Port Macquarie Hastings Council has commenced works on an innovative program to revitalise the Laurieton Town Centre and ‘Switch on Seymour’.
The Switch on Seymour project looks to create exciting places for locals to visit, stay, connect, and explore within the Laurieton town centre and create a stronger draw for visitors while boosting the town’s economic and cultural profile.
The Seymour St corridor, between Bold and Lake Streets, will be temporarily staged to host a six-month activation program, with provisional improvements in motion to enhance the local atmosphere and opportunities for social connection.
Works have begun, with the first vibrant addition to the town now on show. Two local, Indigenous artists were commissioned to install the first of many public art installations, intended to tell the town’s unique story.
The mural takes inspiration from Camden Haven’s natural environment, with North Brother Mountain and the Camden Haven River incorporated in its design.
Temporary road closures of Seymour St will occur throughout September to allow works to continue and prepare the street for the activation period. Among the works, residents can expect to see ‘parklets’ installed to expand outdoor dining and meeting spaces, and beautification works including the addition of new planting beds, public art installations and upgraded amenities.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Mayor Peta Pinson says that she is excited to see Laurieton’s unique character broadcasted and celebrated.
“When developing the Laurieton Town Centre masterplan, locals shared that Seymour St was their preferred location for a temporary streetscape upgrade and event space,” said Mayor Pinson.
“I’m thrilled to see this project come to life and to have secured State Government funding to create a space made for people, that drives community connection and pride in our place.”
Port Macquarie Hastings Council was successful in their bid for $500,000 in funding to bring the project to fruition, provided by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment Streets through their award-winning Shared Spaces program.
A call for expressions of interest has recently closed to engage local groups, organisations and residents to host activities that add colour and movement to the precinct during the six-month activation program.
A myriad of local artists, businesses, community groups and performers have put their hands up to be involved in the activation program, which will be finalised and available in the coming weeks.
Works under the Switch on Seymour project are expected to be completed by late September, in time for the activation program to commence from Friday 7 October, 2022.
