In Brisbane’s Cleveland Street, the Brisbane Housing Company is constructing 82 units, and next door CSDG Constructions is building the Lumina development with 96 units, shops, food, and a bar overlooking Hanlon Park. Local traders, such as Stones Corner bookshop owner Michael Weibler, are concerned about the impact of these large developments on the Logan Road streetscape and businesses. Weibler believes that ongoing shop frontages are essential for the area’s character and is wary of proposed changes to the street dynamic.
The Huon Property Group recently received approval for a 16-storey, 114-apartment development on Logan Road, with some commercial areas on the ground floor. Weibler supports the inclusion of commercial spaces but is wary of plans that would replace street-level coffee shops with a supermarket, potentially putting pressure on local traders. Similarly, proposals for restaurants on Cleveland Street could impact Logan Road businesses. The influx of major development franchises is creating challenges for smaller businesses in the area.
Local traders at Stones Corner feel that they have not been adequately consulted on the council’s urban renewal plans. Weibler notes that while concerns can be submitted through the council website, there is a lack of direct engagement with the affected businesses. Meanwhile, Moorooka’s Magic Mile of Motors is undergoing a transformation into an area of mixed housing, commercial, and retail properties, with the support of new Cross River Rail stations. Norman Creek at Hanlon Park has also been revitalized from a concrete drain into a flood-resilient park.
According to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, the approach being taken in Moorooka illustrates the importance of sustainable growth that preserves a suburb’s character. This involves protecting existing features like character houses while accommodating new developments in a way that enhances rather than detracts from the area’s appeal. Weibler believes that Stones Corner’s reputation as a shopping destination should be maintained by keeping retail spaces along Logan Road between Montague Street and Old Cleveland Road, ensuring that the area remains attractive to residents and visitors alike.
Overall, the ongoing development in Stones Corner and surrounding areas presents both opportunities and challenges for local businesses. While the growth of mixed-use properties and revitalized public spaces can bring new life to the area, there is a need to balance this with maintaining the unique character and charm that draw people to the neighborhood. Ensuring that local traders have a voice in the planning process and that their concerns are taken into account will be crucial in preserving the vibrancy and identity of Stones Corner for future generations.
