Wollongong City Council has adopted the Government Architect’s Office design for the Crown Street Mall.
Council also sought a briefing from Council staff on options for the Development Application that will not delay the substantial works on the mall. Items for the briefing include a review of the tree types and seating, options for public art, such as performance and projected art, a children’s play area, lighting, and protection for pedestrians.
Council will now ask the Joint Regional Planning Panel to determine the current Development Application so that works may begin on the mall refurbishment.
The Council recommendation also calls for the fast tracking the “decluttering” of the current mall structures. Council has also called for a report on providing public toilets in the mall area.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said the city centre is a vital part of Wollongong and that Council needs to ensure that the city is attractive for people who can visit, shop, relax, enjoy entertainment, and social gathering.
“We must also ensure that access to the city centre is enhanced and the mall return as the heart of our city,” Cr Bradbery said. “I do not believe that the options that Council canvassed including the return of vehicles to some parts of the mall would enhance people’s experience of our city.”
The GAO undertook a detailed analysis, review of community feedback, review of the original three options and development of key principles that informed the preferred Option. On 28 April 2009 Council adopted the pedestrian mall option as the preferred refurbishment option for the Crown Street Mall and approved the staged delivery of the Crown Street Mall refurbishment project.
“This refurbishment will begin the process of bringing the mall up to 21st century standards and at the same time make it an appealing and entertaining place that is safe and friendly for all people who are visiting, shopping or meeting friends,” Cr Bradbery said.
“With the west Keira Street shopping complex announced by GPT Group it is essential that Council now show it is committed to enhance the public space in the city centre.”
The report outlines a number of key principles for the Mall. These include to:
- Maintain Crown Street as a pedestrian environment in the heart of the city centre
- Improve sight lines along the Mall by removing clutter to enhance way finding, safety and security
- Provide a strong landscape design to reinforce linearity and to provide shade
- Provide active edges and outdoor dining
- Activate the Mall at night time through the promotion of adjacent uses
- Locate an informal performance space and play experience on Church Street
In the report a program for construction was outlined with no work to be undertaken within the Crown St Mall during the peak Christmas shopping period.
Following determination by JRPP the design may need to be adjusted to comply with the conditions of consent which may be applied by the JRPP. Other activities that will need to occur include:
- Joint Regional Planning Panel determination early 2012
- Adjusted design to comply with conditions of consent
- Review and update detailed design documentation in preparation for tender
- Resolution of potential utility upgrades
- Development of a detailed construction program and communication strategy to minimise impacts on businesses and the community
- Submit and obtain construction certificate approval
- Tendering of the proposed works
- Preparation and assessment of pre-construction documentation
It is estimated that these activities will take us through to September 2012. Due to the limited time prior to the busy Christmas shopping period it is likely that significant construction would not commence until February 2013.
Council would plan to undertake all works to minimise impact on retailers and the community. It is likely that this will require some works to be undertaken after trading hours and overnight.
For more information you can visit Council’s website or call Council’s Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.