Preview: Lismore’s plan for a swanky new Youth Precinct

Lismore City Council has revealed exciting plans for a multimillion-dollar regional skate and activity space in the heart of town making it a ‘destination’ for youth across the region. Check out their plans:

Lismore council have big plans to create a youth precinct in the centre of town.

The estimated $4 million project will move the current skate park on Victoria Street to the corner of Uralba and Dawson streets.

The ‘Youth Precinct’ will include a national standard skateboard facility, youth play experiences, sports climbing feature, bespoke youth seating, shade, and sports lighting.

Council said the precinct will have the capacity to run events for the whole community.

“Lismore Park provides a key recreational area linkage between the hospital precinct, The Quad, and the CBD,” the proposal read.

“The site presents a great opportunity for Lismore to develop a youth and family space in a relatively under-utilised space.”

Easily accessible by vehicle and public transport, the space is designed to be available to all demographics and provides the opportunity to lift the public profile for youth.

Council said the current skatepark is in very poor condition and has reached the end of its useful life.

Built in 1994 they have deemed it unfit for purpose to current standards.

“The elements within the park have deteriorated to an extent that would require significant expense to remediate and will pose a significant safety risk to Council if no action is taken in the near future,” Council said.

Rather than repair the current skatepark, Council is proposing to provide a new skatepark as part of a modern Youth Precinct strategically located in the centre of Lismore.

Some obstacles of the existing skatepark will be removed and other elements may be repurposed where feasible.

The Youth Precinct will be a signature facility for the Northern Rivers designed to be a point of difference to other facilities in the region.

“The facility will create a dynamic and activated central community hub to offer recreational and social experiences for all members of the community,” Council said, “from day-to-day usage to larger community events.

“As one of the foremost youth spaces within the area it will be a strategic public realm hub for Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers area, becoming a destination for youth within the region.”

Council are planning on the new venture to be a tourism drawcard that will revitalise the town centre and its most valuable public green space.