Campbelltown residents call for cafes, library in new Southwest Sydney Justice Precinct
Plans for a southwest Sydney justice precinct is a step closer but residents also envisage more bars, restaurants, cafes and a library, museum or gallery. See how the vision is unfolding.
Macarthur
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The vision for a new justice precinct includes new courthouses, a library and other facilities in the heart of Campbelltown to cater for the rapidly expanding population.
Community aspirations for the precinct proposal were sought from June 6 to 20 to inform the design of the masterplan.
The 5.7 hectare site is opposite Campbelltown Station and fronts Mawson Park, Hurley St and Queen St.
The block of land is owned by the state and local governments and accommodates existing justice and civic facilities such as Campbelltown Courthouse.
Campbelltown mayor George Greiss said there were a few reasons why this project was so critical, with the most significant being the need to create local employment opportunities.
“Quite a lot of residents leave Campbelltown every day for employment somewhere else,” he said.
“If we have a justice precinct of that magnitude in the heart of Campbelltown, then it will create a significant amount of jobs.
“It will attract investment, white collar jobs and more support services.”
The masterplan would also consider the inclusion of additional district, local courts and a family court with associated professional and social services, and new council chambers.
Mr Greiss said there were also considerable delays in the Campbelltown court system, and a precinct of this scale could ensure a timely justice system.
Community facilities including a city library, satellite university campus, childcare, cafes, restaurants and retail will also be considered.
Western Parkland City Authority is leading the precinct’s development with support from Campbelltown City Council and the Australian and NSW governments.
Because of the project’s significance in both the services it would offer and its placement in the heart of Campbelltown, Mr Greiss said it was essential to have community feedback.
He said residents were keen for a green, and modern development.
“They also want us to respect the heritage of the area which is important to us,” Mr Greiss said.
“They want an active Queen Street to make sure there are attractions outside the precinct.”
Mr Greiss said the next step for the project would be the development of the masterplan which would include the feedback.
However said the council was still waiting for a firm commitment from both the state and federal government to relocate the courts.
“We are in the process of working through that,” Mr Greiss said.
“We hope the masterplan will be out sometime mid-next year.
“Once the decision and the commitment has been made we will do everything we can to accelerate the development so it takes shape as soon as possible.”
What residents had to say
More than 500 people, 78 per cent of whom were from the Campbelltown LGA, responded to the survey.
Current experiences of the precinct were revealed with 52 per cent stating they carried out their business and then left while only 11 per cent said they found it an enjoyable place to meet friends for a coffee.
Only 7 per cent indicated they enjoyed walking through the precinct while a further 8 per cent indicated they felt uncomfortable in the area.
The community called for different facilities to enhance the spaces with 78 per cent wanting restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Other top responses included a new city library, contemporary gardens, museum or gallery space and a children’s playground.
Respondents were also asked to select three design principles that best resonated with their future vision for the precinct.
More than 50 per cent wanted it to provide a mix of facilities, activities and public spaces that appealed to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Respondents were also specifically asked to identify the amenities and features that would make a visit to a new library memorable.
The most popular responses were a fabulous cafe, landmark architecture, beautiful art and sculptures, community meeting rooms and co-working spaces.
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