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James Street Precinct Development Master Plan
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After enthusiastic participation by the Esperance community on the James Street Cultural Precinct Development Plan (the Plan) consultation, the final opportunity for input has arrived.
The most recent consultation presented three scenarios for development of the precinct area and gave the ability to pick and choose elements from the scenarios to add up to each participant’s ideal outcome. The data received has been a rich source of information enabling consolidation of the most wanted features into the updated Plan.
Council received the revised Plan at the 23 November Ordinary Council Meeting and resolved to advertise it for public submissions for 6 weeks. The Plan is available on the Shire website here, along with summarizing information and details on how to provide feedback. All comment must be received by 14 January 2022.
Shire President Ian Mickel is pleased with the depth of community involvement and the progress made on the Plan.
“We started this consultation in early 2020 and the community has been with us all the way”, he said. “We’ve been pleased and grateful for the time so generously given to this project, and look forward to seeing everyone’s thoughts on this final version of the Plan.”
“Often, people with a favourable opinion are less motivated to communicate their thoughts, and we’re hoping all and sundry will put the effort in to let us know if we’re on the right track.”
Shire CEO, Shane Burge said, “The bigger picture for this Plan is the enormously positive effect it will have in revitalising the town centre.”
“The holistic design will allow the best possible result in linking our foreshore to our town centre with friendly, active spaces.”
“I encourage everyone to look through this very detailed plan, which lays out everything from pedestrian and vehicle movements and a tree strategy to the expected development priorities, and let us know what they think.”
Council will endorse the Plan once there is confidence it has community backing, and work will begin on delivery. The first major stage will be the collocated building; the Cultural and Tourism Hub will have the greatest impact on the identity of the precinct and will drive visitation to the area. The building will also address the urgent need to replace the existing Shire Library and provide much needed space for community activities.
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Ends
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mary Bidstrup (08) 9071 0626
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