Arup was part of the consultant team engaged to undertake the review of the Cairns City Centre and Esplanade Parklands Master Plans in order to prepare a single master plan for the precinct. The study included the area bounded by Wharf, Draper and Minnie Streets, plus the full length of the Esplanade. The review aimed to identify the area as the city’s primary cultural hub and will promote connectivity between the venue and other key areas of the CBD.
The City Centre Master Plan will guide key projects for the next five years and identify future opportunities for public space within the CBD while setting project goals to improve use of the area. The renewed plan was expected to reflect the principles of the CairnsPlan 2016 Planning Scheme, with a stronger focus on tropical urbanism and connectivity.
Having undertaken a number of traffic studies within the Cairns CBD and also providing traffic assessments for numerous developments in the city, Arup has a strong understanding of the Cairns traffic and transport network. Key considerations of the master plan review included the Cairns Transit Network, cycling facilities, pedestrian facilities, parking provisions and layout of the overall road network. Arup provided traffic and transport advice as part of the master plan review and incorporated to improve connectivity, accessibility and legibility between the key areas within the city centre.
A key project identified by the master plan review is the Florence Street Link project which looks to improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the intersections of Florence Street and Lake and Abbott Streets. The project also looks to improve walkability and connection between the recently completed Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands and the Cairns Esplanade Parklands. Arup provided civil and traffic engineering advice and conceptual design to commence the proposed project.
