The design for the former Waites Robson site on the corner of Main and Napier Streets in Stawell is ready to be presented to council for endorsement.
The design was produced following consultation on the wider Stawell Parks Precinct Plan and has the support of the Stawell Recreation Advisory Group and other stakeholders.
The site, which is currently used for overflow car parking at Easter that greets people as they enter the town from the south, was identified in the Stawell Parks Precinct Plan as a key location that was in dire need of improvements.
The design encompasses the feedback received from the community and interest groups which specified any work on the site should:
– Showcase the Stawell Gift.
– Be an opening and welcome platform for Central Park.
– Be a multi-use space and thoroughfare for the community to utilise.
– Have key aspects that promote usability and community place-making.
Council has worked closely with Jeavons Landscape Architects to design a common-use space and natural setting that captures all these aspects and produces a place people of the Northern Grampians can use and enjoy together.
The design features metal artwork of runners, a focal lawn area with running track lines that attract visitors’ eyes into Central Park and mirror the running track, tree planting to the sides and corten steel screening at the back of the building and scoreboard, as well as benches, shading, interpretive signage and other amenities to entice people into the heart of town.
Pedestrian paths cut through the site forming different themed landscape ‘rooms’ designed to represent the attractions of the region. From the mountains to the plains, all aspects of the shire are represented in this space.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Murray Emerson, said the new use of the space will create a community setting that everyone can be proud of.
“The design is really clever in that it ties in beautifully with Central Park and uses elements from all over the shire to create a cohesive space.”
“After having meetings with the Stawell Athletic Club and other stakeholders, it’s clear community representatives are excited about this project and have given it their full support.”
“The 2020 Stawell Gift will not be disrupted by these works as the project will commence after the Easter festivities but this new space will be a gateway to the Gift in future years.”
“It has taken time and careful planning to come up with a design that ticks all the boxes and incorporates the wonderful ideas presented to us by the community.”
“With the use of separate zones and interesting elements, council cannot wait to see this exciting new project come to life.”
Council is currently investigating funding options for the project and it is expected to be completed in stages over an 18 month period following construction commencement.
