Cleveland is expected to be home to a new alfresco style food market by the end of the year with Council this week voting to provide four years’ certainty in a license to operate for the innovative business.
Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the four years’ certainty was granted to provide the operator the incentive to invest in the Cleveland CBD, creating employment opportunities for locals and a new dining experience for residents and visitors.
“This is an innovative project for the Cleveland CBD aimed at driving economic growth so it is important that we facilitate a great result for stakeholders and the wider Redlands community,” Cr Williams said.
“Four years is a reasonable period to allow these food markets to have any real impact on revitalising the civic centre and contributing towards a more vibrant and prosperous CBD.
“These projects require time to establish themselves to build broader interest, which will in turn encourage event organisers and other investors to consider Cleveland as a location of choice.
“This is an exciting project that reinforces that Redland City is open for business and we are welcoming initiatives with the potential to generate return for the community.”
Division 2 Councillor, Peter Mitchell said that the project has significant public support and will help attract people to the Cleveland CBD, but he also acknowledges concerns from the neighbouring community regarding car parking, noise and potential impacts on existing businesses.
“Council spent months considering the application and we have listened to the concerns and have strict conditions in place to manage traffic and parking, noise and trading hours so it doesn’t impact existing nearby businesses or residents.
“Council is committed to working through any issues of concern over the coming months to make sure this project will benefit the local economy, complement existing businesses and offer locals and visitors a new reason to visit,” he said.