bay marina.
Mayor Karen Williams said on Monday that lighting and security measures would be included in the design.
“Residents have told us they want Weinam Creek upgraded and we are working to help meet the high demand for car parking,” Cr Williams said.
She said the footbridge would provide more direct access to the marina, accommodating foot traffic and bicycles as well as mobility scooters.
“Once the footbridge has been constructed it will take on average five to 10 minutes to walk from the ferry terminal to the car park.”
Stage one will also include site preparation for residential dwellings, including nine house lots fronting Moores Road and a one-hectare lot with potential for medium-density development.
The priority development area project is being developed by council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation with council.
Future stages of the project will include more ground-level car parks, secure car parks and multi-deck car parks within the Redland Bay Marina precinct.
Other aspects like drop off and storage facilities for Southern Moreton Bay Island residents, more than 21,000 square metres of open space, the rejuvenation of 47,000 square metres of parkland, pedestrian and cycle ways and a boat ramp are planned.
There will also be mixed use and medium density residential development and retail and commercial amenities, including cafes and restaurants, and potential for a health precinct.
Cr Williams said the project provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Weinam Creek as a community focal point and a regional gateway to the islands as well as creating jobs and supporting economic development within the region.
The Weinam Creek PDA covers 36 hectares of land and nearly six hectares over water.
