Park looks set to function as is

NEWS

Local residents may have finally won their long battle to stop a function centre being built in New Farm Park, with Lord Mayor Campbell Newman vowing to fight any appeal against the latest court ruling against the plan.

The Planning and Environment Court recently upheld council’s decision to refuse a development application for a proposed kiosk and function room facility on the site of the park’s original kiosk that burnt down in 2000. Many residents opposed the scale of the redevelopment, with some wanting the kiosk to be rebuilt to its original design that matched the park’s nearby rotunda, a concept supported by Central Ward councillor David Hinchliffe.
“Now that the umpire has finally made a decision, I believe we need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a kiosk on a smaller scale, similar in style, design and size to the original which burnt down almost exactly 10 years ago in 2000,” he said.
“There is definitely a need for a kiosk, but with venues such as the Powerhouse, Merthyr Bowls Club and New Farm Bowls Club nearby, we do not need a venue of anywhere near the size proposed in Blue Sky’s application. It has now been buried once and for all.”
Cr Newman said the application was refused by council in 2004 and had been appealed by developers.
“Before I became Lord Mayor, I promised the people of Brisbane that I would not support anything but a kiosk of similar size on this site and I have stood by this promise,” Cr Newman said. “We refused the development because the size and scale was unacceptable and we wanted to protect the heritage value of New Farm Park.
“New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s oldest and favourite public spaces, and we will continue to protect its character.”
The original kiosk burnt down in September 2000 and a development application for a restaurant and convention centre was lodged with council in December 2003. Council rejected the development application in May 2004 and an appeal was lodged in the Planning and Environment Court in July 2004.
Campbell Newman said the decision was justification for council’s refusal to approve the development application.
“It’s great to see that the court acknowledged our serious concern that the development would have a negative impact on the Park,” Cr Newman said. Despite the decision the developers are able to appeal through the Supreme Court, but Cr Newman said that council would fight any such appeal.
“We are committed to protecting the heritage and character of Brisbane and we will strongly fight any appeal,” Cr Newman said.
“I want to ensure that this special destination retains its cultural significance and heritage and I am determined to follow this through and see the park get a suitable kiosk for its many users.
“As our city grows, we need to carefully protect its heritage so it is important that as a council we do all we can to protect and care for these important locations.
“We’re now hoping that this decision paves the way for a new kiosk to be built in keeping with the heritage aspects of the park for users to enjoy.”
Cr Hinchliffe said the case had been the longest running planning appeal in Brisbane’s recent history.
“I commend the court in bringing down its ruling supporting council’s rejection of Blue Sky’s kiosk proposal even though it is more than six years since the appeal was lodged.
“The kiosk proposal was honestly assessed by council officers and both Labor and Liberal councillors rejected the application.
“Councillors on both sides believed that it was excessive, there would be too much noise from functions and too much traffic.”