AS work on the redevelopment of the Cairns Central Business District continued today the much maligned mushroom performing arts stage in City Place started coming down.

The giant pandanus palm and stage built during a $1.8m makeover of City Place in 2007 is being demolished because it is too difficult and expensive to relocate.

Cairns Deputy Mayor Terry James said the much criticised structure, designed by architect Mark Buttrose and mistakenly dubbed a mushroom by locals, could not be saved.

media_camera DOWN IT GOES: The City Place stage being torn down. Picture: Stewart Mclean

"We looked at the option of finding the stage a new home, but the design makes it very difficult, and therefore expensive, to dismantle and relocate,'' Cr James said.

"Given the high costs of reassembly and installing the required foundations, it would actually be more cost-effective to build a new structure.''

Meanwhile, work on the transformation of Lake St starts on October 14 with City Place being fenced off and the area between Shields and Aplin streets closed to traffic from October 21.

media_camera DOWN IT GOES: The City Place stage being torn down. Picture: Stewart Mclean

Cr James said the start of construction would be "a major step toward achieving the city centre that Cairns deserves''.

Stage 1 works include a new passenger transport hub with ``reef and rainforest'' theming. The road is expected to be closed for three months with work starting on the southern side of City Place in April 2014.

To find out more, phone the 1800 001 557 or email citycentrealive@cairns.qld.gov.au

