New shade solution set to enhance Beenleigh Town Square
The beautification of Beenleigh has begun, with a raft of community-inspired projects underway, while public safety will be improved as new CCTV cameras are set to be installed.
It includes a bold new look for Beenleigh Town Square as a new shade solution integrated with public art improves comfort for visitors.
Up to 400 aluminium discs are being suspended above the Square to increase shade cover while also adding colour and vibrancy through feature lighting.
The project is an outcome of the 2017 Beenleigh Summit, which Logan City Council hosted to get community feedback on how to best unlock the suburb’s economic and place making potential.
Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said $5 million was allocated to implement a number of projects developed at the summit.
“The community told us loud and clear that increasing shade at Beenleigh Town Square was their top priority which is why it’s one of the first projects we’re delivering,” Cr Raven said.
“We challenged contractors to make the shade solution relevant to Beenleigh, they’ve done this by laser cutting the work of local artists into the discs.”
Cr Raven said the discs would be suspended via a system of overhead rigging wires connected to support poles, and would be placed between 4m and 7m above the ground.
“Creating more shade in the Square will make the space inviting during the day, and by night we can light it up so it becomes the talk of the town,” he said.
“The lighting can be programmed to specific themes for events and special occasions which will show off the Square and the artwork in the evening.”
Division 12 Councillor, Karen Murphy, said the Beenleigh Town Square concept would be replicated in other parts of the Beenleigh CBD as Council begins further streetscape upgrades in February.
“These are exciting times for the Beenleigh area,” she said.
“In a further sign of confidence, we’ll see the $40 million The York development completed later this year, in addition to another commercial office development in Kokoda St and an all-day parking facility, which is being developed by the private sector.
“With good transport infrastructure already in here, there is enormous potential for Beenleigh to flourish.”
Cr Murphy said additional CCTV would be installed in Beenleigh in the coming months to connect into the existing Logan Safety Camera Program, while upgrades are also planned for other Council facilities, including parks, sports clubs and community centres.
The shade solution and streetscape projects are being jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover funding program.
Beenleigh is home to Australia’s oldest operating distillery and tourism icon, The Beenleigh Artisan Distillery, and the popular Spirit of the Red Sands – a highlyacclaimed live Aboriginal story-telling and theatre experience.
Investment in the area was also given a boost in 2019 when national coffee franchisor Zarraffa’s invested $20 million to relocate its headquarters from the Gold Coast, while the Distillery Road Market will launch later this year. The Market will celebrate the region’s love of fresh produce, dining and entertainment.
Visit the Logan City Council website for more information and to sign up for project updates.
