Blue Mountains City Council is preparing for the next stage of Katoomba town centre upgrades, with the local community now invited to review draft designs before construction begins early next year.
The NSW Government-funded public domain upgrade focuses on Katoomba Street and nearby laneways, including paving, kerb and gutter works, street furniture, outdoor dining, lighting, landscaping, public art, heritage interpretation and wayfinding.
“Katoomba is a key strategic centre for the Blue Mountains and a major destination for visitors, and the upgrades aim to support its long-term role while improving the daily experience for the local community,” said Mayor, Mark Greenhill.
“The draft designs build on earlier consultation and respond to what the community has said is important, including safety, amenity and vibrant public spaces.
“This consultation round is focused on sharing the draft designs and using community feedback to make any necessary refinements to the designs ahead of construction.”
Following specialist repairs and testing by a master clockmaker, the Katoomba town clock was also recently re-installed on Katoomba Street. The town clock upgrade is part of the broader program of improvements being planned for the Katoomba Street precinct in line with the Katoomba Masterplan.
The plan was endorsed in November 2023 and provides a long-term vision to guide sustainable revitalisation, development and investment within Katoomba, the Council said in a statement.
Council was awarded $7.5 million in funding for the upgrades to Katoomba town centre via the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program. The investment was in addition to funding for improvements at Glenbrook, Blaxland and Hazelbrook town centres.
“This is a massive $7.5 million dollars of State Government funding for Katoomba particularly, to help it remain liveable, attract and retain residents, and bring in more tourists,” said Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle.
“Everything from footpath upgrades to the work on the clock, outdoor dining, landscaping, lighting and public art is part of this project.
“Initiatives like these strengthen the cultural and social value of our towns. I trust the community will see the benefits of this when complete and congratulate Blue Mountains City Council for putting this project together.”
The Katoomba Town Centre Upgrade program follows a recently completed program of works at the Katoomba Civic Centre Arcade precinct that delivered the Katoomba Artist Studios and a range of upgrades to improve accessibility and comfort for residents and visitors, including redesigned outdoor spaces for events and community activities.
Council officers will hold two community stalls so people can ask questions, view the draft designs and speak directly with the project team.
- 10am to 1pm, Thu 7 May – Pop-up stall outside Katoomba Post Office
- 8am to 11am, Sat 16 May – Pop-up stall at Civic Centre Arcade
For further information about this project and to follow progress and learn about key milestones, visit: yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/katoomba-town-centre-upgrade.
