Revitalising Lloyd Park and Main Street in Crescent Head to be a more family-friendly and inviting recreational space is now a reality with over $1 million secured.
Kempsey Shire Council staff joined NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole in Lloyd Park on Tuesday to announce that the NSW Government is investing $1.15 million to fund important accessibility upgrades for popular Lloyd Park in Crescent Head.
Kempsey Shire Council Director of Operations and Planning Michael Jackson said the future use of the small public space in the heart of Crescent Head will be an exciting and important area for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
"The proposals we have for Lloyd Park and Main Street were received positively by residents after extensive and thorough community engagement with the goal to improve the accessibility and streetscape of the busy area of Crescent Head," Mr Jackson said.
"Using terracing to better manage the change in levels in the park will mean a level open space and additional seating can be provided. Installing a footpath to protect vegetation and improve movements from the park to Main Street as well as retaining mature trees for shade are planned within the proposal. The plans also seek to relocate the Cenotaph within the park to provide a more effective gathering space and introduce angled car parking to Main Street."
Mr Jackson said over the course of 2023 Council will be fine-tuning the plans for the area before any construction works begin.
"Looking ahead Council will now work to refine plans and detailed designs for this part of the village. When works do kick off, they will be carried out to minimise impact on the community and businesses."
This project forms part of the overarching Crescent Head Public Domain project that was adopted by Council in October 2020. While debate is still ongoing regarding the foreshore element of the plan, the improvements to Lloyd Park and Main Street were well-received by the community.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said funding for the project from Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund would allow even more Kempsey Shire locals to enjoy this popular community space.
"We know how important these kinds of public spaces are, not only for locals, but tourists and visitors alike. They are at the centre of our coastal communities and deserve the very best facilities that everyone can enjoy", Mr Toole said.
"The $1.15 million upgrade will improve pedestrian accessibility and connectivity from the Crescent Head village, relocate the Crescent Head Cenotaph and provide informative signage on local cultural heritage."
Mr Toole said the Lloyd Park funding commitment means Crescent Head has now received more than $2 million in funding under the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
"The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is making regional NSW an even better place to live, work and raise a family, with more than 2,500 projects across every Local Government Area."
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government's $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.
