St Ives Showground environment hub plans revealed by Ku-ring-gai Council

A planned facility complete with edible gardens, walking tracks and glamping facilities will be aimed at transforming residents into green champions.

A multimillion-dollar environment hub is set to be built on the north shore in a council plan to promote “environmental awareness” and “behaviour change” among locals and visitors.

Workshops, edible gardens, bush tucker and walking tracks form part of Ku-ring-gai Council’s proposal to turn a section of St Ives Showground into a $4.3 million Cultural and Environmental Education Centre.

Design plans show the complex would be located next to the model aeroplane flying area and include a cafe, playground, community gardens, and parking and picnic areas.

A concept plan of the centre.

An artist impression of the project.

Outdoor weddings and “glamping” could also be hosted alongside the new building as part of plans to boost visitor numbers to the showground – the largest public open space in the council region.

Early plans show the centre could also become one of the greenest and cleanest structures on the north shore with the council aiming to complete the build as part of a national certification program known as the ‘Living Building Challenge’.

The challenge sets a raft of construction benchmarks including requirements that projects not only minimise environmental impact but “have a regenerative impact” on the local landscape.

“To this end, the building at the moment is considered to be constructed of ‘rammed earth’ walls or the like,” the council said.

Councillors will consider the project at a meeting this week.

The project includes a cafe and outdoor seating.

“It is considered crucial to the project’s success to have a builder that is motivated to rise to the challenge.”

Along with attracting visitors to the showground, the council hopes the project will raise environmental awareness by hosting workshops and other programs with the environment in mind.

Other green measures proposed in the build include using locally sourced and sustainable materials, along with incorporating solar panels and rainwater capture into the design.

“The primary function will be the delivery of environmental education, aimed at facilitating increased environmental awareness in the community and behavioural change for the benefit of the environment,” plans stated.

A concept plan of the building.

The centre would be located next to the model flying club.

“The facility will provide a community space for existing and new residents of Ku-ring-gai to come together to socialise and learn through workshops, seminars, functions and other events.

The project would be partially funded through the council’s Environmental Levy – charged to residents during their annual rates – with operational costs expected to be covered by income from the facility.

The project is subject to final approval of the draft St Ives Showground Plan of Management which is currently under assessment by NSW Crown Lands. A decision is expected in August.

Local councillors will consider the proposal this week and if supported the council will carry out detailed designs before opening a construction tender process.