CONSTRUCTION has begun on the contentious Weinam Creek car park at Moores Road, Redland Bay.
The project is aimed at boosting the number of car parks around the marina ferry terminal.
The long-awaited project has drawn complaints from islanders about how far it will be for people to walk to catch a ferry. Redland Bay locals also argue that it will ruin local amenity.
Mayor Karen Williams said council had listened to the community and was working to meet the high demand for extra parking spots.
"The final design plans for the overall master-plan and future stages of the project are currently being finalised and will include secure car parks and a multi-deck car park within the Redland Bay Marina precinct," she said.
"Once the Moores Road car park is complete it can be used for parking, allowing work to start on the extra car parking at the ferry terminal, which will provide additional parking for both island and mainland residents."
Cr Mark Edwards said a footbridge that stretched from the ferry terminal to the car park would provide direct access to both locations.
"Once the footbridge has been constructed, it will take on average five to ten minutes to walk from the ferry terminal to the car park," he said.
"Other features of the plan include improved drop off and storage facilities for residents, more than 21,000 square metres of new public open space, the rejuvenation of 46,920 square metres of existing parkland, new pedestrian and cycle ways and the construction of a new public boat ramp."
"There will also be mixed use and medium density residential development, retail and commercial spaces including cafes, restaurants and grocery outlets, as well as the potential for a health precinct for mainland and island residents."
Cr Williams said the Weinam Creek project would create jobs, support economic development within the region and become a community focal point.
The car park on Moores Road, which is stage one of the Weinam Creek redevelopment project, is expected to be completed within six months.
Council plans to open the new space in April next year.
It comes just over a year after the public-private sector proposal between Redland City Council and Walker Corp fell over, leaving council to take over the project.
Council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation is working with council to develop the car park within the Weinam Creek priority development area.
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