Plans for a redeveloped Nowra Riverfront Precinct were delivered to Shoalhaven City Council at a special event held this week.
Council says the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan has been developed based on more than 700 ideas shared by the community during consultation activities.
The activation plan is part of the work being delivered under the Nowra Riverfront Activation Taskforce, established by the NSW Government in 2020.
“This plan is an illustration of a potential community vision for a refreshed, activated and engaging riverfront precinct that supports the wellbeing of the community, the health of the river and the economy of the Nowra CBD,” said Mayor, Amanda Findley.
“It sets the scene for planning for the precinct that incorporates parklands, accommodation, spaces for commercial and social activities which we will work in collaboration with all levels of government and the private sector to help realise.
“We still have a lot of work in front of us to ensure planning for the precinct is coordinated and aligned to other major projects underway, including the Nowra Bridge development and the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment as well as to plan around challenges specific to this site including flooding and various ownership of land,” she said.
Mayor Findlay said the plan incorporates the thoughts and ideals of local Aboriginal community expressed as part of a separate consultation process to develop a cross-cultural framework for the precinct that ensures Aboriginal cultural knowledge is valued and respected throughout the activation of the riverfront.
She said the plan includes desirable community outcomes like a riverfront boardwalk for pedestrian and bicycle access that provides an immediate connection to the river as well as parks and open spaces. It also features residential and commercial buildings of various heights to accommodate cafes, restaurants, accommodation and housing.
The precinct extends along the foreshore of the Shoalhaven River near the southern side of the Nowra Bridge and is bound by Hawthorn Avenue to the east, Hyam Street and Graham Street to the south and Shoalhaven Street to the west.
View the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan.