Parkes Shire Council is encouraging residents, stakeholders and visitors to provide feedback on the draft Henry Parkes Centre Masterplan, which is on public exhibition from 30 July 2026 to 27 August 2026.
The draft masterplan outlines a long-term vision for the future of one of the region's most significant tourism and heritage destinations. Located on Peak Hill Road, the Henry Parkes Centre is home to several visitor attractions including the Visitor Information Centre, King's Castle Elvis Exhibit, Henry Parkes Museum, Vintage Machinery Museum, Parkes Motor Museum and Moat Cottage.
The site is operated through a partnership between Council and community organisations including the Parkes Historical Society and the Parkes Antique Motor Club.
The draft masterplan has been developed in response to changing visitor trends and aims to guide future investment, development and operational improvements across the site. Following the opening of the Parkes Bypass in 2025, the Centre has an opportunity to further establish itself as a destination attraction that encourages longer visitor stays and deeper engagement with the region's history and heritage.
The proposed masterplan is guided by three key principles:
• Reuse existing buildings, artefacts and public spaces.
• Relocation of selected assets to improve visitor experience and site functionality.
• Reinterpretation to enhance storytelling, signage and visitor engagement.
The draft plan identifies a number of potential future initiatives including improved landscaping and site presentation, enhanced wayfinding, expanded parking, additional storage facilities, improved pedestrian connectivity, opportunities for events and community use, and consideration of a centrally located Visitor Information Centre.
Mayor Neil Westcott said community feedback would play an important role in refining the masterplan before it is considered for adoption.
"The Henry Parkes Centre is one of Parkes Shire's most important tourism and heritage assets, preserving our stories while supporting local tourism and community activity.
This draft masterplan provides a vision for how the site could evolve over time to meet changing visitor expectations and strengthen its role as a destination attraction. We encourage residents, stakeholders and visitors to review the draft plan and share their feedback to help shape the future of the Henry Parkes Centre."
Community members can view the draft masterplan and make a submission via the online feedback form available on Council's website during the exhibition period.
All submissions received during the public exhibition period will be reviewed and considered as part of the Masterplan development process. Feedback will assist Council in understanding community priorities and will help inform the final Masterplan and its proposed outcomes.
Exhibition Period: 30 July 2026 to 27 August 2026
