Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its design concept for 1A Jaques St, Ourimbah, inviting comments on features they like or would like to see improved.
The site has seen some controversy in recent years.
In 2023, a heritage-listed Nissen hut which had occupied the site was demolished, despite a community campaign to save it led by Member for The Entrance David Mehan.
Donated to The University of Newcastle in the 1992 by the Ourimbah School of Arts, the hut was originally to have been dismantled and re-erected on an alternative site at the Ourimbah campus, but the university deemed the building unsalvageable after dismantling began in 2023.
Once the hut was gone, the community rallied again for assurances that the site would remain in public hands, with the University eventually donating it back to Council.
Much concern was expressed by Ourimbah Region Residents Association that the amenities block on site might also be demolished, but Council reassured residents it would remain and public feedback on future uses for the site would be sought.
Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls, said feedback gathered on the concept design would be used to shape the final version of the masterplan and public domain plan before it is adopted by Council.
“Following the transfer of this site from the University of Newcastle to Council, we went out in 2023 to the community to get ideas and feedback on what the site could be used for and look like,” Nicholls said.
“The feedback on the vision for the site showed strong support for a park with features such as toilets, open green space, shade structure and heritage interpretation.
“With this feedback provided Council has worked on a design which features a layered and flexible place to function as a pocket park for informal children’s play and community gatherings.
“The design includes open space, a variety of trees and shrubs, two wheelchair-accessible public toilets, a covered seating area with interpretive heritage elements and a water drinking fountain.
“Although funding has not yet been allocated for the construction phase, finalising the design will pave the way for Council to explore potential funding opportunities, noting funding will be allocated to upgrade the toilet block as part of the Central Coast Council Public Toilet Strategy Overview.”
In addition to viewing the design online the community can also attend a variety of face-to-face engagement sessions to chat with a Strategic Planner about the design and masterplan, with a presentation available at the Community workshop.
These include: an on-site pop-up session from 11am-2pm on Thursday, July 31; a community workshop from 2-4pm on Wednesday, August 6, at Newcastle University Ourimbah Campus – registrations for attendance essential; and a drop-in session from 5-7pm on Wednesday, August 6, at Newcastle University Ourimbah Campus.
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said Council is working hand-in-hand with residents and nearby businesses to gather their ideas and feedback.
“Our goal is to ensure that (the site) continues to serve as a welcoming and vibrant gathering place for the community,” he said.
To view the design, read the Masterplan and to register to attend a pop-up or workshop event search ‘Jaques St’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com Consultation is open until Monday, August 25.
Truly doesn’t look like it belongs in the area you are putting it in ! How can you say this is a peaceful sanctuary in Ourimbah ? It’s on the corner of The Pacific Hwy and right across the road from the Railway station 😂.. The only thing it’s got going for it is a very old and dubious public toilet ! Scrap that plan and just make it a limited time park for adjacent shops ! It would be much more beneficial for local business in the area