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LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN REFURBISHMENT PROCESS
On Thursday 15th September from 6.30 - 8.30pm at Springwood Sports Club, a Community Meeting will be held. The August newsletter for the Springwood Community and Cultural Facilities Upgrade is available here.
First Stakeholders Meeting Summary
SOS were recently invited by council to send a representative to the two stakeholders meetings with the architects whoappeared to be keen to have input from the community, and were particularly patient throughout the first meeting when asked questions.
Following are some key points discussed at the meeting.
- They seem keen to integrate facilities and have shared areas although some organisations expressed concern about sharing space as sometimes they need private and secure space to house confidential files and to encourage participation from their targeted client.
- Good disabled access was stressed as a real necessity. It needs to be better than current standards with lift access preferable or specially designed ramps.
- There is some concern about moving the Baby Health Centre although there is agreement that the building is in need of some repair - as is the playground area. Ease of access and its closeness to banks, chemists, etc. is a real plus for the current location.
- Undercover parking is a necessity.
- Heritage assessment is to be done on the Civic Centre.
- Possible removal of the Neighbourhood Centre and levelling of area fronting Macquarie Road down to road level to make a flat communal area giving easier access into the building and good visibility inviting pedestrians in and allowing for a link to the War Memorial.
- Discussion on all possible uses for Civic Centre allowing re-use of the building but not necessarily as performance or Ivy Market space.
- Ivy Market area will be undercover.
- The architects are keen to have Springwood recognised as more than just a Service Area. They feel Council should market the village as a "specific destination" to visit in the Blue Mountains.
- More grants will be applied for to supplement the $9.5 million Federal grant.
- There was a query on whether the large trees beside Braemer and the big gum in front of the Neighbourhood Centre should be kept. A tree specialist will be engaged to assess their health before a decision is made.
- Architects spoke about their project in Surry Hills and how it had re-invigorated the area. Follow the link http://www.fjmt.com.au/projects/projects_shc.html.
"TO GET THE RESULT YOU WANT YOU MUST BE AWARE AND BE INVOLVED"
The vote by the Blue mountains City Council to proceed to stage one of the City Centre Project ensures that the basic aims of the Save our Springwood campaign have been achieved. The threat of a supermarket/retail complex being erected on communal land has been removed. As a result Macquarie Road will remain the social artery of a vibrant, historic community.
The Council decision follows the Federal $9.5 million grant designed to upgrade Springwood's community and cultural facilities. The grant answers the question of how the project is to be funded which was the core concern of the S.O.S. campaign. Via that campaign residents also demanded that they be thoroughly consulted throughout the process and determine the outcome. This now depends on the residents making themselves aware of the process and engaging with it.
This is a pivotal moment in our community's history when we can determine its future and earn the gratitude of those who will live with our legacy.
To get the result you want you must be aware and be involved. Email swdfacilitiesupgrade@bmcc.nsw.gov.au to receive regular updates from Council. Examples of the work by architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp can be viewed on the website http://www.fjmt.com.au/.
We wish to acknowledge the unwavering support of Councilors, Luchetti, Mays, McCallum, Gibbs and Clark during the community campaign and Susan Templeman's achievement in securing the grant.
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Information on the tender for the Springwood upgrade
Read the full story from the Gazette article by clicking here.
An article form the Penrith press dealing with the Tender can be found by clicking here.
The Council Meeting business paper (from 19 April 2011) with information about the Tender can be found by clicking here.
