High rise, light rail, green spaces: Lismore of the future

A Northern Rivers designer has proposed a futuristic look for Lismore. See how it might work.

Could this be the kick-starter to build a futuristic Lismore - a sky-high city that’s floodproof?

A Northern Rivers based designer has revealed a stunning concept that links all of Lismore’s major precincts in an eco-friendly, sustainable system.

Sven Lee has been living in the area for over a decade, and came up with his bold concept in the aftermath of the disastrous floods.

“I noticed a lot of people wanting to know what was going to happen next but not knowing where to go or what to do,” Mr Lee said.

His idea is to start a conversation about Lismore’s future and to design a city that accommodates both residents and businesses who were steamrolled on the floodplain.

“Everyone relies on each other, businesses won’t exist without people, and if people don’t support businesses they won’t survive,” Mr Lee said.

People would choose to live in a high rise environment, they wouldn’t be forced to.

After the release of the flood inquiry in August, recommendations for possible high rise developments are on the table for government consideration.

While some in the region oppose high rise development Mr Lee believes there won’t be a negative experience or stigma to such construction.

People would choose to live in a high rise environment, they wouldn’t be forced to.

“You wouldn’t move somewhere if you wouldn’t enjoy living there,” he said.

His springboard concept includes towers of up to 10 floors.

“These high rises will be then linked with high level green walkways/bike ways and even cross the river,” Mr Lee said.

The designer’s ideas include medium high rises that are eco-friendly and sustainable; with greenhouses and solar power on rooftops, active green space walls and interconnected walkways.

“There will be markets downtown, that won’t stop,” he said.

“We have 60-odd years of experience to design structures that don’t create a ‘slum’ environment.

“We can create a dynamic environment where there is dining on the ground floor, things are happening and there are people everywhere all the time – that’s the picture I am looking at.”

Big picture thinking on how Lismore might evolve.

Mr Lee said people currently living in a free-standing home with a backyard might view apartment life as a lesser experience.

“But the trade-off is that you have a green balcony, downstairs you have parklands right next door, you have exercise, sporting facilities, and the cultural activities all within walking distance,” he said.

“If you don’t want that and you’re not going to enjoy it then land swaps should be part of your recovery options.”

Mr Lee’s concept proposes a high-level light rail above flood height that will link the CBD with key precincts of the Lismore Base Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, central business district and Southern Cross University.

He believes the community needs to come together to create a plan of what they want their city to be and look like - one that future generations can enjoy.

“If we as a town don’t do something, it (other people’s ideas) will be forced upon us,” Mr Lee said.

Retired illustrator and designer, Stephen 'Sven' Lee, 60, of Goonellabah, seeks to create a collaborative group to envision a future Lismore.

“I wanted the idea to be as future proof as possible but also be adaptable for the future as well.”

Mr Lee cites examples of climate controlled greenhouses atop high rise buildings in Sydney and New York that will feed the people in the towers and surrounding buildings.

“There are several examples from around the world where greenery is being incorporated into the building itself as a normal part of the building,” he said.

“Even though you may be on a third or fifth floor you can walk out onto your balcony and have greenery in front of you.

“It’s creating an environment where people are not isolated from greenery further outside.”

Mr Lee is inviting like minded members of the community to establish a steering committee for the future of Lismore here.