No! No! No! We’ve danced this dance before… Putting cars ahead of people through the Central Armidale Mall means we would lose something infinitely more valuable – our Town Square.
We have, perhaps, often not used this precious, democratic space as well or often as we could, but its existence still gives us so much – an important central space to gather in good times and bad.
To begin with, for example, removing the stage, used for so many events, as well as the space for our very special Christmas tree and markets simply to create yet another ordinary city block adds precisely what? We have many parking opportunities nearby and a very serviceable road network as it stands with maybe a couple of tweaks..
Time alters dynamics. When Centro/Central was built it pulled many shops towards it which was then compounded by online shopping. Many specialist shops in the CBD couldn’t compete, particularly as more and more absentee landlords who hold property like stocks and shares in their portfolios bought into town maximising rents beyond individual business abilities to pay. These trends are sadly world-wide. We now see many organisations in the spaces.
Different Councils had different policies. I’m pretty sure the original plans for the welcome renovation of Tatts Hotel showed the hotel with tables into a designated Mall area but the then Council knocked that back for a redesign. Today that seems to me it would have been a good idea. A policy encouraging more of an entertainment precinct would contribute to making more community use of the space as a meeting place. Weekend events with rostered food trucks and entertainment could be employed.
I’ve sat on various Council Tourism and Arts Committees and seen various consultant’s plans. We should be open to doable imaginative ideas but please don’t just play with re-inventing the wheel just because an expensive square wheel might be presented as a new idea.
Around the world there is more and more concentration on pedestrians and lifestyle.
I won’t discuss other ideas such as a new regional cultural facility (to incorporate what already exists?) or the rather cavalier “targeted demolition of detractory buildings” and the Bowling Club) as I’m so concerned for the future of the heart of our City, our Town Square.
It really matters!
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