Revitalisation plans for a town renowned as “the heart of the hinterland’’ have taken a major step forward, and residents are invited to participate in the planning.
Sunshine Coast Council has secured a design consultant to lead a project that will help revive the region’s historic hub of Nambour.
The Nambour (Namba) Place Revitalisation Project aims to develop a precinct-wide strategy for Nambour’s town centre to consolidate its growing reputation as a creative and welcoming place.
The council’s approach will ensure designs for the town’s public interest and will respond to the values and needs of the community, as well as align with and inform on-going strategic planning for the town.
“This project is part of creating a vibrant hinterland heart that will meet the needs of our whole community,” Division 10 Councillor David Law said.
‘It will also ensure we are servicing the business, entertainment, cultural, health and education needs of the town and the surrounding communities.
“Council will continue to lead the design and community engagement for this revitalisation and is now meeting with a wide range of stakeholders, including the First Nations community.
“One of the discussions we’ve had is around connection to country through the place name. Namba is derived from the First Nations word, referring to the flowering tea-tree.
“We are also working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads regarding the future of the centre’s traffic network and getting the balance right between promoting walkability and pedestrian safety along the main street while still maintaining traffic flow.
“By improving pedestrian experience and introducing features that encourage footfall and interaction we are aiming to create a more active main street where people feel comfortable walking through town just as they would through a major shopping centre.”
The council has appointed Brisbane-based design firm T.C.L as the principal consultant to lead the draft precinct-wide concept designs and 10-year implementation plan.
The company has worked on similar large-scale masterplan revitalisations in Yeppoon, Melbourne and Brisbane.
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“The basis for the concept design will provide a clear and detailed understanding of how the town centre will look and function, how much it will cost, and provide a roadmap for when each stage of construction can occur,” Cr Law said.
“Council has also engaged local specialists, including Nambour-based design firm POMO, to assist with the process and bring a place-specific understanding to the project.
“The project will draw inspiration and direction from previous community engagement and planning with community groups and council, which outlined a vision for Nambour’s future.”
The council recognises the importance of Nambour as one of the region’s key service centres and the work being undertaken will help create a sense of place for its future and hinterland communities.
Read a related story: Plan to get our hinterland heart pumping again
It undertook a robust procurement process to secure the consultants for this placemaking strategy which is part of Nambour Centre Activation Project – focused on invigorating this major hinterland centre over the next 10 years.
For more information about the Nambour Centre Activation Project please visit council’s website.
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