PERTHVILLE residents have welcomed plans by Bathurst Regional Council to undertake a scoping study into the future of the village square.
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Bordered by Bathurst, Prince and Rockley streets and Tenision-Woods Avenue, the square is unloved and in desperate need of some TLC, residents say.
In council’s announcement of a scoping study, it called for “companies qualified in land use, planning and design principals to undertake a scoping study and to produce detailed design for the development of open space”.
“The work shall comprise of a community consultation process, a report and a full design of the site, for construction purposes.”
Perthville Development Group president Victoria Tuson welcomed the scoping study and said it was good news for the village.
“Council is keen to make a village square the focus for Perthville because it’s a growing community,” she said.
“It’s nice to feel like a priority.”
Ms Tuson said the area is currently overgrown and unloved, and the tennis courts on the site need fixing.
She said the area has a lot of potential and she already has a few ideas for what she would like to see at the site including public toilets, picnic areas and a bicycle track.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said the area currently has two tennis courts on part of the space, and the remainder is open space.
“Council has advertised for a consultant to undertake a scoping study and produce a detailed design, including construction plans, drawings and associated documentation for the site,” he said.
“The consultant will also be asked to undertake extensive community consultation to seek the views of the local community and interested community groups to determine what they would like to see included in the open space.”
Perthville resident Matthew Irvine also welcomed improvements to the park and said it was a key strategic piece of land in the village.
He said the area is a hub for students and transport connections, and public toilets would be a very welcomed new addition.
Council is keen to make a village square the focus for Perthville because it’s a growing community.
- Perthville Development Group president Victoria Tuson
He also suggested picnic tables, gas barbecues and new car parks around the square’s edges should be added.
“We need some playground equipment, something that’s different to what’s at the hall,” Mr Irvine said.
Perthville Development Group member Amanda Peterson said many community members are already about a range of new additions that could be added to the square.
“I think it’s great that something’s going to be done,” she said. “It’s absolutely needs some TLC.”
She said public toilets and community facilities were among the most common suggestions for improvements.
Quotations for the design for development of the land close on June 13, 2017.