Council has designs on utilising space
THE Atherton Tablelands has earmarked $8.5m for a transformative project the council says will have a similar effect as Cairns Regional Council’s rejuvenation of the Esplanade just under two decades ago.
Tablelands Regional Council recently awarded almost $500,000 to Place Design Group for detailed development of the expansive Priors Creek Precinct, which runs parallel to Atherton’s main street.
A master plan was created by Townsville-based Hywel Jones Architects, which has since become Place Design Group, in 2018, with seven precincts, encompassing the rail trail corridor, a picnic, barbecue and amphitheatre area, the existing trailhead facilities area with fitness equipment, a major destination playground area, botanical plantings area, Priors Creek Park, and an outdoor functions area.
There are plans to create more parking for recreational vehicles and caravans and for a new road.
The design brief aims to support the potential redevelopment of adjacent freehold land for commercial and community purposes.
Council’s $8.5m commitment is over 10 years.
Mayor Rod Marti said the scope of the project made it regionally significant.
He said the vision was for a family-oriented mixed use and leisure area, with the unique sense of place that focused on the rail trail and built on established biking activities while establishing the area as a principal destination on the Atherton Tablelands.
“It will be like what Cairns Regional Council did for the
It will be like what Cairns did for the Esplanade 20 years ago
Esplanade 20 years ago, with the lagoons and value-adding on the waterfront,” Cr Marti said.
“It is right beside the CBD and the CBD is long overdue for investment, we have a magnificent backdrop with a riparian landscape right below the main street.
“Council owns freehold land next to the rail trail and creek that would be ideal for hotel-style development, apartments, some retail, so
we’re seeking appropriate investors for that space, with a commercial focus,” he said.
“Council could spend $18 to $20m investing in the public space – it is basically an opportunity to lift and enliven Atherton, the town hasn’t had significant investment for a long time, and since Covid, we’re going gangbusters.
“The town has been powering ahead and it’s time council lifted its game and took the town to another
level.” Cr Marti said having the trail head for the mountain bike park in the precinct meant enthusiasts could park in town and spend money there.
“We are pretty confident we will get commercial investors, we really lack quality accommodation, if you compare Atherton to Cairns,” Cr Marti said.
“The Tablelands has gone crazy – growth has been extraordinary, and council is
struggling to keep up with services, ensuring roads and water services can meet the demand and making sure planning is running smoothly so inquiries are dealt with promptly.”
The Cairns Esplanade was redeveloped in 2003 and has many striking public artworks including the woven fish that emerge from the lagoon.
Council spent more than $22m last year on the Esplanade dining precinct.