Hutchinson Builders has won a $4.1 million construction contract for the revamp of the Lake St car park in the Cairns CBD.

Work is due to start next month on a $5.9 million transformation of the public multi-storey car park, with the upgrade set to include CCTV and security features, improved lighting, all-abilities access and a rainforest-inspired façade.

“The front of the building will be overhauled to complement the tropical amenity created in Lake St through the City Centre Alive project,” Mayor Bob Manning said.

“We want the city centre to be an attractive, inviting and – most importantly – safe place for people to visit.

“This car park is an important piece of CBD infrastructure and we want people to feel safe and comfortable using it.”

The upgrade project was put to tender in March, following an announcement that the Queensland Government would provide a $2.94 million grant toward the project.

In preparation for the major works, the car park will close on Tuesday, June 13 for a period of about six months, weather permitting.