WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CITY?

PICTURE EMERGES FOR ARTS PLAN

A few new details have finally emerged about plans to create a seamless gallery precinct linking the Cairns Art Gallery, old Mulgrave Shire building and the Courthouse Hotel. “We heard that it is important for the precinct to support a broad range of arts and cultural events, as well as small community and large touring exhibitions,” the council said. “This will reinforce the city’s reputation as the arts and cultural capital of Northern Australia. Informal outdoor spaces can be used as gallery spaces or places for relaxing and meeting up with family and friends.”

STEPPING OUT ON BOARDWALK

The Esplanade Parklands currently end at Aplin St on reclaimed land that was once all mudflats. The council’s new concept would extend the parklands through to Florence St, where it would end at a new pier jutting over the water at high tide. “We heard that the community greatly values the boardwalk’s relaxed feel and views. Extending the boardwalk will strengthen this highly valued feature and cater for ever-growing usage,” the report says.

APPETITE FOR DINING PRECINCT

Open-air eating appears to be the future for Esplanade restaurants, with community feedback convincing the council of the need to create an outdoor dining precinct. ”Traffic noise and fumes, narrow footpaths and a lack of space for outdoor dining were raised as the top issues in relation to Esplanade dining,” the concept document said.