A true Central Business District (CBD) would be established in Southport under a plan proposed by Mayor Tom Tate today.
Cr Tate will write to the State Government to request that Southport be classified as a Priority Development Area (PDA). If accepted, it would be the first PDA for Queensland encompassing a CBD.
“If the State accepts my request, the first step will be to create a true CBD in Southport, which would include the old hospital site and the proposed Chinatown precinct,” he said.
“The creation of a PDA will not only cut red tape and streamline development decisions, it will create capacity for jobs and developer confidence for the area.
“As a hub for education, health and business, and with superb community assets like the Broadwater Parklands and the redeveloped aquatic centre, Southport is the clear choice.
“This also represents an excellent opportunity to show how development can and should work alongside the light rail.”
Divisional Councillor Dawn Crichlow said she was excited about the opportunities the creation of a PDA would present for Southport.
“I’ve always been confident about the future of Southport and the establishment of a real CBD here would certainly strengthen its reputation as a business centre,” she said.
“It also positions us well in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games and other major city events.”
Cr Tate said if accepted as a PDA, the next phase would be to develop a set of desired outcomes and priorities for the precinct.
“Council would then insist that all decision making powers relating to the PDA be delegated back to Council,” he said.
“The Gold Coast must be in charge of its CBD – I won’t have our vision shaped by bureaucrats on George Street now or in the future.”