Residents may be wondering what is going on with what Council has designated as our Town Green. After all the time and money spent on consultants and the Masterplan, the improvements so far consist mostly of shared paths, sandstone seating, landscaping and a strange spacecraft in the corner.
According to the Masterplan (2021) “The Town Green is subtly sculpted to create a shallow amphitheatre which addresses the water with a new stage (#8 on image) and shade canopy. This canopy is a keenly located upgrade to the existing rotunda, and makes for a dramatic stage for weddings, performances, and social gatherings right on the water’s edge....”.
Fast forward to September 2022 and Council now advises that the ‘new stage’ won't be built because of lack of funds. So the long rows of expensive cut sandstone (the 'amphitheatre') face outwards towards a stage that won't exist.
It is acknowledged that there are more tables and an abundance of seating options with smooth sandstone blocks and soft grass, all directed towards the wonderful Lake vista, and when the trees grow up there will be shade-a-plenty. Without a stage is Council planning to use the rotunda for entertainment purposes?
There is meant to be more open space for large events but it’s not clear how these will be organised with even less parking than previously. It’s also unclear how people are expected to use the space at other times. Will young people be allowed to set up informal volleyball courts or older people play bowls on the Town Green?
As it happens, consultants are proposing a very similar sandstone-lined amphitheatre for the river entrance park at Port Macquarie. Hopefully they will get a stage to go with it.
In Toronto there had been disquiet about removal of the old rotunda. The new spacecraft is located closer to the road, and has greatly improved disability access. The finished product will apparently be the frames plus a covering on top. . It’s a rotunda in style because it’s round. Is the proximity to the road and orientation to the seating conducive to performances?
Work is scheduled to begin on the Tinto cafe/playground end of the foreshore during 2023/24, followed by the terraces at the Bath Street end during 2024/25, then perhaps the café and amenities during 2025/26.
Council is to be commended for its willingness to spend money on the foreshore, but it would be good to have some community consultation to give more detail and a better understanding of how variations to community consulted plans are made.
If you feel strongly that our Town needs the proposed over-water stage you can contact our Councillors or Council directly
All the Councillor contact details are on the CPPA website.
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