About Birkdale Community Precinct
A space for everyone
Situated at Birkdale on Redlands Coast, on the eastern outskirts of Brisbane, Birkdale Community Precinct is the largest, most anticipated and diverse community project ever delivered by Redland City Council.
The Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan (2023) is the result of two years of extensive consultation with the community and represents the culmination of the creative ideas that were channelled during its formation.
The 62 hectare precinct defines what Redlands Coast residents value dearly: conservation and celebration of habitat; culture and heritage; social values; recreation and education.
In essence, and by design, it is a precinct for the community and a place with a space for everyone.
Investing in our history
Redland City Council secured the Birkdale site in two transactions.
In 2016, Council purchased the 8164m2 Willards Farm property for $1.45 million. This saved the historic farmhouse from demolition. The property has been restored as an important reminder of the farming history of Redlands Coast and, more broadly, Queensland.
In December 2019, Council bought the adjoining 61.78 hectares and former World War II Radio Receiving Station from the Australian Government for $4.1 million. The land was at risk of being subdivided into residential blocks for up to 400 homes.
Combined, the two properties became Birkdale Community Precinct.
Community at the heart
From its inception, Birkdale Community Precinct has kept the community firmly at its heart.
The precinct vision began with suggestions from the community and the final Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan (2023) represents those ideas, aspirations and feedback.
The plan shows the important cultural, heritage and conservation areas that represent nearly two-thirds of the entire site, while the hourglass shape at the centre of the precinct will be used for community facilities.
The precinct will feature seven hubs, based on the design principles that emerged in the vision stage of planning. Intrinsically connected, each hub offers a unique destination with its own experiences and uses.
Cultural Hub: a meeting point and launching pad for all the precinct offers.
Willards Farm Food Hub: a celebration of farming heritage with a restored Willards Farm, classic gardens and space for outdoor food markets, restaurant, café and cooking school.
Innovation Hub: an exhibition space showcasing future farming techniques, agricultural technology and food production.
Entertainment Hub: multiple outdoor spaces for local performers and touring artists, barbecues and picnic areas.
Communications Hub: memorial and contemplation space paying homage to war and peace-keeping services, anchored by the former US Army-built World War II Radio Receiving Station.
Recreation, Resilience & Adventure Sports Hub: the city’s first public lagoon, the Redland Whitewater Centre, an adventure playground and running track.
Conservation Hub: 2.8km of walking trails, interactive tours, wilderness experiences and enhanced koala habitat.
Delivering long-term benefits
Birkdale Community Precinct is an inter-generational community project that will be delivered to Redlands Coast during the next 20 years.
The precinct is set to become a Brisbane 2032 Olympic venue, with the Queensland and Australian Governments committed to funding the Redland Whitewater Centre to host the canoe slalom events.
Anticipated to open in 2028, the whitewater centre will provide impact and legacy for the Redlands Coast community well before and long after the Olympic Games.
Designed for all ages and abilities, the year-round venue will offer families and athletes activities such as tubing on calm waters, water safety training, beginner paddling and rapids running for canoeing, kayaking and rafting.
Emergency services personnel from across the state, nationally and internationally will also use the facility for swift-water rescue training.
Redland City Council has consistently advocated to other levels of government for transport infrastructure improvements that are vital for the delivery of this project – in particular, the extension of the Eastern Transitway to Capalaba and the much-needed duplication of the rail line to Cleveland. It is expected that being an Olympic event venue city will bring forward these works.
As the region flourishes, Birkdale Community Precinct will secure Redlands Coast as a place for all ages and abilities to enjoy a quality lifestyle with environmental, social and economic prosperity.