Narrabri Shire Council’s ambition to establish a Tourism and Cultural Precinct has started to take shape, with signage for the project unveiled last week.

Mayor Ron Campbell described the area as a wonderful community asset that will be used by locals and visitors alike once it is built.

“This tourist hub and playground precinct will provide our community and future residents and visitors with a lifestyle proposition that can be enjoyed by generations to come,” he said.

During the masterplan’s formation, consideration was given to pedestrian access, mobility and disability inclusion, recreation and open space planning according to council’s existing plans in these areas and feedback received during community consultation.

From the outset council wanted as an outcome true inclusiveness.

Council reviewed a number of other inclusive playgrounds and found that in many other playgrounds inclusive play equipment seemed an additional or add on and was isolated to one areas of the playground.

In finalising the concept designs for the playground council listened to community feedback as well as integrating all abilities equipment throughout the park.

The result is a stunning mix of shade and shelter for outdoor play, access to creek land for recreation, brand new playground equipment and natural seating, areas for picnicking, barbecues and alfresco dining along with a custom-built amenities building and pathways.

A performance area and mural space are also on the list for future stages of the precinct.

“Council’s aim was to raise the bar with this playground, and we think we’ve done that – people are going to travel from across the region to visit this precinct once built.

Planned for the area behind The Crossing Theatre, the Narrabri Tourism and Cultural Precinct will be on the Newell Highway and close to the CBD, with ample parking.

Cr Campbell is enthusiastic about what the development signifies for the Narrabri Shire and said it lays the foundation for growth in the region.

“Planning for the Narrabri Tourism and Cultural Precinct has been underway since 2019, and we believe this is a significant development for the town.

“This precinct is another piece to the large puzzle that this council has been putting together to make Narrabri Shire the preferred place to live, work and invest,” he said.

Council is currently in the design and costing phase of the project. The project is identified within the agreed Santos Narrabri gas project VPA with a combination of funding being sought through grant opportunities with a view to using a co-contribution to ensure its success.

The project has three stages, with Stage 1 to include the playground, amenities and carpark upgrade.

Tenders for this work are currently being drafted.

“We are excited by this announcement and are confident that it will become a hub for social, sporting and cultural events in the future, expanding both Narrabri’s tourism appeal and community
connectivity.”

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