Library to temporarily relocate while work starts on Capalaba revitalisation

Redland City Council, in partnership with subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation (RIC) and preferred development partner Shayher Group, is delivering an urban renewal of a 1.55-hectare site in Capalaba.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said the exciting $250 million revitalisation project was set to transform the area behind Capalaba Central Shopping Centre into the urban heart of Capalaba.

“The revitalisation incorporates a commercial precinct and exemplar public spaces including community assets such as a new library with contemporary purpose-built spaces for the arts, a customer service centre and community hall,” she said.

“The project will accommodate an employment hub, supported by an innovative public realm with a diverse mix of dining, retail and entertainment uses that will bring much-needed infrastructure to improve the area’s connectivity.”

The approved Master Plan for the Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project will deliver enhancements to the entertainment and restaurant precinct, including a village green with a large screen, retail and mixed-use residential and commercial areas.

Stage 1 of the project recently received approval and will include the new state-of-the-art library building, community and innovative arts space and a new customer service centre, as well as three levels of office space.

Construction is anticipated to start in early 2025, which means the existing Council library and Customer Service Centre will need to temporarily relocate to Capalaba Central Shopping Centre from late 2024 to make way for new buildings.

The Mayor said that by temporarily relocating the library and customer service centre, Council was providing the developer with a blank slate to facilitate revitalisation project works.

“The temporary relocation to the space within the shopping centre previously occupied by Coles will also provide an opportunity to welcome new customers,” she said.

“With the higher footfall at the centre, we expect to see even more community members accessing the valuable services Council provides.”

Art exhibitions that typically were on show at the Capalaba Art Gallery are now on display at the Redland Performing Arts Centre, mezzanine space, in Cleveland. This will continue during the construction period.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the temporary relocation of the library and service centre marked the beginning of an exciting time for Capalaba and Redlands Coast.

“The Capalaba revitalisation will bring lifestyle, wellbeing and economic benefits for all of Redlands Coast,” Cr Huges said.

“The new Council services precinct, employment hub and dining and retail opportunities will together create a thriving day/night economy.”

Division 9 Councillor Jason Colley agreed that the revitalisation would bring benefits for the whole city.

“Capalaba is an important gateway to Redlands Coast and I am excited about seeing a town centre that really showcases our city’s vibrancy,” he said.