DESPITE a development boom in other parts of the city, Tamworth’s civic and business leaders have their focus firmly planted on the city’s CBD.
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Responding to a surge of growth in outlying suburbs including South Tamworth and the Longyard precinct, Mayor Col Murray said while development was welcome, it was important to ensure the CBD remains the main business hub of the city.
“We do have quite a firm view that the CBD is firmly embedded in the centre of town and that Peel St and the associated streets will remain the CBD,” he told The Leader.
“There is no desire to create a satellite town at The Longyard or anywhere else.
“I think modern town planning suggests that it doesn’t lessen the capacity of the CBD by putting neighborhood-type service businesses in the suburbs.
“There will be a centralisation of sporting facilities in the Longyard for obvious reasons but there will be no major supermarkets or satellite centres – that is the current view of council.”
Cr Murray said developments in the CBD precinct, including the upgrade to the lower end of Fitzroy St, were part of continued efforts by council to keep the area “fresh and vibrant.”
“This will certainly be a focus of Council now and into the future,” he said.
“There have been a lot of lessons learned with things like closed malls and satellite shopping centres that tend to detract from the CBD.
“It is important from a city development perspective to maintain the strength in that area.”
Cr Murray said the recently announced proposal for a performing artists centre towards the northern end of Peel St would potentially support the growth in the CBD.
“While we haven’t formalised any plans or started a planning process we hope to see this delivered inside of the next 10 years,” he said.
Tamworth Business Chamber president Jye Segboer praised the continued focus of Council to drive business in the CBD.
“I certainly always think there are going to be off-shoots in suburban locations in any region,” he said.
“You only have to look at Newcastle where you have major shopping centres and home makers centres in places like Charlestown and Kotara.
“Essentially what South Tamworth is on the brink of, is having those (offshoot) areas. But one thing that is really crucial and important around the Tamworth CBD is Council has never permitted a (major) neighbourhood shopping centre or retail space outside the CBD other than the Big W shopping complex.
“While there is always going to be growth in outlying areas, we really need to see the CBD remain strong and robust.”
Mr Segboer echoed Mr Murray’s comments on the potential for an entertainment precinct in Peel St.
“We need to develop an entertainment hub for people to feel more comfortable, have ease of parking and have a family environment – this is one strong thing I think we need to focus on for the future,” he said.
“It would add value and create an environment for families to want to live here and raise their children.”