Cairns update
Cairns is set for a bumper year ahead with major projects completed and commencing in 2020. Here’s our round up.
Cairns Central upgrade, valued at $60 million
This is an exciting redevelopment announcement for Cairns Central, as this is the first time the centre has undergone a redevelopment since opening 20 years ago. The redevelopment will include:
• The complete refurbishment of Myer, across a larger, single floor of approximately 7,500sqm with an improved retail experience and an increased number of new and exclusive brands.
• A new fresh food market hall, anchored by Woolworths, offering exciting new dining options and food retailers.
• New vehicle express ramp that will give customers easy and direct access to the fresh food market hall.
• Greater parking convenience with the implementation of ticketless parking, and parking guidance system.
• New amenities including a children’s play area and additional parenting rooms ambience and amenities upgrades including bathrooms, customer service desk, furnishings and finishes.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2020.
Cairns Mental Health building, valued at $70 million
A new $70 million multi-storey mental health unit will be built at Cairns Hospital to replace ageing infrastructure with a modern, safe facility aimed to provide better care for patients. The new building will allow for more capacity to treat patients and will also offer a better environment to aid in the recovery of mental health patients.
Cairns Convention Centre expansion, valued at $176 million
Works are set to begin on the $176 million redevelopment of the Cairns Convention Centre, with the original architect of the centre, Cox Architecture, leading the design team. The revamped centre, will include 3,000 square metres of new exhibition space and meeting rooms, is scheduled to open in early 2022.
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the expansion would “help the city attract new conferences and events of even greater sizes and complexity which will ensure Cairns has a competitive advantage and pride of place on the global conventions calendar.”
The expansion includes a new entry, a large-scale green wall and a rooftop banqueting space with capacity for 410 people. There will be space for 30 exhibitors’ booths and three meeting rooms across 420 square metres. The installation of a green wall is intended to build on its sustainability credentials and will provide climatic benefits while giving the centre a distinctive, tropical look and feel. The first phase of convention centre works will include lift upgrades, with the centre remaining remain open until May 2020.
Crystalbrook Collection opens its third hotel
Cairns has certainly gained another gem, with this portfolio of distinctive hotels, as they continue to excite, where differences to what we have grown to expect are on offer. Each property carries an authentic expression of its location. Add playful designs, #responsibleluxury initiatives, a stimulating environment and a passion for fun and you have a uniquely enriching experience.
In 2018, we saw the opening of Riley – the city’s first five-star opening in 20 years. In 2019, brother Bailey, set in the cultural heart of Cairns was launched with a spectacular opening event. Opening in April 2020, the Flynn hotel will join its siblings, boasting another distinctive style. Collectively the three hotels have brought nine new restaurants to town and is breathing new energy and reviving the dining scene. In less than two years, hotel group Crystalbrook Collection will have opened three five-star hotels in Cairns – rendering it a Tropical North Queensland city on the rise.
