The South West Rocks community had its first look at concept designs for the Horseshoe Bay Reserve Masterplan at a workshop on Thursday night.
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Kempsey Shire Council and landscape architect Dan Plummer presented the draft masterplan designs to 50 people at the South West Rocks Country Club as part of the latest round of community engagement on the project.
Workshop attendees were impressed with the draft plans and provided positive and constructive feedback that will be used to develop a final site masterplan.
More than 50 people also participated in walking tours of the site today with the project team, while other interested community members viewed draft masterplan details at a council information stall.
Council's director Operations and Planning, Robert Fish, said the masterplan will guide future facility and amenity design within the Reserve while preserving the site's natural coastal landscape and cultural heritage.
"The vision of the masterplan - which is a long-term strategic plan - is to provide a public space for the community that celebrates the people and the place and enables environmental appreciation," Mr Fish said.
"We've heard from the local community that they value the walkways, open spaces, the lookout and views, natural environment and beach and predominantly use the Reserve for swimming, sightseeing, walking and attending the markets."
Accessibility, pedestrian safety, consolidation of infrastructure and retaining car parking on the site were also identified as priorities.
The main design elements of the draft masterplan include:
- a new pedestrian park entry to improve connections to the town centre
- minor road realignment to improve the flow of open spaces and allow for a site hub featuring kiosk, storage and amenities
- car parking adjustments to remove parking from under the Norfolk Island Pine avenue and facilitate markets and community events
- extension of the beach amphitheatre and improved pedestrian connection into the Reserve and Monument Point
- removal of parking at shelter to increase pedestrian safety
- realignment of the parking at Monument Point to increase green space
An online survey is now open until Monday May 6 for the community to provide further feedback on the draft Horseshoe Bay Reserve Masterplan.
To have your say, visit council's community engagement website, Your Say Macleay at: https://yoursay.macleay.nsw.gov.au
Workshop and survey feedback will be used to inform final designs for the Horseshoe Bay Reserve Masterplan which is expected to be presented to council in June and then onto public exhibition for final feedback.
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