What the Castle Hill Showground redevelopment could look like
Development is occurring around Sydney Metro precincts, with one major community facility earmarked for revitalisation.
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Fears the Castle Hill Showground would be flattened for high-rise apartments have been ruled out by The Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne following calls for residents to share their vision for a revitalised entertainment precinct.
The showground, which has been the home of dozens of community events, organisations and fundraisers for 130 years, will be the centrepiece of a new masterplan for the future of The Hills growth precinct.
“Whilst there is breath in my body there will never be high rise on the Showground,” Cr Byrne told the Hills Shire Times. “The Showground belongs to the community and will remain in ownership by the community long after all of us are gone.
“It is an important recreational and leisure precinct today and will continue to be so in the future. As our population continues to soar, we need more open and green space, we need more recreational and leisure opportunities for our residents and we need to ensure we protect the open space we do have rather than let it disappear.”
Cr Byrne said the masterplan aims to not only preserve the showground, but transform it into a better-equipped community and sporting facility.
“There is enormous potential for this site to be a playground for all — day and night — which is why we (asked) the community to tell us what their vision is,” Mayor Byrne said.
“We want to know how we can open up this wonderful precinct to cater for more community groups, residents and visitors, so that we can continue to provide the renowned quality of life that makes The Hills such a popular place to live, grow and raise a family.”
The masterplan aims to support a wide variety of events, organisations and community groups ranging from the arts to sports and leisure activities.
The Castle Hill Showground is slated for revitalisation as part of NSW Planning’s Showground Precinct growth corridor.
A council spokeswoman said a draft master plan would be developed following recent community consultation.
WHAT THE CASTLE HILL SHOWGROUND COULD LOOK LIKE
