The draft plan which will shape the look and feel of Blaxland’s town centre over the next 15-20 years is out.
It includes moving the community centre below Hope St to the centrally located ‘Pilgrim Place’, using council-owned car parking east of Station St. This area would also include a multi-deck carpark, shop-top housing, and a shared laneway between old and new shopfronts.
It’s also proposed to investigate increasing building heights to allow more medium density housing – smaller buildings for single people – in the town centre.
Replacing the pedestrian ramp in Station St with a lift to lessen the impact on the pedestrian mall has also been proposed.
Blue Mountains City Council released the draft master plan following extensive community consultation since 2016.
The Blaxland Chamber of Commerce executive has welcomed the plan.
“We believe they have listened to the business community and supported the local business growth through its carefully considered plan which encourages vibrancy in our community,” said president Jo Bromilow.
“We love the solution for parking and the well thought out, planned pedestrian connections.”
The renewal of the town centre is intended to encourage people to visit and stay in the area.
The development of the plan included specialist studies into traffic and parking, urban design and retail studies, and an architectural study which explored the potential for the relocation of community facilities into a new purpose-built centre with shop-top housing and a new central laneway with cafes and retail.
“The rewards for growth and change could be significant, due to the town’s ability to accommodate a greater range of housing diversity, its proximity to public transport and its potential as an accessible centre,” the draft master plan says.
The public is encouraged to view the plan and have a say.
The draft master plan is on public exhibition from February 8 until March 22, on the council’s website at www.bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/blaxland.
