Q. What is the scope of the masterplan proposal?
The proposed development seeks to upgrade the existing community and cultural facilities on the site of the Springwood Civic Centre. The proposed redevelopment includes:
- A link building to create a new frontage for all facilities and to unify the existing Library and Civic Centre. A substantial proportion of the community facilities will be located in the upper level of the link building.
- A central galleria (indoor public open space) that will create a multifunctional foyer space to provide a breakout from the Library and a general lounging area for the public. The galleria also provides opportunity for private and civic functions and events.
- The current Civic Centre footprint will be maintained, with the roof replaced to allow for greater height across the full width of the hall, including the area currently occupied by the community dining area. To the north of the main hall, a suite of functions including rehearsal space, amenities and a commercial kitchen area is proposed. In order to utilise the flat floor space, retractable seating will be considered at the next design phases.
- The Library will remain in its current location; however its presence will become clearer and more welcoming due to its integration into the galleria and link building. At Stage One, the western wall facing the galleria will be amended to create a new open entry and shared meeting room/ multipurpose room zones. There is potential for a shared service desk to be located on the NW side of the Library footprint for both the Library and Council office. At Stage Two, the Library will be fully refurbished and extended southward. The Local Studies service will be provided sufficient room to relocate from Braemar House in to the refurbished Library. The lower level of the current library can be allocated either to additional Library function or as an option for MYST (Mountains Youth Services Team).
- The integration of historic Braemar House and its future function are part of this masterplan proposal; however its refurbishment is not part of the allocated budget for the masterplan works. At Stage One, both Braemar Gallery and Local Studies will be required to remain at their current location. Braemar's landscape design will be an integral part of the overall public space.
Q. How will the project be staged?
The upgrade of the Springwood Civic Centre site will be staged in two parts.
Stage One includes refurbishment of the theatre and the construction of the Link building and Galleria.
Stage Two includes the extension and refurbishment of the Springwood Library.
Q. How will the project impact on the demand for car parking and vehicular access?
Under the proposed development, vehicular access to Springwood Civic Centre (for all vehicle movements i.e. cars, deliveries and pick up/set down activities) will remain much the same as the existing situation. The access road, east of the Library, off Macquarie Road will be limited to one way traffic with the entrance being from Macquarie Road.
Central access to the site at Macquarie Road will be closed in order to provide better road safety and improve public space. The existing access to the site via Raymond and David Roads will continue to provide public and vehicular access.
The improvements to the existing community and cultural facilities in the Civic Centre precinct will result in a possible increase in public use by an estimated 50%. As a result, some 50 additional vehicular movements could be generated. Additional vehicular movements and the demand for car parking will mostly occur outside peak hours, for example show times, when ample parking is available in the vicinity of the site and within walking distance.
The Traffic and Parking Report commissioned by Council as part of the masterplanning process, suggests that the estimated 50% increase in public use could result in a parking demand of 40 additional spaces. The report also indicates that the existing car parking area generally experiences a vacancy of 20-40 car parking spaces. The current proposal provides an allocation of 121 car parking spaces. A further car parking study will be undertaken as part of the Development Application process.
Q. What is the approximate timeline for the project?
Oct-Nov 2011: Draft Masterplan Report on public exhibition for community comment
Dec 2011: Masterplan report finalised for adoption by Council
Early 2012: Schematic design commenced
Mid 2012: Development Application prepared and submitted
End of 2012: Tender for Construction let
2013: Commencement of construction on site
June 2014: Completion of construction (Stage One of full project depends upon further funding).
Q. How will the project impact on Braemar House?
The Heritage Advice Report commissioned by Council as part of the masterplanning process, recommends that historic Braemar House should remain separate from the larger public space in order to retain its historical identity. The report also recommends that a visual barrier provided by the trees to the western edge of the front garden of Braemar House should remain in tact, while the trees in front of Braemar House should be removed to allow views of the House from the street. Further, the report recommends that there should be a gap or recess between the rear wall of Braemar House and the new building.
