December 2011 Cover Story

At a public meeting of The Entrance Peninsular Precinct Committee held on Saturday 19th November the first draft of The Entrance Town Centre Masterplan received overwhelming support. Prepared by The Design Partnership for Wyong Council and with input from The Entrance Revitalisation Workgroup, which has been working on the renewal of the Town Centre for over two years, the draft Masterplan is now set to go before Council for endorsement early in the New Year.

A number of people who CCBR spoke to and had attended the meeting said the positive vibes that came through were encouraging.  While it is only a vision at this point the people have certainly embraced it.

The Masterplan included many of the concepts provided by the Revitalisation Workgroup which was prepared by Chris Johnson, former NSW Government Architect and now CEO of the Urban Taskforce.  Wyong Council became involved in the process following the appointment of General Manager, Michael Whittaker in mid 2010 and his subsequent identification of seven Key Iconic Development Sites within the Town Centre.

Key aspects of the Masterplan:

Open space
A network of open spaces that are linked by paths and promenades are intended to encourage pedestrian use.  These extend from Picnic Point around the lake edge to the ocean baths and across town as well as a ‘water walk’ pedestrian bridge across the lake opening to North Entrance and around the lake edge to Terilbah Park.

Key iconic development sites
Council has identified seven iconic development sites that are intended to become ‘hot spots’ and destinations in their own right, and as anchors in the urban framework. When developed, these sites will provide public spaces, promenades and forecourts.

These sites are:
1. Dunleith Caravan Park
2. Key Site (Marine Parade near KFC)
3. Ebbtide Mall
4. Short Street Car Park
5. Lakeside Plaza
6. The Greens Bowling Club
7. Klumper Water Park (also known as the El Lago site)

Of these sites Lakeside Plaza owners are known to be anxious to redevelop their site which covers an area in excess of 4,000 square metres.  Director, Ben Dunnet said that the company had appointed one of Australia’s leading architectural firms, Architectus, to move forward with a Masterplan for their site.

Hot spots and quiet places
Numerous places throughout the whole area have been identified as Hot Spot and Quiet Places – all social places where people will gather and congregate. The Lakeside Plaza redevelopment, seen as a mixed use residential development, is seen in the Masterplan as the heart of the town centre as a Civic Centre.

Generally speaking for The Entrance to change, major capital investment will be needed and there are some property owners who have the resources to make this happen. Some of Australia’s leading hotel chains have already looked over The Entrance and have shown interest.  The only caveat from their point of view is the road through Long Jetty which they see as a turn-off for visitors.

Commenting on the Masterplan, Chairman of The Entrance Revitalisation Workgroup, Michael Milman said, “It is most important that the community’s voice as a whole be heard and in particular those in support who too rarely ignore the exhibition and required feedback to Council, because they are happy with The Masterplan. Council must hear the positive views otherwise they do not get a balanced view from the overall community.

“The employment prospects from this Masterplan are also of great benefit with large numbers needed for the various developments and activities as well as the economic boost to The Entrance and its small businesses and the many tourist related establishments, which will ensure increased permanent employment and increased residential and holiday accommodation.

Council to move ahead with beautification of The Entrance Road through Long Jetty
An essential aspect of the revitalisation of The Entrance is the improvement of traffic flow through Long Jetty.

The RTA has already been approached but the cost of making changes will inevitably mean there is unlikely to be any positive move by the RTA in the short term. As a result, Council is looking at ways to beautify The Entrance Road so as to give a positive atmosphere to traffic approaching The Entrance.

The works proposed include the location of moveable gardens, planter boxes and street furniture that will provide a boulevarding effect while waiting for RTA funding for the road widening.

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