Council is delivering on its commitment to boost struggling suburban shopping strips, with construction commencing this week on the Cannon Hill Suburban Centre Improvement Project (SCIP).

Acting Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the $2.5 million upgrade would offer a major refresh to the tired streetscape, providing a new lease of life to the precinct.

“The Cannon Hill SCIP will provide a welcome commercial boost to the Wynnum Road shopping precinct by improving the centre’s appearance and accessibility and helping to increase foot traffic and business turnover,” Cr Schrinner said.

“It’s not just the big gestures that are going to help grow the economy, the smaller measures like improving suburban shopping strips to breathe new life into the area and provide an attractive public space, are also important in bringing back the shoppers.

“This project is the result of months of collaboration with the local community through the Cannon Hill SCIP Community Representative Group and with local Councillor Ryan Murphy.

This project will be delivered in partnership with property owners in Cannon Hill shopping centre, who are contributing $250,000 towards a range of streetscape improvements, including:
•    accessibility upgrades and safety improvement works to the intersection of Wynnum Road, Barrack Road and Muir Street,
•    new street trees, gardens and turf,
•    new street furniture including drinking fountains, seats, bike racks, urban stools and telephone box,
•    upgrading the inbound and outbound bus stops on Wynnum Road near Marsh Street,
•    upgraded footpaths.

The SCIP would also feature two artworks by James and Eleanor Avery to celebrate the natural and cultural history of Cannon Hill.

“The sculpture Tree will provide a highly visible landmark on the north-eastern side of the Wynnum Road and Barrack Road intersection, as well as a complementary piece of artwork on the southern side of Wynnum Road, with a painted seat and decorative paving,” Cr Schrinner said.

Local Councillor Ryan Murphy (Doboy Ward) said he had been in regular contact with business owners and the Community Representative Group to see an outcome that would encourage shoppers back to Cannon Hill.

“The local business owners are keen to see this project get underway as soon as possible, so it is great news construction has started this week.  We look forward to seeing the project completed by mid year,” Cr Murphy said.

“Construction will be undertaken between 8pm and 8am Sunday to Thursday to ensure minimal disruption – and all access to shops will be maintained during trading hours.  I would like to thank the local community in advance for its patience while this project is carried out.”

“I would like to invite local residents and businesses to attend a morning tea on Thursday 29 January from 10am to 12 noon at the Cannon Hill School of Arts, 958 Wynnum Road, to celebrate the start of construction.”                        

Since 1996, Council has invested more than $38 million in 44 suburban centres through the SCIP program throughout Brisbane.