Progress being made on City Centre Master Plan

Published: 26 August 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

A Council report has identified significant progression of key projects identified in the City Centre Master Plan.

Endorsed in April 2019, the master plan provides a design and planning framework for the city, in line with community values and aspirations.

Significantly, Council has allocated approximately $36.6 million in its 2020-21 Budget to progress capital works that advance project opportunities in the City Centre Master Plan.

The master plan identifies five key project opportunities: Cairns Gallery Precinct; Esplanade Dining Precinct; Florence Street; renewal of Esplanade Parklands; and improvements to city streets.

The report tabled at Council today documented progression in all these key areas:

As part of the Cairns Gallery Precinct, Council’s refurbishment of the Cairns Court House building is on track for a December 2020 practical completion with an opening planned for March in 2021. Project funding for the Gallery Precinct also continues to be actively explored with both State and Federal Governments.Work is now well underway on the $28 million upgrade of the Esplanade Dining Precinct, which was fast-tracked and expected to be completed, weather permitting, early next year.Enhancement of Florence St, from the Esplanade to Grafton St, to create a pedestrian boulevard and connectivity from the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and adjacent Munro Martin Parklands to the Esplanade Parklands has almost been completed.Renewal plans are presently being developed for the Fun Ship Playground, along with a number of recommendations to address opportunities at the Northern most part of the Cairns Esplanade.Council has undertaken works to enhance the city streets through a number of projects, including asphalt overlays, upgrading of footpaths and street lighting, along with other safety improvements.