Horsham Rural City Council has made alterations to its Draft City to River Masterplan following a review of feedback gathered during this year's public consultation period.
The Draft Masterplan was developed as a series of conceptual ideas and possibilities for the future of Horsham's sports facilities, city centre and riverfront.
Some 740 official submissions were received during the feedback period from 4 July to August 30 which included discussions with key user groups.
The Council adopted a series of recommendations at its November meeting on Monday night to amend the Draft Masterplan to reflect feedback from residents and groups and divide the plan into sub-precincts.
These sub-precincts are the central activity district, Firebrace Street's connection to the river, Botanic Gardens, City Oval and Sawyer Park, Showgrounds Crownland, Showgrounds Freehold and Riverfront.
A notable decision was to amend botanic gardens planning to include Horsham Croquet Club, lawn tennis courts and miniature railway in future developments.
The Council also opted to undertake further investigation about the preferred location of the proposed new regional standard facilities for both outdoor and indoor sports.
Mayor Mark Radford said the Council thanked everybody who contributed to the feedback process.
"It would be fair to say that there was a variety of responses from a wide age range and we acknowledge everybody's efforts," Cr Radford said.
"Subject to the outcome of a rescission motion at the next Council Meeting, There are some things that can be done sooner rather than later and there are some things that will require more planning."
Cr Radford said the next step was to start the schematic design process for parts of the masterplan which had been strongly supported in the public feedback.
"This involves deciding exactly what things will look like and exactly where they should go," he said.
"Examples of individual projects that are at that stage include the City Oval and Sawyer Park concepts, the riverfront improvement such as a cafe and splash park and enhancements to the way Firebrace Street connects to river.
Cr Radford said the decision to divide the masterplan into specific precincts provided an opportunity for user groups to work with Council to ensure detailed designing aligns with the long-term vision of user groups.
"There will be opportunities for people to perhaps sit on a steering committee or a project control group. There will also be more chances for the wider public to provide feedback through questionnaires and workshops," he said.
Summary of adopted amendments to the draft masterplan:
- Botanic Gardens Sub-Precinct - Amend the draft masterplan to show the Horsham Croquet Club in the Botanic Gardens with enhanced integration and connectivity (including removal of permanent fencing), as a regional facility, noting that a number of the lawn tennis courts are used to support regional tournaments.
- Botanic Gardens Sub-Precinct - Amend the draft masterplan to show lawn tennis courts with enhanced integration and connectivity (including removal of permanent fencing), and work with the Lawn Tennis Club, Tennis Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria to review future needs and demand for lawn tennis in the broader context of other tennis facilities and proposed regional tennis facility in Horsham, noting that the current footprint is to remain pending the aforementioned review.
- Botanic Gardens Sub-Precinct - Amend the draft masterplan to remove the proposed lake.
- Riverfront Sub-Precinct - Amend the draft masterplan to acknowledge the role of miniature railway in activation of the riverfront sub-precinct and work with the Wimmera Live Steam and Model Engineering Society to explore design options and a viable operating model as part of the design process.
- Riverfront Sub-Precinct - Commence implementation of concept and schematic design for the riverfront improvements, including the splash park and site selection for the cafe/restaurant.
- Riverfront Sub-Precinct - Undertake a market sounding and expression of interest process for the development/operation of the café/restaurant.
- City Oval and Sawyer Park Sub-Precinct - Commence concept and schematic design process for City Oval and Sawyer Park area which considers options for the configuration of City Oval and Sawyer Park layout.
- Showgrounds Freehold Sub-Precinct - Work with the Horsham Agricultural Society to advance the precinct planning and assist in the development of the site, which aligns with their operating model.
- Key Connection Sub-Precinct - Commence schematic designs for the key connection along Firebrace Street.CAD Renewal Sub-Precinct - Encourage and support the private sector in urban renewal including preparation of a development plan for the concrete batching plant site.
- CAD Revitalisation Sub-Precinct - Commence schematic and detailed designs.
- CAD Revitalisation Sub-Precinct - Note that the planning for the GovHub will be subject to further engagement with State Government Agencies.
- CAD Revitalisation Sub-Precinct - Note that there are no plans to change the existing angle parking arrangements in the CAD and any reconfiguration will be subject to further consultation with business and other stakeholders as part of the schematic and detailed design stage.
- CAD Revitalisation Sub-Precinct - Amend the draft City to River masterplan to show a series of meeting places in the CAD.
Note: Cr David Grimble has advised of his intention to lodge a rescission motion in relation to the above changes as resolved by Council.
- Council revoked the Showgrounds as its preferred location for outdoor sports and will conduct a feasibility study independently which considers both the Showgrounds site and the Horsham West option
- Council revoked the Showgrounds as its preferred location for indoor sports and will conduct a feasibility study independently which considers both the Showgrounds site and the Horsham West option
