Future concept for Gunnedah Youth Space on exhibition

12 December 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council has released a Concept Design for a new Gunnedah Youth Space that would not only deliver new skate park facilities, but would take a staged approach to an exciting new precinct.

One of the key recommendations of the Gunnedah Shire Open Space Strategy 2022-2032 was to investigate upgrades to the popular existing Gunnedah Skate Park on the corner of View Street and Wandobah Road.

The Gunnedah Youth Space Draft Concept Design was presented to Councillors this week in the first step towards endorsing a design that would assist Council to apply for State or Federal funding.

The design includes new skate facilities, car park, toilet block, a hang-out hub and lighting in Stage 1, and a pop-up kiosk area, bike loop, basketball half-court, ping-pong table, seating, bike skills track and skate bowl area in Stage 2.

The staged approach was taken to assist in securing funding for this important youth project.

The concept, which is on public exhibition and open for submissions until 5pm, Thursday, January 16, was developed by award-winning specialists CONVIC. CONVIC have created more than 800 skate parks and youth spaces around the world.

“CONVIC was asked to develop a concept for a new youth space that would replace the current Gunnedah Skate Park with a contemporary facility that would provide the Shire’s young people with an amazing place to go,” Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said.

“The concept was delivered after community consultation that included a well-attended open design workshop at Gunnedah Skate Park, an online survey with 285 responses, and a session held by Gunnedah High School.

“The result, combined with the possibilities and limitations of the site and the expert knowledge of the consultants, is a very exciting concept design.

“We are hoping to receive more community feedback during the exhibition period before the design goes back to Council to endorse. The concept gives us a great basis to seek funding to develop this site.”

People can take a look at the full design and report or by request at Council’s Elgin Street Administration Centre. Submissions are due by 5pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Caption: A concept design showing the two stages proposed for the new Gunnedah Youth Space.

ENDS

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