Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Local Councillor Peter Matic today announced that they had entered into negotiations to buy the old Milton Tennis Centre and turn it into a massive suburban park.
Cr Newman confirmed that Council had begun negotiating with developer Kevin Seymour to acquire the site at 315 Milton Road for park purposes.
“The former Milton Tennis Centre site provides a rare opportunity to secure a site of this size within the inner west for parkland,” he said.
“This 3.5 hectare site will provide a large, valuable area of green space for all Brisbane residents to enjoy.”
“This outcome shows we’re prepared to make the big decisions to protect Milton’s long standing tin and timber and increase recreation space.”
The initial decision to develop this land was a hangover from the Soorley/Quinn Labor years. However, a development application lodged on behalf of Mr Seymour last December for 10 buildings of up to 20 storeys in height was the catalyst for Council’s move to acquire the site.
Cr Newman had said for months that his administration would fight plans for up to 20 storeys on the old Milton Tennis Centre site in a bid to protect the area’s tin and timber.
“This land is zoned for sport and recreational use and that is what it will be used for,” Cr Newman said.
“We have a policy of not rezoning sport and recreation land for housing, as we believe it is a valuable and important part of what makes Brisbane great.
“We will protect both the area’s tin and timber from encroaching development and the liveability of our suburbs and city.”
The 35,071 square metre site, which has become an eyesore after being ravaged twice by fire since its closure in 1999 will be transformed into green space.
The site is close to the Milton Centre, public transport and local residents and an excellent location for a park. Cr Newman said that the site could also potentially accommodate some sport uses.
“There is a need around the inner west for land suitable for sport uses, as well as informal recreation,” Cr Newman said.
“We will work with the community to find the right balance between providing for sport and recreation and retain the much-needed parkland for future generations, not high density development.”
|
