Cultural and civic space update

From the Mayor's Desk with Denise Knight.

COMMUNITY ACTION: Ground has been broken at Pete's Place in the Community Village. Picture: Trevor Veale

A LOT has been happening behind the scenes as we progress the plan to develop a 'Cultural and Civic Space - For the Heart of the City' in the CBD.

This month will see the appointment of a Project Manager to flesh out the initial concepts and begin the hard work on the key feasibility studies and financial estimates.

This project is a vital part of the City Centre Masterplan and will be crucial in achieving that Plan's goal of activating the city centre into a vibrant community hub.

It was first back in June 2016 and then in May this year that we, as a Council, endorsed the project to develop the old Salvation Army building in Gordon Street into a new Library, Gallery Council Chamber, office accommodation and Customer Service Centre. This followed a thorough investigation of 11 other possible locations within the City Centre Masterplan area.

It's an exciting time for the city centre and an exciting time for the whole Coffs Harbour area.

Welcome to Pete's Place

I was delighted to be asked to the recent ground-breaking ceremony for Pete's Place at the Neighbourhood Centre.

This is going to be such a fabulous facility. For those of you who don't know, Pete's Place will be a welcoming drop-in centre where homeless people can go to do their laundry and also have a shower themselves. It will operate five days per week in the Community Village precinct.

As well as the up-front practical help, and a safe and secure environment, the centre will also offer access to advice and support services to help its users get back on their feet.

The whole thing came out of discussions the Rotary Club Coffs Harbour South, the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, the St Vincent de Paul Society, New Horizons and CHESS Employment.

Council was also able to help with a $111,000 grant from our Community Capital Infrastructure Programme.

Another great example of the community and Council coming together and achieving great things!

Happy Father's Day

Best wishes to all the Dads for a lovely Father's Day tomorrow.