WYNNUM CENTRAL STATE SCHOOL
SITE REDEVLOPMENT AND
REFURBISHMENT WORKS PROJECT
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – MAY 2015
In this issue
The new Wynnum Community Centre | Expression of interest process for future
tenants | Potential relocation or demolition of the existing timber buildings New
park including tree relocation | Park naming | The new commercial precinct New
Wynnum Library | Current Wynnum Library | Frequently asked questions
I am pleased to announce construction is underway at the former Wynnum Central State School
site. This project delivers on my commitment to the Wynnum Manly community for the provision
of a new library, community centre and park in the heart of the Wynnum central business district.
Construction has started on the new commercial development on the western side of the site,
including a new library, car parking and park. The existing heritage red brick building will remain
on-site and works to refurbish it into a community centre are underway. Council has sought
expressions of interest from the community and not-for-profit groups on how the community
space may be used. A second expression of interest process will take place next month for those
who are interested in using the space. The expression of interest period for the potential
relocation or demolition of up to four timber former school buildings is now finished. Council is
currently reviewing all submissions and will announce the successful applicants soon. Following
their removal, the majority of the land will remain in Council ownership as open space for the
community, with another redevelopment opportunity adjoining the IGA complex. I have written to
local and interstate cinema operators alerting them of the community’s desire for a cinema and
upcoming opportunities in Wynnum central business district. Inside this newsletter you will find a
concept plan for the former school site and information about the relocation of the Wynnum
cannon from the current library.
Graham Quirk Lord Mayor
New Wynnum Community Centre
The historic brick school building is being refurbished into a community centre. A recent
expression of interest process is helping guide how the space in the building can be used.
Upgraded kitchen and toilet facilities will enhance the functionality of this building and a new
elevator will enable universal access for all.
Expressions of interest
Council has sought initial expressions of interest from community and not-for-profit groups to
tenant the community centre. This process is being undertaken in two stages, with stage one now
completed. Stage two will start next month. It is not necessary to have completed stage one if you
would like to participate in stage two. For more information or to register your interest, email
Council at community.facilities@brisbane.qld.gov.au
New commercial development including Woolworths
and the new Wynnum Library
The development of the commercial precinct is being undertaken by the City of Brisbane
Investment Corporation and will include:
• retail space (Woolworths and two speciality stores)
• a new and improved library
• car parking facilities.
The new library will be more than three times larger than the current Wynnum Library and will
include an outdoor reading area overlooking the new park and the new community centre. Other
features include:
• meeting rooms
• a parents’ room
• a dedicated display area for the South Moreton Bay Bicentennial Historical Collection
• wi-fi throughout the library
• internet stations
• quiet rooms for research
• a children’s area
• bathroom facilities.
Park
The development of a landscaping design for the park area, located between the new commercial
precinct and the new community centre, is currently underway. The park area will be home to two
relocated trees, a 120-year old Port Jackson fig tree and a bottle tree. One of the key features of
the new park will be the historical cannon currently located at the existing Wynnum Library. The
park will include a path between Florence and Charlotte streets, seating and lighting. Council will
also install feature lighting to highlight the Port Jackson fig tree.
Relocation of cannon
The cannon located outside the current Wynnum Library is one of 12 gifted to Queensland from
Queen Victoria and arrived in Queensland in 1862. These cannons are relics from the Napoleonic
Wars between 1803 and 1850. Due to its historical significance, the cannon will be relocated to
the former Wynnum Central State School site. Council is seeking feedback from the community
about the final location of the historic cannon within the park area. You can submit your
suggestions to Council via the details on the back page of this newsletter.
Public toilets
Feedback about the lack of public toilets in Wynnum has been incorporated into the design of the
redevelopment of the former Wynnum Central State School site. Toilets will be included in the
Woolworths development, Council library and community centre.
Naming of the park
Council is seeking ideas and suggestions from the community to name the park area. We are
looking for a name that has a historical, social or cultural significance in the Wynnum community
that reflects the feeling of the residents in the area. You can submit your ideas and suggestions
with any supporting material to Council via the details on the back page of this newsletter. All
ideas and feedback will be considered by Council and a shortlist will be put to the community
later in the year. The successful name will be announced at the completion of all work on the
former Wynnum Central State School site in early 2016.
Image - Wynnum Central State School Site Plan
The Wynnum Central State School site is located between Charlotte Street and Florence Street
and includes a community centre, commercial development, a new park, Council land and an
area for future development.
The new park is located between the commercial development and the community centre and
includes two relocated trees and a path.
Tree relocation
Works to relocate the 120-year old Port Jackson fig tree on the western side of the site started in
September 2014 and were completed in March 2015.The relocation was undertaken by a
professional and qualified contractor to ensure the fig tree was in optimum health prior to its
relocation. Council will continue to monitor the fig tree. The bottle tree has also been relocated
from the eastern side of the site to be included in the park area.
Remaining timber buildings
During previous community consultation, overall feedback from the community was in support of
the removal of the four timber buildings from the site. Council sought expressions of interest for
the potential relocation or demolition of these buildings to provide an opportunity for the
community to reuse these buildings at another location or use any material from demolition. The
expression of interest period has now closed and Council will announce the successful applicants
soon.
Further opportunities to revitalise Wynnum CBD
Council will also facilitate another redevelopment opportunity on the site close to the old
basketball courts adjoining the IGA Supermarket complex. The location of the old school
playground will be converted into a publicly accessible open space for the community to enjoy
once works on-site have been completed. Following community consultation, Council will
consider future activation of this area for community purposes.
The existing library site
With the new library now under construction, Council will sell the existing library site. The current
library will remain open until the new library is complete. Given the strong desire from many
residents to see a cinema in Wynnum, the Lord Mayor has written to cinema operators asking
them to consider investing in Wynnum. Not-for-profit groups currently located at the existing
library site are able to remain until the end of the year.
Questions and answers
Q: Will the vegetation surrounding the existing brick building remain?
A: Yes.
Q: How many rooms and/or spaces will be available for community groups to use in the new
Wynnum Community Centre?
A: The new community centre includes numerous areas for the community to use. Council is still
finalising how many rooms will be leased or be available for short term hire.
Q: When will the expression of interest process be completed for the future tenants of the new
community centre?
A: The expression of interest process is expected to be finalised by September 2015.
To submit your feedback or for more information
phone the project team on 1800 669 416 or call Council on (07) 3403 8888 (after hours)
email the project team at cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au
visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
write to Wynnum Central State School site redevelopment and refurbishment project, City
Projects Office, Brisbane City Council, GPO Box 1434Brisbane Qld 4001
Brisbane City Council Information GPO Box 1434Brisbane Qld 4001
For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.auor call (07) 3403 8888
Facebook.com/Brisbane City Council