Community members will have a range of opportunities to get involved in refining the design for the Baw Baw Civic Precinct in the new year.
Baw Baw Shire Council endorsed a draft master plan for the site at its meeting on 16 December and encouraged the community to share their views.
The project, known as the Baw Baw Civic Precinct, aims to build on existing spaces and infrastructure in the areas surrounding the West Gippsland Arts Centre (WGAC) and Civic Park by integrating new civic and community spaces, improving open spaces and maximising opportunities for community connectedness.
Council worked with Hansen Partnership Pty Ltd to develop the draft master plan based on initial consultation with the community and key stakeholder groups during this year.
Highlights of the draft master plan include the potential for a new regional library co-located with other facilities to create a significant community asset.
Improving connectivity between the Civic Precinct and the town centre is another key priority to create a welcoming and pedestrian focus 'front door' to the precinct with expanded West Gippsland Art Centre forecourt and potential for small food and beverage outlets.
The draft master plan details five key ambitions for the precinct, including:
- Embrace its legacy of stewardship and continuity
- Embrace its park asset around Civic Park
- Inspire creativity, lifelong learning and collaboration
- Be a people oriented, vibrant precinct that is active by day and night
- Be a precinct with appropriately managed parking.
A staged implementation is also proposed in the master plan, with the initial phase supported by a $6 million capital investment allocation in Council's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan.
Expected interest in this project from both the State and Federal governments will help progress master plan implementation across the initial and subsequent stages.
The staged delivery process will aim to achieve the following outcomes for the site:
- Strengthening the connection between the Warragul CBD and the Precinct
- Instilling an early sense of vibrancy and community orientation
- Providing cornerstone creative, learning and collaboration opportunities
- Establishing permanence for Council and Civic functions
- Respecting legacy and stewardship
- Minimising disruption and inconvenience during construction periods
A range of consultation opportunities will be available for the community to participate in during January 2021, including pop-up stalls and information sessions. Community members can also provide their feedback online at any time via the Council website.
