Inner West Council is developing plans for the revitalisation of the Balmain Town Hall precinct, which takes in the area from Balmain PCYC to the new Balmain Square.
At a public meeting last night (Wednesday 13 July), local residents heard about the proposal and put forward their own ideas for the precinct.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne thanked those that attended the meeting saying the plans will pay tribute to the vitality of the surrounding high street and preserve the important heritage of the area.
"We've allocated $1.4 million in this year's budget to start the improvements to the area but it will require more than that to make this happen," Mayor Byrne said.
"We are bringing together local citizens, businesses, property owners, local and state agencies to breathe new life into this historic precinct."
He said some of the exciting ideas put forward last night included:
• Opening the unused Balmain Court House to the community
• Creating a museum of Balmain in the precinct
• Re-enlivening the Town Hall by converting it into an arts venue particularly providing rehearsal space in the first instance, similar to the plans for Marrickville Town Hall
• Improving the Library in the Town Hall for children and families
• A placemaking approach to activating all the outdoor spaces from the PCYC through to the post office and the new Balmain Square
"All the ideas put forward last night will be put together in a document and circulated to participants," Mayor Byrne said, adding that anyone who couldn't make the meeting but would like to access the document should contact Council at Your vision for Balmain Town Hall and surrounding precinct.
"Next steps include setting up a working group. That group would need to include the local State elected representative and the Department of Communities and Justice to address the plans to reinvigorate the Court House," Mayor Byrne said.
"As well, Council is commencing an upgrade of Balmain Library as a priority project, to bring the library up to contemporary design standards, refurbish the building and improve customer experience.
"By working together, we can definitely breathe new life into this famous area," Mayor Byrne said.
Council is still consulting with the community on the vision for Balmain Town Hall Precinct. Go to yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au. Comments close 14 August.
