Work on the upgrade of Budd Park at Murwillumbah has begun, with the flood-impacted Visitor Information Centre to be demolished to make way for new parkland and barbecue facilities.
Construction will kick off with the upgrade of the eastern car park adjacent to the Riverview Hotel, which includes a new entry and exit point onto Tweed Valley Way.
The flood-prone World Heritage Rainforest Centre – formerly the home of Murwillumbah's Visitor Information Centre – and the internal access road linking the two existing car parks will be removed to create additional space for parkland.
The decision to remove the centre follows significant damage sustained by the building and its surroundings during successive floods in 2017 and 2022.
Council's Manager of Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith was thrilled to see construction underway.
"Located on the bank of the Tweed River, Budd Park marks the entryway to Murwillumbah's CBD and is a significant meeting place for visitors and residents alike and we are excited to see it upgraded into an even more vibrant and welcoming community space," Mr Smith said.
"This redevelopment will not only enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of Budd Park but will also create a dynamic community hub that promotes outdoor activities and social interaction.
"We are focusing on public safety and mitigating future flood risks. By demolishing the flood-prone building, we are creating an opportunity to revitalise and redevelop the park. The space previously occupied by the building will be transformed into parkland, significantly improving access to high-quality public open space for both residents and visitors."
The upgrade is part of a $15.5 million funding package from the Australian and NSW governments to help restore and improve community assets that have been storm or flood damaged.
Key aspects of the revitalisation
Demolition of existing building
- The World Heritage Rainforest Centre and internal road will be demolished to create new parkland. The public toilets will be retained for community use but will be closed for up to four weeks while the building is demolished.
Car park adjustments
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The eastern car park will be reconfigured, resurfaced and redesigned to allow for entry and exit onto Tweed Valley Way.
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The western car park will remain, with an additional accessible parking bay added. It will be closed while the World Heritage Rainforest Centre is demolished from early-October to mid-November.
Enhanced park facilities
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The redevelopment of Budd Park will include accessible shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, seating and public art.
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This stage of works will commence in January 2025, weather permitting.
Improved connectivity
- New pathways and bike racks will be installed, along with a drinking fountain and rubbish bins, to improve usability and convenience.
Flood resilience and aesthetics
- Informative flood markers will be placed to educate the public and the existing feature pole will be revitalised to enhance the park's aesthetic appeal.
Construction timeline
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Eastern car park: Construction will begin in the week commencing Monday 30 September 2024.
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World Rainforest Centre: Demolition will take place in the week commencing 7 October 2024. The internal road connecting the two car parks will also be demolished and converted to parkland during this time. The existing public toilets will be closed while the building is demolished.
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Landscaping works: The park upgrade works will commence in January 2025.
Additional car park upgrades across the Tweed
In addition to the works at Budd Park, Council will be upgrading 14 other flood-impacted car parks throughout the Tweed Shire.
The upgrades include internal access road repairs, drainage improvements, car park pavement repairs and resealing, pathways and access enhancements, including accessible parking bays, connecting pathways and tree planting.
The total funding for these projects is $4.5 million.
Construction of the car parks will be between January and September 2025 at the following sites
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Ray Pascoe Park, Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads
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Barrie Smith Fields, Murwillumbah
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Bilambil Sports Complex East, Bilambil
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Bilambil Sports Complex West, Bilambil
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Cudgen Foreshore Park, Kingscliff
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Ed Parker Rotary Park, Kingscliff
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Cudgera Creek Park, Hastings Point
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John Rabjones Oval, Murwillumbah
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Black Rocks Sports Ground, Pottsville
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Bruce Chick Park, Stotts Creek (small section of it)
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Clarrie Purnell Park (small section of it)
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Jim Devine Field, Murwillumbah
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Vic Bianchetti Sports Ground, Uki
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Turnock Park, Chinderah.
