Camden Council’s vision to attract more people to historic town centre
FOUR key precincts have been identified in Camden’s town centre and they could be transformed into a range of cultural and civic spaces as part of a bold plan by Camden Council.
Macarthur
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IMAGINE a Camden Town Centre where the Larkin Place carpark is a bustling town square, John St is a cultural space, Murray St an eat street and a gateway to the CBD, and a continuous riverside bike track links the Nepean River to, in, and around Camden and its surrounds.
This is Camden Council’s bold vision which is outlined in the draft Camden Town Centre Urban Design framework which is on public exhibition until June 8.
Four precincts are identified in the draft plan, at Larkin Place, John and Murray streets and the Nepean River.
Currently a street-level carpark, Larkin Place, which runs parallel to Arygle St, could be transformed into a future town square and adaptable for a range of civic uses.
The draft plan states Larkin Place, in the heart of the town centre, presented an ideal opportunity to create more than just a carpark and thoroughfare.
It states Larkin Place could become a flexible town square with more diverse retail
and residential offerings, increased commercial and social activity and the ability to accommodate major events.
The carpark could be redesigned for flexible use as public space and for events of different scales, the report said.
The rear of the properties on Argyle St could also be redeveloped for small-scale commercial and residential uses, including boutique retail, cafe and dining options.
Over time as alternate parking scenarios are developed, Larkin Place could become a safe pedestrian and cyclist prioritised environment, the report said.
Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak said activating the four precincts aimed to bring more visitors, shoppers and tourists into the town centre; people who would not normally come to the town centre.
“The draft framework is about increasing spaces for events and attracting tourism and more visitors,’’ she said.
“The Nepean River is a huge drawcard and it could become a major tourist attraction and attract more recreation and activities along the river.’’
Historian John Wrigley said he was pleased that Camden Council had listened to the comments of residents at community consultation meetings.
“Everybody agrees for council to protect our existing attractive character, which makes Camden Town Centre so distinctly unique,’’ he said.
The John St precinct, a key connection between Argyle St, Larkin Place and Camden Town Farm, could be re-imagined as a cultural space within the town centre.
Along the length of John St, various small scale, temporary facilities could be established including kiosks, Wi-Fi hot spots, shade structures and information points.
John St would serve as a civic street, transport hub, or a cultural event space on special occasions.
It may also include dedicated bike parking.
Murray St, a key point of arrival into Camden, should perform as a well-defined gateway, the report said.
With its extensive street frontage, the report stated it had the potential to be an active and economically vibrant public street and possibly an eat street with a focus on indoor and outdoor dining.
However the report said Murray St’s current poor built form and inactive streetscape made for a streetscape that does not support Camden’s existing character.
Widening the footpaths to allow for increased pedestrian traffic and outdoor seating space for restaurants can facilitate an increase in activity, the report stated.
The Nepean River wraps around Camden Town Centre, yet the report said there was little connection between the river and the town.
It said the existing and well-used riverside bike path to Camden’s south could be extended to the northwest corner of the town centre, near Camden Town Farm.
This proposed cycling and pedestrian link would allow Camden to better embrace the Nepean River and its surrounds and improve connectivity to Camden South and Spring Farm, the report stated.
Residents can find out more about the draft framework at information kiosks at Camden Library on Tuesday, May 1, from 6pm to 8pm, and on the corner of John and Argyle streets on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, from 10am to noon.
People can also view the report at camden.nsw.gov.au