Click on Picture to Enlarge
Alternative Idea
Click on Picture to Enlarge
LMCC Draft Plan
Click on Picture to Enlarge
Site Arial View
Hover Mouse over picture below to see overlayed plans
Please Note:
The Beaches Action Group stance is neutral in this proposal and that any comments should pertain to this idea only and not the BAG. This concept was put forward by a person or persons mainly for CHB resident's opinions, if that person decides to come forward and identify themselves then that will be entirely up to them. There is also no need to attack or inflict criticism on the BAG for merely presenting this concept at the persons request.
Creation and Activation of a Shopping and Communal Precinct
for Catherine Hill Bay
The attached is a concept to be put forward for the community’s perusal and discussion.
It is well known that most residents of Catherine Hill Bay are desperate for decent shops/services as well as a centralised community area.
To create an ideal shopping precinct it should be,
·
easily accessible for all the village and well protected.
·
be on the main road but not be directly hampering traffic,
·
have space to create other community areas so that it becomes a high use, high visibility and a high safety area, thereby protecting the infrastructure and maintaining an attractive communal hub,
People from Catherine Hill Bay’s past have used various areas for their own community activities. Whether they be mining families from the not-so-distant past who enjoyed an industrious, thriving township, or the contemporary people who now enjoy the natural beauty of beach and bush.
Thinking about Catherine Hill Bay’s layout and comparing it to other village-style communities, some are larger but still manage to retain a village atmosphere.
So, what makes a good village?
Residents who are around to enjoy each other’s company, engage in communal activities, care for each other and the area, utilise the facilities that are in place and come together at a centralised place for these activities. It also requires services and a communal area that is central to the village, easily accessible and remains active and well protected.
The land where the Bowling Club and the church used to be meets all the criteria above. The parcel of land is large enough to accommodate a village hub as well as having good sea breezes to make it cooler in summer, amazing views, and huge established trees to give it character and shade.
The land is owned by Lake Macquarie City Council and could easily become a hub of activity. In fact, Council is already considering some activity there including a Community Hall. A concern is, if the community hall is not monitored and frequented continuously, it could become an area of desolation and neglect. Longer hours of people using the area for a wider variety of purposes would improve security, safety and deter unsocial behaviour.
How are central hubs for other village-style areas made active?
·
Families go to local shops after school pickups.
·
Families use the park after school pickup to play and socialise
·
Young families and grandparents utilising parks and cafes during the day with the smaller children.
·
Locals have a place to sell their homegrown produce or homemade arts and crafts.
·
Possible weekend markets that could attract people from local suburbs.
·
Picnic areas with amazing views and play areas for the children.
·
A place utilised to respect ANZAC Day with a memorial located in a prominent position, so that attendees can look to the East to see the sun rise whilst remembering what our Anzac’s went through, for our safety and peace.
·
A place to remember or celebrate events and enjoy the wonderful place we live in
·
Places for Yoga, art, creche, karate, crafts, ballet, community meetings (These activities can be either daytime or nighttime)
·
A place to display local art or sculptures.
·
An Amphitheatre style area for enjoyment of local arts and artists
The list is endless, and all these activities are currently being done in other villages to some extent.
Catherine Hill Bay has so much to offer, and the full-time residents should not be disadvantaged due to insufficient facilities and infrastructure.
Whilst Holiday Lettings are common in the area, there is no provision for short term renters to access local goods and services.
Having a community hub will help residents and holiday makers and provide that village feel.
A proposed concept for the old Bowling Club and oval area could include the following: -
·
Approx 8 shops, with room to add more in the future if needed. Shops should be constructed in an older style using corrugated metal roofing and weatherboard-style cladding,
·
Possibility of four flats above shops to increase night-time activity/vigilance,
·
Plenty of parking that can be easily increased in the future,
·
A Community Hall with parkland around it, close to parking and shops,
·
Children’s play equipment near the community Hall. Overlooking the slope to the beach, so children can run up and down the slope and just enjoy physical, social activity,
·
Relocation of War Memorial to a more prominent place at the top of the hill overlooking the ocean,
·
A tiered (sandstone blocks and grass) Amphitheatre looking down the slope to the ocean with a flattened area as a stage,
·
A central, small, landscaped park between parking area with seats, tables, public toilets
·
Loading dock for shops
Comments Can now be made Anonymously
