Festoon and bud lighting, community events and a collaborative marketing campaign are among initiatives that have helped highlight the vibrancy of Cleveland’s town centre during the past 12 months.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Council had worked with the local business community to coordinate activations in line with the long-term intent of the Cleveland Centre Master Plan.
“A targeted program of initiatives has been delivered in partnership with stakeholders to support Cleveland’s role as a vibrant principal activity centre,” the Mayor said.
“Some of these activities have helped to activate the night-time economy, such as the installation of festoon lighting in Library Square at the top of Bloomfield Street by Council, installation of decorative bud lighting in the dining precinct along Middle Street by Cleveland Central and the introduction of evening author talks at Cleveland Library.
“The first author talk brought more than 200 people into Cleveland centre and a second event is planned for February 2026.
“Redland Performing Arts Centre and Redland Art Gallery have also delivered activities that draw visitors, and RPAC recently unveiled its redeveloped forecourt that will improve the visitor experience for more than 60,000 attendees each year.
“Council has also hosted major events during the year, including a NAIDOC Cultural Celebration, a candle lighting vigil, and a Fun Day as part of Redlands Coast AdventureFest.
“On 28 November, Council will launch its 2025 Christmas celebrations with Lighting of the Christmas Tree events at Raby Bay Harbour Park, with many other festive activities being held within Cleveland in December including a special event in Bloomfield Street on Thursday 11 December to support late-night trading.
“All of these activations help boost visitor numbers to Cleveland and showcase it as a vibrant destination for business and lifestyle.”
Council worked in partnership with Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce to deliver an ‘In Cleveland’ marketing campaign through a website and social media.
The campaign was not only about promoting the town centre, but also about encouraging local business collaboration and it has built a legacy for businesses to work together to lead future activities.
Council continues to progress both the Cleveland Centre Local Area Transport Plan and Redlands Coast Access and Parking Strategy after conducting community consultation on the draft documents this year.
“Together, these documents aim to support a cohesive, accessible and people-focused town centre and will assist Council in prioritising projects,” the Mayor said.
“This is important when you consider the number of commercial and residential developments that have been approved surrounding the town centre.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said Council would continue to deliver initiatives in Cleveland that provided social and economic benefits for the community and visitors.
“This includes ongoing support for the Cleveland Revitalisation Project and the implementation of a Vacant to Vibrant program to progress both medium-term tenancy attraction and short-term activation partnerships with local traders, community and creative groups,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Council has also endorsed the Cleveland Streetscape Design Manual to guide the design, enhancement and long-term delivery of streetscapes across the Cleveland Principal Activity Centre, including surface treatments, trees and plantings, street furniture and lighting.
“There is an annual maintenance program to help improve the amenity of Cleveland, which includes the pruning of poinciana trees and street sweeping of shopfronts and footpaths on Bloomfield Street.
“Council will also continue to support Cleveland Village Traders Association in further developing the current weekly Cleveland Markets and monthly Twilight Makers Markets to increase both visitation and spend.
“Collaborations between Council and the local business community are focused on leveraging opportunities to ensure a vibrant, safe and sustainable Cleveland town centre and building community pride.”
