Sydney’s Inner West Council is developing plans for the revitalisation of the Balmain Town Hall precinct.
At a public meeting last night (Wednesday 13 July), local residents heard about the proposal and put forward their own ideas for the precinct, which takes in the area from Balmain PCYC to the new Balmain Square.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said the plans will pay tribute to the vitality of the surrounding high street and preserve the important heritage of the area.
“We’ve allocated $1.4 million in this year’s budget to start the improvements to the area but it will require more than that to make this happen,” Mayor Byrne said.
“We are bringing together local citizens, businesses, property owners, local and state agencies to breathe new life into this historic precinct.”
He said some of the ideas put forward at last night’s meeting included:
• Opening the unused Balmain Court House to the community
• Creating a museum of Balmain in the precinct
• Re-enlivening the Town Hall by converting it into an arts venue particularly providing rehearsal space in the first instance, similar to the plans for Marrickville Town Hall
• Improving the Library in the Town Hall for children and families
• A placemaking approach to activating all the outdoor spaces from the PCYC through to the post office and the new Balmain Square
“All the ideas put forward last night will be put together in a document and circulated to participants,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Next steps include setting up a working group. That group would need to include the local State elected representative and the Department of Communities and Justice to address the plans to reinvigorate the Court House.
“As well, Council is commencing an upgrade of Balmain Library as a priority project, to bring the library up to contemporary design standards, refurbish the building and improve customer experience.
“By working together, we can definitely breathe new life into this famous area,” Mayor Byrne said.
