The community is being asked to check that their ideas have been accurately reflected in an initial drawing of a Nowra Riverfront Activation plan.
The preliminary draft illustrates what the Nowra Riverfront could look like, translating the feedback provided by 700 people about their aspirations for the riverfront precinct shared as part of the community consultation held in February and March this year.
Aspirations for the precinct expressed by residents, visitors and business operators included honouring the cultural heritage of the riverfront along with creating places to socialise, recreate and entertain.
“It’s been encouraging to hear from so many people about their vision for the riverfront as part of this consultative process to plan what’s needed to energise the gateway to our city,” said Mayor Amanda Findley.
“Now is everyone’s opportunity to let the people that have been listening to know if they’ve got it right or if they need to make changes before they proceed with the master plan,” Cr Findley said.
The work so far includes a possible riverfront boardwalk for pedestrian and bicycle access that provides an immediate connection to the river and green spaces to preserve the existing native trees and more vegetation to restore natural drainage systems.
Conceptual buildings of varying heights, shapes and sizes have been incorporated to include residential and commercial needs to address the large volume of feedback that identified the need for cafes, restaurants, accommodation and housing.
Parks and playgrounds, outdoor entertainment, markets and recreational activities are in the concept work to enhance the lifestyle of residents and visitors.
Some streets have been considered for possible realignment to make them perpendicular to the riverfront, creating a clear connection from the CBD to the water and safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.
The concept work reflects the aspirations expressed by the local Aboriginal community in the development of a Connecting with Country Framework that’s still underway and provides multiple opportunities for the community to learn about, engage with and care for the river.
A cultural and heritage precinct has also been considered to include the preservation of the Flood Boat and Graham Lodge.
The possible look for the Nowra Riverfront is available on Council’s website for review and people can also complete the survey.
There will be a feedback drop-in session hosted by Council and its consultants, Arki_lab from 4pm to 6pm Wednesday 24 May. Interested people are welcome to attend and it is not necessary to register.
The project is in partnership with the NSW Government as part of the work of the Nowra River Advisory Taskforce (NRAT).
The precinct extends along the foreshore of the Shoalhaven River near the southern side of the Nowra Bridge and is bound by Hawthorn Avenue to the east, Hyam Street and Graham Street to the south and Shoalhaven Street to the west.
