WHEN the grand plan for revitalising the central Lithgow business area finally took centre stage this week there was immediate interest and some previously unheralded surprises.
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The plan prepared for council by experienced consultants embraces the CBD area extending from Queen Elizabeth Park to several hundred metres east of Bridge Street and from Railway Parade to Mort Street.
Major features of the concept plan now on public display include:
- NEW entrance portals at both ends of the development area and at Dunns Corner.
- MUCH more tree planting with the emphasis on large trees.
- LARGE scale enhancement of Cook Street Plaza.
- CREATION of pedestrian squares at each major intersection.
- STREET art at various locations.
- INNOVATIVE lighting.
- MORE parking.
- NEW street furniture.
As expected much of the $2.8 million federal grant will focus on enhancement of the Cook Street Plaza as a focal point of the CBD.
This expected to be the first stage of the project.
The remainder will be financed from council’s own resources after funding has been set aside over recent years.
Emphasis on the plaza has been no secret.
But an important feature that will take many by surprise is a plan to create a new eastern entrance to Lithgow from Mort Street — aka the Bells Line.
Under the plan a new tree lined avenue will be created diverting away from Mort Street across part of the current Lithgow Council depot to link up with a reconstructed Gasworks Lane and a redeveloped Bridge-Main Street intersection.
The intention is to encourage more Bells Line traffic to explore the town area.
It will also provide an anticipated link with the heritage Eskbank railway precinct.
A series of ‘squares’ will be created around the intersections to create a more friendly shared space between motor vehicles and pedestrians.
A major tree planting program is proposed along Mort Street to create a pleasing avenue of what Council Development Officer Matt Brewster says will be a delightful green avenue.
He is hopeful the council will agree in the final plan to adopt more large trees and concedes that it will be future generations that will reap the most benefits.
Provision is also to be made for additional parking while footpath paving will be replaced over several years.
Business owners will be encouraged to make their presentations as innovative as possible.
The exhibition will be available for public inspection from Tuesday to Friday next week at 72 Main Street between the hours of 10am and 3pm.
It is also available for inspection at the Lithgow Council administration building in Mort Street and at the Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland Libraries.
Public comment will be considered in the final design.
