Moves are afoot to revitalise and reactivate Cleveland and make it a tourist destination and local Redlands hub.
Retailer Mike and Sandy Clark of Daisy Layne Lifestyle and Homewares on Bloomfield Street said a group of retailers had formed the Bloomfield Street Collective with a view to working collectively to create a shop friendly precinct with a village feel.
The Bloomfield Collective, Redland Chamber of Commerce, a number of influential businesses, property owners, entertainment and health representatives met with council in May to discuss and share Cleveland’s strengths and potential and natural resources.
Discussed were strategies covering conductivity, themed events, RPAC, arts and cultural events, the Straddie ferry, business opportunities, retail and shop front activation.
“We looked at directional signage to promote Cleveland as a destination of activities, shopping and tourism in a safe and friendly environment,” Mr Clark said.
“And now the Bloomfield Street collective has a positive voice.
“We particularly need communication between the retailers, the landlords and the real estate agents.
“It’s time. Going to Straddie is a part of that and we want people to shop at Cleveland on the way there or on the way back.”
Mr Clark said the reasons for revitalisation were complex.
“One of the key issues is parking. We want people to come here, but we also don’t want them driving twice around the block and leaving because they can’t get a park,” he said.
“We recognise that the council workers need parking also, but we also need our customers to have the ability also.
“We tell clients to come to the store after 1pm – after the coffee, brunch and lunch crowd when there is generally more parking.
“If we work together and support who is here, we can certainly find workable solutions.”
Mr Clark applauded the mix of stores at Cleveland which included skin care, two banks, a pharmacy, four different homeware stores, a florist, butcher and clothing shops.
“It’s a nice street. We just need to give it a heart by raising activities, entertainment, art and awareness,” he said.
“People can have a coffee and stay for a music lesson. Where else does that happen?”
Last year, the Bloomfield Street Collective, in partnership with BayFM, was given a village grant of $12,000 and used this fund to put solar lights on rooftops to illuminate the poinciana trees.
“We installed these in December 2022 and can use them to reflect different occasions – pink for cancer, yellow for RUOK day,” Mr Clark said.
Anyone with revitalisation suggestions can phone Mr Clark on 0428 929 142.
