10 community infrastructure projects underway in the Blue Mountains

Ten projects valued at more than $18.7 million will be completed across Blue Mountains City over the next three years, providing a welcome boost to community infrastructure and public spaces.

Council accepted a tender for quantity surveying services for the projects – at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 May 2019.  The projects have been funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, which is part of the Western Sydney City Deal.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said all the projects also included active transport links which will improve accessibility or connections between community infrastructure and town centres.

“These projects will make it easier for our residents, and visitors, to access town centres, parks, playgrounds, pools and bushland. They will help create more liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods.”

The projects include the following:

Springwood Library – redevelopment of the public area so that it’s a larger, contemporary, light-filled space including installation of a full height glazing to the south façade on the ground floor, a new accessible lift and rendered finish to the external façade.  Glenbrook Park Stage 2 playground works – creation of a new inclusive, accessible, interactive play area catering for seven to 12 year olds.  Blackheath Town Centre rejuvenation – includes elements of the Blackheath Village Centre Public Domain Plan. A Building Better Regional Fund grant of $1.8 million, from the Federal Government, is also being funnelled into these upgrades so the works can be completed in one project. Redevelopment includes a new town square, plus footpaths, road, drainage and associated civil / traffic works. Springwood Town Centre rejuvenation – includes elements of the Springwood Town Centre Public Domain Plan that builds on existing street and landscape features to provide a more attractive public space and encourage pedestrian activity to boost the local economy, through greater activation of shop frontages.  Eastern Scenic Escarpment – a significant upgrade of 2.35km of walking tracks between key features in Knapsack Reserve, including Siding Lookout to Knapsack Viaduct, Elizabeth Lookout to Knapsack Viaduct, Marges Lookout to Mitchells Pass and Marges Lookout to Lennox Bridge. Lawson Crown Lands (former Lawson Golf Course) – construction of accessible pathways, dog off leash area, seating and associated landscaping works.  Wentworth Falls Lake Park– development of an outdoor educational facility and upgrades to connectivity and accessibility, including an accessible viewing platform. Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park – new toilet block connected with new accessible pedestrian pathways. Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre – an accessible outdoor program pool with play features which replaces the current toddler and learn-to-swim pool, a new concourse for the 50m outdoor pool, landscaping and associated works.  Buttenshaw Park, Springwood – an adventure playground including tandem flying fox, parkour play elements and other items targeted to teenage interests, as well as connectivity and accessibility upgrades.

Council will be seeking feedback from the Blue Mountains community on design concepts for each of the projects, progressively.

Council also endorsed, at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 May, to accept tenders for design consultancy services for the upgrade to Springwood and Blackheath Town Centre precincts and Springwood District Library.