The Brisbane Labor Opposition in Council have launched a campaign calling on LNP Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and his Council administration to keep King George Square in public hands.
Last month, the LNP Administration opened expressions of interest to the private market for proposals including physical redevelopment of the square and its long-term operation.
Council will also consider proposals for private-public partnerships.
While Council claims any physical redevelopment would be focused on the North-East of the precinct including the deck, bar and shuttered café area, Council is also calling for commercial operators that can manage the entire precinct, including Brisbane City Hall.
However, no public consultation was held by Council before EOIs went open to the private sector.
Brisbane Labor Opposition Leader in Council Jared Cassidy slammed the move last month, calling for the space to be somewhere people can gather.
Now, Cassidy and his team of Brisbane Labor councillors, have launched a petition calling on the Lord Mayor and LNP Council to keep the space in public hands, and to consult with the public on how they would like the space redeveloped.
“The LNP Council’s plan for King George Square describes the opportunity for revenue-sharing, commercial agreements and private-sector agreements but doesn’t mention community.”
“Brisbane 2032 should be a catalyst for a better city, not an excuse to build up public space for short-term commercial gain.”
Renovations of King George Square has been a popular part of Labor’s Council election platform since 2012.
King George Square has been identified has one of the missing links of the ‘green spine’ that connects the Botanic Gardens to Roma Street Parklands.
When the current iteration of the Square was first opened in October 2009, then Lord Mayor Campbell Newman was forced to concede mistakes were made.
After intense public backlash, Newman had ordered planter boxes with seats to be installed.
LNP Lord Mayors since have refused to consider another redevelopment, claiming the current tiled surface works for commercial events, such as markets.
But Cassidy claims that the space is not popular with the broader public.
“I constantly see people rush through King George Square without stopping to enjoy it, and in summer they avoid it all together because of the heat.”
“The real legacy from a King George Square redevelopment should be a space that welcomes all on an ordinary weekday afternoon, not just during major events.”
Supporters can view sign the petition here.
