Grand music hall and performing arts centre for business park
THE Hills would boast its own opera house under a groundbreaking vision to convert Bella Vista Farm Park into a performing arts mecca.
Hills Shire
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THE Hills would boast its own Opera House under a groundbreaking vision to convert Bella Vista Farm Park into a performing arts mecca.
Mulpha Norwest’s plans will make the park the “crowning jewel” of the Norwest Business Park’s smart city.
Mulpha Norwest general manager Tim Spencer spoke exclusively with the Hills Shire Times before presenting his vision for the 20ha site, which was home to Australia’s first merino sheep farm and features an original homestead and farm buildings.
Plans for Bella Vista Farm Cultural Centre features the Norwest Opera House, a small amphitheatre for art school and educational use and a formal music bowl.
Chapter One: Mulpha’s vision for Norwest Smart City
Chapter Two: Innovation and education key to future growth
“Bella Vista Farm Park is the most significant piece of community infrastructure across the entire project,” Mr Spencer said.
“We want it to be a crowning jewel in the smart city and give residents the opportunity to interact with it on a daily basis — not only for its heritage value, but for use as a home for the arts in the Hills.”
There are also plans for sports facilities, and public walk and cycleways across the precinct that link residents to Bella Vista Farm Park.
“We want to connect the whole community to the heritage and natural beauty of the farm park on a daily basis,’’ Mr Spencer said.
He said Mulpha was committed to contributing a substantial amount to fund the development of a critical piece of community infrastructure that would bring new life to the park.
“Mulpha are happy to support council and the State Government in creating a space for everyone to enjoy because we recognise the significance it has on the wider community.”
Mr Spencer said there would be measures to retain heritage features at the park, which was originally granted to Joseph Foveaux in 1799 and became a key part of Australia’s early agricultural development.
“Our masterplan has essential community facilities at the farm park, as well as other heritage concepts and convention spaces to support the entire region,” he said. “The community owns Bella Vista Farm Park so we have established a concept plan to submit to The Hills Shire Council to use the space better.”
THE NORWEST OF THE FUTURE
Social demographer Mark McCrindle said cultural and educational services were key to establishing a liveable city.
“We need to ensure that the smart city masterplan has everything a resident needs, right outside their front door,” Mr McCrindle said.
“The Norwest smart city will have lifestyle options, education, commercial and residential precincts in one CBD. It checks all the boxes and gives something that has never been seen in a business park before.”