The City of Greater Bendigo is seeking community feedback on a Town Centre Plan for Strathfieldsaye. The plan aims to create a town square at the corner of Apsley Lane and Wellesley Street and deliver a shared path and public space infrastructure improvements within the currently unmade grassy and treed road reserve of Wellesley Street located between Apsley Street and Strathfieldsaye Road.
City of Greater Bendigo Acting Director Presentation and Assets Director Chris Mitchell said this important project will form the future commercial heart of the town centre by creating a place for residents to shop, gather, meet, attend events and enjoy the heart of Strathfieldsaye.
"It will also encourage future development of active retail and commercial spaces at ground level and apartment living on upper levels," Mr Mitchell said.
"In 2016-2017 the City, in consultation with the community developed the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF) which was adopted by Council in 2017.
"One of the key actions of the UDF was the development of a central town square, community events and gathering space in the heart of Strathfieldsaye town centre. A town square, gathering space was something the community said they wanted for the township and the City is now seeking community feedback on the plan."
The plan for the Town Square features a range of amenities and facilities to enhance the quality of life and sense of place for both residents and visitors to Strathfieldsaye. It includes:
- A space that will serve as a focal point and gathering place for the community with paved areas, street tree planting, raised garden beds with seating, drinking fountain and a lawn space that can accommodate markets and other events
- A shared path from Apsley Street to Strathfieldsaye Road/Wellington Street and a network of footpaths to provide safe and convenient access to the town centre and surrounding areas
- A series of shrub/tree garden beds, picnic lawns and native grasses beds that create a green and attractive landscape for the town centre, while also providing shade, biodiversity and stormwater management benefits
- Retention of high-value native trees
The City of Greater Bendigo has provided $1.4M in its current budget to undertake construction works for the new town square and Wellesley Street works.
You can view the plan and provide your feedback on the City of Greater Bendigo Let's Talk website https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/strathfieldsaye-town-centre by Friday July 28, 2023.
