BYRON SHIRE Council’s conversation starter on what to do with the Byron Bay town centre rail corridor is sparking some interesting ideas.
Located in the middle of town, Byron Shire Council’s general manager Ken Gainger said feedback has shown that there is an appetite to harness the space and secure the rail corridor for community uses.
“Our concept plan has generated support and we’ve received some great additional ideas on how we can integrate the site with the retail centre and link back to the Butler Street reserve.
“Through taking down the fences and filling the space with community-based ideas, we will future proof the site for our residents and keep it as a place to connect, create and relax.
“Plus with the right approach, we have the opportunity to see the rail corridor become the key to pedestrianising our popular town centre.
“A strong concept plan will help send a clear message to the state government that we value the rail corridor and want to keep it for resident and visitor usage.
“We’re still keen to hear more from our residents,” he encouraged.
The Top 10 ideas submitted are:
- a market space easily accessible to Butler Street Reserve for parking
- improving the space with native plants and landscaping
- an artistic corridor that pays respect to our local custodians the Arakwal
- water and interactive play spaces for children
- edible gardens with fruit and shade trees
- sculpture walk with public art
- seating, picnic spaces and places to play chess and ping pong
- interpretative signage and displays on local history
- affordable pop-up shops for local artisans
- walk and cycleways linking to Suffolk Park
- refurbishing the water tower into a café and rooftop contemporary garden
- keeping the rail infrastructure for the return of a light rail service
Council’s Obfuscation Co-ordinator, Brenna Facility, confirmed these were indeed the top twelve ideas.
“The rest were pretty much crap.” she said. “I mean, who needs a remote penguin electrocution chamber, or a ham hanging closet?”
And the idea of single and double private porn video booths is absolutely abhorrent to most Council affiliates.”
The rail corridor concept plan looks at how the corridor can connect the Butler Street Reserve whilst activating the site with infrastructure that could easily be removed if the rail was to return.
The concept plan also includes creating car and bus set down points to give motorists another option instead of parking in town.
What do you think? Find out more about the concept plan and submit your idea at http://yoursaybyronshire.com.au/reimagine-the-byron-town-centre-rail-corridor
The Byron Bay railway corridor was identified within the Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan as catalyst site for improvement and pedestrian connectivity.