DA is Lodged
Council has lodged a Development Application for key components of the design with work anticipated to start in early 2012.
Council has the new designs and has submitted a Development Application for the $14.2 million project. The community was invited to have their say about the plans during the DA process. The DA was on exhibition until 3 June 2011, if you wish to view the documents you need to apply to Right to Information Officer.
The DA number assigned is DA-2011/437, you can search for brief information about the DA by visiting Council's DA's Search pages.
Council also held two information kiosks in Crown Street Mall (near the Information Booth) and a retailer specific information session.
Stay tuned for the results from your feedback and comments.
About the DA
This DA incorporates the ideas and concepts from the public and it is now the community’s chance to see revised designs and comment on the proposed development.
Some of the changes that have been incorporated into the designs following community feedback are:
- The inclusion of more colour
- A children's interactive water play area in front of the Church on the Mall
- A children's interactive musical play area west of the Church Street intersecti
- Seating elements now incorporate timber elements to add natural colour and texture
- Pavement materials have been lightened
- Illawarra flame trees in key areas
- Light poles throughout the mall will have the ability to fly banners adding colour and information
- Feature lighting under the tree canopy programmable to a variety of colours.
- A new stage area and access to power at key points in the Mall to encourage the programming of more entertainment within the mall.
Council will invest $14.2 million into the Crown Street Mall refurbishment over the next two years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wollongong City Council has lodged a development application for the Crown Street Mall refurbishment project. The Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) provide information about how the community can be involved in the DA process.
What is Council proposing to do with Crown Street Mall?
Council is planning to spend $14.2 million on a major refurbishment of Crown Street Mall. This will include removal of the ‘birdcage’, new paving, seating, children’s play elements, introduction of new trees and a new water feature.
What is the DA process and how can I have my say?
Parts of the refurbishment require Development Application (DA) approval. The DA was on exhbition and during this time the community was invited to have their say. The DA will be assessed by an independent consultant.
View Council's DA Tracking webpage, search for DA-1022/437.
When is work due to start on the mall?
Subject to Development Application approval and funding, work on the $14m refurbishment of the Mall is planned to take place in two stages with the first commencing in February 2012 until late 2012 and then recommencing after the busy Christmas and New Year sales period in early 2013.
Will shoppers still be able to access all the shops during construction work?
Shops will remain open during the construction work. Council will liaise with local businesses to ensure minimum disruption to businesses and shoppers.
Who can I contact for more information about the plans for the mall?
Comments relating to the Development Application should be referred to Council in writing or via Council’s Customer Service Centre on (02) 4227 7111 (ask for the Duty Planner).
The full plans for the refurbishment can only be viewed by applying to the Right to Information Officer.
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History
The Mall was opened in 1986 and has remained virtually unchanged for 22 years. The success and time have taken their toll on the Mall. It is showing its age, with current structures looking worn and tired. Council wanted to ensure that the Mall is a vibrant and attractive place to shop, do business, share community events and access services.
In April 2009 Council voted to refurbish the Mall and keep it closed to traffic. This decision followed extensive community consultation in November 2008 which revealed the majority of residents wanted to keep the Mall a pedestrian friendly zone.
Revitalisation Plans Background
In 2010 Council engaged the NSW Government Architect to develop concept designs to revitalise the Crown Street Mall. The community had a chance to provide input into the designs, and following your feedback, the Architect is back to the drawing board adding more colour and character to the designs.
Council is awaiting the revamped designs and expects to submit a Development Application for the $14 million project later this year. The community will have another chance to have their say about the plans during the DA process.
Plans for the Crown Street Mall
- Refurbish Wollongong’s main shopping and commercial centre.
- Create a space that is fresh, open and inviting.
- Remove existing structures including the ‘birdcage’ to increase sightlines.
- Improve lighting to create ambience and increase safety.
- Maintain and improve the CCTV security system.
- Replace existing worn pavers with modern durable surfacing.
- Install a new performance spaces.
- Replace 1980s water fountains with a modern children’s play water feature.
- Encourage cafes, outdoor dining and markets through the Mall.
- Introduce colour, greenery and modern furniture to breathe new life into the city centre.