FRUSTRATED traders are calling on authorities to act now to revive Cleveland’s ailing CBD, warning that soaring vacancy rates, limited parking and falling foot traffic are forcing businesses to shut up shop.
At least 20 shopfronts now sit empty across the town centre – some for years – reflecting what business owners say is a lack of investment and coordinated planning to attract people back into the area.
Suzie Rumler, owner of boutique wedding store An Eye for Style, said Cleveland was brimming with potential but lacked the vibrancy of nearby precincts like Wynnum and Manly.
“It probably needs a few more trendy shops or a cute bar – just something to get people in,” she said.
“People are spending money on food and going out, but they’re not doing it in Cleveland.”
She said parking remained a major barrier for customers.
“If I get here at 6am, I might get a spot – but by 8am, it’s ridiculous,” she said.
“Even just extending the time limits would make a huge difference.”
Despite the issues, Ms Rumler is optimistic about the precinct’s future.
“We’ve got a great community. We just need a few more cool places to hang out – something to freshen things up and make people want to stay longer,” she said.
Michael Clark, co-owner of homewares store Daisy Layne, said the strip had seen a string of closures over the past 18 months, driven by the lingering impacts of Covid, the shift to online shopping, and chronic parking shortages.
“The street just isn’t what it used to be – and without intervention, it will only get worse,” he said.
He said foot traffic dropped significantly in the afternoons, with some traders closing early.
“If I had a blank cheque, I’d double the Woolies car park to support both workers and shoppers,” he said.
“Then we need to clean up the street.
“Some of the buildings are really tired – they don’t need to be brand new, just refreshed.”
Mr Clark also urged property owners to take more responsibility.
“Everyone talks about doing something, but unless the owners work together, nothing’s going to change. You can’t rely on the Council to do it all,” he said.
Their concerns come as Redland City Councillor Peter Mitchell this week tabled a motion at Council calling for a renewed focus on the long-stalled Cleveland Town Centre Revitalisation Project.
First announced in 2016, the project aimed to transform Cleveland’s civic and commercial heart, but was shelved the following year when Council committed key CBD land to the Chefs Inc. markets.
Cr Mitchell said while there had been some progress – including infrastructure upgrades and the development of aged care and medical services – the area still lacked a long-term vision.
“These initiatives have been valued, but it is clear that more strategic and sustained work is needed,” he said.
“A new approach is needed – one that drives a major market response and leverages the precinct’s strong ‘sense of place’ and civic character.”
Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce President Suzie Tafolo said the motion deserved serious consideration.
“We recognise the value of long-term planning that is needed to support the area’s role as a vibrant town centre,” she said.
“If this motion contributes to considered economic growth and reflects the broader needs of the city, it’s worth careful consideration.”
In 2016, Council engaged the Redland Investment Corporation (RIC) to lead the charge to transform Cleveland.
A RIC spokeswoman said it would continue to follow the direction of Council.
“RIC is well positioned to support Council’s city building and place-making projects by leveraging its established structure and capabilities to deliver increased value for Council and the Redlands community,” she said.
