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Cultural and Civic Space – For the Heart of the City
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Plans to bring the new CBD cultural and civic space to life are moving forward quickly so Council has launched an online portal to keep the community informed and up-to-date on progress.
“The new ‘Cultural and Civic Space – For the Heart of the City’ is a major focus for our overall strategy to transform the CBD into a vibrant, busy destination that draws in locals and visitors alike,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight.
“We want to see Coffs Harbour’s city centre rival the best that the metropolitan cities can offer.”
In June 2016, and then in May this year, Council endorsed the project to develop the old Salvation Army building in Gordon Street into a new Library and Gallery, with the addition of Council Chamber, office accommodation and Customer Service Centre. This followed a thorough investigation of 11 possible locations within the City Centre Masterplan area.“Some people have asked why the new facility has to be in the city centre,” said Cr Knight. “First of all, current best practice in urban planning says that having a cultural precinct in the heart of a city centre is vital. They bring life, vibrancy, cultural and economic benefits to areas that can otherwise be lifeless outside business hours – and it brings the cultural community into the heart of the city too.
“A city centre location is also important because it offers convenience – you can shop, use services, eat, exercise and enjoy a cultural experience – all in one visit. Plus the new building will be just two minutes’ walk from City Square, parking and public transport.
“Having a facility that incorporates a modern library and gallery, a youth area and digital media studio, exhibition space, parking, workshops and makers studios, public art, a café, small events space and technology resources, means people of all ages and backgrounds have a reason to visit. It will also incorporate the most up-to-date ways of providing access for people with limited mobility.
“We want a new cultural heart that is inclusive, attractive and welcoming to all.”Click here to read the full release.
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I'm Passionate and Proud of it
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by Mayor Denise Knight
I WROTE about the progress on the "Cultural and Civic Space - For the Heart of the City" in my last column but I hope you'll forgive me for coming back to it again.
My excuse is I am so passionate about what a new library, gallery and civic space will mean for the cultural and overall lifestyle of the city that I must spread the message.
In June 2016 and then in May this year we, as a council, endorsed the project to develop the old Salvation Army building in Gordon St into a new library and gallery, with the addition of council chambers, office accommodation and a customer service centre.
This followed a thorough investigation of 11 possible locations within the City Centre Masterplan area.
There were a number of reasons why we concentrated on the CBD.
First is that best practice in urban planning says having a cultural precinct in the heart of a city centre is vital.
They bring life, vibrancy, cultural and economic benefits to areas that can otherwise be quite dead outside business hours - and it brings the cultural community into the heart of the city too.
Another reason was a cultural facility to draw people into the CBD is a vital part of the City Centre Masterplan and is crucial in achieving that plan's goal of activating the city centre as a community and visitor destination.
Being inclusive
In addition, having a facility - which incorporates a modern library and gallery, a youth area and digital media studio, exhibition space, workshops and makers' studios, public art, parking, a café, small events space and technology resources - means people of all ages and backgrounds have a reason to visit.
It will also incorporate best practice access and facilities for people with limited mobility and older people.
A city centre location is important because it offers convenience - you can shop, use services, eat, exercise and enjoy a cultural experience all in one visit.
It's about being inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community and region.
That's a view shared by many people in the community.
We know this because it was the message from the community and our advisory committees following the extensive consultation we undertook on these facilities.
As with so many aspects of life, we can achieve great things by working together.
If we pull in different directions, we might miss out on wonderful opportunities.
Can you see the opportunity? I can.by Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise KnightClick here to read the full release.
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Cultural and Civic Space update
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A LOT has been happening behind the scenes as we progress the plan to develop a 'Cultural and Civic Space - For the Heart of the City' in the CBD'.
This month will see the appointment of a Project Manager to flesh out the initial concepts and begin the hard work on the key feasibility studies and financial estimates.
This project is a vital part of the City Centre Masterplan 2031 and is a key part in achieving that plan's goal of activating the city centre into a vibrant community hub.
It was first back in June 2016 and then in May this year that we, as a Council, endorsed the project to develop the old Salvation Army building in Gordon Street into a new Library, Gallery, Council Chamber, office accommodation and Customer Service Centre. This followed a thorough investigation of 11 other possible locations within the City Centre Masterplan area.
It's an exciting time for the city centre and an exciting time for the whole Coffs Harbour area.
Click here to read the full release.
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We are inspired by other regional city's cultural precinct achievements
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There is a strong focus amongst regional cities, both in Australia and overseas, to improve their cultural buildings and spaces. Some cities have embraced contemporary planning best practice with their building development, including modern, multi-use facilities and creating attractive people friendly spaces for their communities to interact and thrive in. Here are some inspiring examples.
Albury MAMA (Murray Art Museum Albury)
Designed by NBRS and Partners
Read about the success of MAMA at the NBRS and Partners blog and the design of MAMA on their website.
Sir Earle Page Library Grafton
Designed by Thomson Adsett
Read more about the success of Earl Page Library and the building design.
Lismore Regional Gallery
Architects: Dominic Finlay Jones
Read more about Lismore Regional Gallery Project on the Dominic Finlay Jones website.