Courageous boost for CBD

THE fast-tracking of the $32 million Esplanade dining precinct in Cairns is a wise and welcome move by the regional council.

Work is expected to start as early as next month if approval is given at today’s council meeting.

The decision comes a year ahead of the initial rollout and means the entire project is expected to be finished by February 2021.

The three-stage development is being started while most of the businesses along the golden strip between Shields St and Aplin St are closed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

So it will mean less disruption and provide a much-needed wow factor for when visitors and tourists return to the Far North.

The precinct will be a new attraction for the CBD and the Esplanade and give businesses a vital boost as they get back on their feet.

Stage one from June to midSeptember is the construction of a 3.4m-wide footpath, followed by the stage 2 outdoor dining and awning works (September-December) and finally the Esplanade road and landscaping aspects (NovemberFebruary).

The council is also expected to give the third stage of the Shields St upgrade the green light to take place at the same time.

Naturally the proposal has been welcomed by the Crystalbrook Collection hotel group which has been pushing hard for the work to be brought forward.

It’s a big commitment by the council, especially as the work will start without a full, detailed design.

The first stage of the footpath and all design work is $5 million but to jumpstart the entire $32 million investment this year is a courageous move.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor