NSW
Armidale Regional Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on draft concept plans for the redesign of the old courthouse walkway and northern courtyard.
Council last week resolved to place the draft concept plans on public exhibition. It says the exhibition period is a key opportunity for the community to help shape the future of the important heritage site, which has seen the western walkway closed since 2009.
“As a result of feedback received during the open day and community consultation held in November last year it was confirmed that the community wanted to see the old courthouse activated and transformed into a vibrant public space,” said Mayor, Sam Coupland (pictured).
“It is important to activate the site in the short-term to demonstrate to the community that council is actively working on the old courthouse precinct. The courtyard and walkway are a natural first step and will provide improved access into the mall and showcase a wonderful heritage asset.”
Council engaged a landscape architect to assist with the preparation of concept plans which aim to transform the northern courtyard and western walkway into a continuous, flexible, and shared space. The upgrades are designed to offer immediate benefits and align with long-term visions for the site.
The proposed improvements include:
- a flexible/shared walkway space along the western side of the old courthouse building;
- enhancements to the northern courtyard behind the Old Sheriff’s Quarters;
- options for additional upgrades to increase public access and activation.
The draft concept plans incorporate a range of urban design elements to improve public amenity and heritage appreciation, such as:
- improved disability access;
- street furniture, seating walls, and pavement treatments;
- multipurpose arbours with lighting, roofed sections, and climbing plants;
- outdoor dining opportunities and walkway connections;
- tree plantings, landscaped garden beds, and opportunities for public art;
- heritage interpretation displays;
- removal of intrusive elements (eg air conditioning units and water tanks).
Should the community support the concept plans, Council intends to apply for funding through Heritage NSW’s Caring for State Heritage grant program. If successful, Council will contribute $400,000 in matching funds provided from Council’s section 7.12 developer contributions fund.
