Baw Baw Shire Council will soon commence the master planning process for a major development to create an integrated community precinct in the heart of Warragul.
The project, known as the Warragul Civic Precinct, aspires to build on existing spaces and infrastructure in the areas surrounding the West Gippsland Arts Centre and Warragul Civic Park by integrating new civic and community spaces, improving open spaces and maximising opportunities for community connectedness.
The decision to commence the master planning process – including allocation of $80,000 from the Forward Design Program as part of the current financial year Capital Works Program – was made by Council at the July 24 Council Meeting, with the motion moved by Deputy Mayor Cr Danny Goss and seconded by Cr Joe Gauci.
The scope for the proposed precinct includes, but is not limited to:
- A municipal library space;
- Arts gallery and additional theatre spaces;
- Public toilets and amenity;
- Multi-purpose and community meeting space/s;
- Council customer and visitor service and front of house;
- Council chambers, committee rooms and public gallery;
- Council staff office accommodation space;
- Improvements to the surrounding area and integration between the proposed Civic Precinct and the existing Civic Park;
- Entry plaza to the Civic Precinct and Civic Park (including the area of the recently demolished house); and
- Additional car parking including options for increased walking and bicycle use.
A sound master plan will ensure a clear road map to guide planning, design and delivery of the staged development over the next 10 years and to budget for future detail design within Council’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan.
Throughout the master planning process, consideration will be given to key themes identified through community consultation for the Community Hubs Strategy, with the following aspirations for the Warragul township in particular:
- Youth orientated and child friendly and accessible programs;
- A place for social connectedness, opportunities and activities;
- Space that allows the community to work together;
- Informal and formal meeting spaces; and
- A focus on multi-purpose space where community and user groups can co-exist.
Council is committed to engaging with the community throughout development of the master plan to ensure the community’s vision and expectation are captured.
