Temporary commercial use of parks - Expression of Interest

Round 1A has been extended and will now close on Thursday, 9 June 2022.

13 Apr 2022

Redlands Coast businesses have another chance to apply for a temporary commercial permit in select Redlands Coast parks from today.

Mayor Karen Williams said Round 1A of the expressions of interest process would further support local businesses and help activate more of the city’s parks and open spaces to support our vibrant and liveable communities.

“Locals have told us they love seeing our naturally wonderful outdoor spaces used in a variety of ways,” Cr Williams said.

“Businesses that encourage existing users to stay a little longer – as a coffee van would – or will bring in new users – as a fitness class might - can bring a new lease of life to community spaces at times when they might usually be quieter.

“During Round 1, open last October, 17 expressions of interest were received across 14 parks. Successful applicants from that round have been formally invited to apply for a certificate of approval.

“Today’s opening of Round 1A will see even more of our parks realising their potential as dynamic spaces for the community to enjoy.

“Like the first round of the EOI process, Round 1A supports a range of activities, generally of a small -scale and restricted to a footprint of 30sqm.”

Examples include:

• personal fitness training and coaching programs
• mobile food and beverage vehicles
• hire of recreation equipment (watercraft, bikes, scooters)
• entertainment (busking, face painting, magicians, jumping castles, mobile animal petting and entertainers for small events and celebrations)
• tourist-based activities (canoe and kayak tours).

“At each park, the number of commercial activities is capped at between one and three, depending on the size and shape of the space,” Cr Williams said.

“Space is only available in parks where activities would not impact the amenity and safety of park users and neighbours. Vendors that complement nearby businesses by offering a different product or service will be preferred.

“If shortlisted, vendors will be invited to formally apply for an approval with terms and conditions.”

For more information on how to lodge an EOI and for the list of the applicable parks and open spaces visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au. Round 1A will close on 11 May 2022.

To activate and enliven some of the city’s public spaces and create opportunities for local businesses, Redland City Council is now accepting Expressions of Interest for temporary commercial activities for a select group of Redlands Coast parks and open spaces.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council supported a range of such activities in selected parks, including:

• personal fitness training and coaching program
• mobile food and beverage vehicles
• hire of recreation equipment (watercraft, bikes, scooters)
• entertainment (busking, face painting, magicians, jumping castles, mobile animal petting and entertainers for small events and celebrations)
• tourist-based activities (canoe and kayak tours)

“This is only for those parks selected where temporary commercial activities could be offered without impacting the amenity and safety of park users and neighbours,” Cr Williams said.

“Commercial vendors that complement nearby businesses by offering a different product or service are also preferred.”

“Temporary commercial activities are generally of a low-scale, and are restricted to a footprint of 30 sq m. Depending on the size and shape of the park, the number of commercial vendors is capped at between one and three.

“Activating our parks and public spaces in this way further enlivens them and creates vibrant, liveable communities as well as opportunities for local businesses.

“Vendors who want to operate in a park can now submit an Expression of Interest to Council. If short-listed, they will be invited to formally apply for approval and terms and conditions will apply.”

Information on how to lodge an EOI and for the list of the applicable parks and open spaces, go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au