After months of planning, the town centres of Richmond, South Windsor and Windsor are a step closer to undergoing major transformations.
Hawkesbury Council has released artist impressions of the revamped centres, which will be funded through the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, a joint agreement between Federal, State and Local governments.
Place Design Group was selected by council to deliver the detailed design for the revitalisation works for each of the town centres.
The concept designs can be viewed at council's community engagement website, yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/lptc.
Council says the designs celebrate the existing heritage of the three town centres, while improving the public spaces to boost and support the charm of the region.
The designs have specific aims for each of the precincts, as follows:
- Richmond - to be a vibrant cultural destination that attracts tourists locally and from across the state;
- South Windsor - to be an updated contemporary town centre that provides for the needs of the local community and supports local businesses' and
- Windsor - to attract visitors to the centre by preserving and enhancing the natural and built heritage.
Mature trees will be planted in all three locations to create a "green boulevard", while pavement and pedestrian safety improvements will be made to encourage visitors to walk and stay longer.
Hawkesbury Mayor, Councillor Patrick Conolly said that the changes would improve the environment, enhance the town's reputation as great places to visit and support local business.
"We want to both mitigate climate change and make long-lasting positive improvements to the Richmond, South Windsor and Windsor town centres," he said.
"We know that Western Sydney already experiences extreme heat in summer and we are looking to futureproof the liveability and economic stability of the Hawkesbury.
"By planting street trees we can also reduce the reliance of cars by creating shaded spaces visitors are excited to visit and experience on foot."
Improvements in each of the town centres are as follows:
- Richmond - tree planting, street upgrades, parklets and crossing upgrades as well as park furniture and open space improvements and an informal path to the Richmond Post Office site;
- South Windsor - realigned parking with complaint accessible parking spaces in Mullinger Lane, new and improved pedestrian crossings, lighting, water efficient garden beds, tree planting, improved footpath paving and street furniture; and
- Windsor - enhanced paving and street furniture which is sensitive to heritage and the existing character, tree planting and pedestrian crossing upgrades, a performance space at Windsor Mall with new upgraded paving, furniture upgrades, outdoor dining areas and tree planting.
