City calls for community comment on concept plan for first stage of Heathcote Civic Precinct project
The City of Greater Bendigo is planning some building upgrades as part of the Heathcote Civic Precinct project and is inviting members of the community to provide feedback on a concept floor plan for the Municipal Office and former Court House building by Monday August 23, 2021.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager Andie West said the Heathcote Civic Precinct is an important community hub made up of the Municipal Office, former Court House, Hall, former Mechanics Institute and High Street forecourt and Camp Street public spaces.
“The first stage of works is focusing on improvements to the Municipal Office and former Court House buildings and adjacent public spaces. These buildings are greatly valued and frequently accessed by the community, with services offered including a City of Greater Bendigo Customer Service Centre and the Heathcote Library.
“Upgrades to the Hall and Former Mechanics Institute will be considered as a future stage of the project.
“The project is a priority of the Heathcote Community Plan 2017–2021 and the City has worked with many different community groups to develop the concept floorplan, including current precinct user groups,” Ms West said.
Features of the concept floor plan includes:
- An expanded and more contemporary library space
- Spaces that can support diverse community outreach services
- Co-working spaces for local small businesses and community groups
- Community activity spaces that are more accessible and multi-purpose
- Improved building energy efficiency
- Better indoor / outdoor connections
- Improved landscaping
“The City now wants to know the community’s thoughts on what they like about the concept floorplan, how the upgrades will benefit them, if they have ideas for how the concept floorplan could be improved and if they have any concerns about the project and how their concerns could be resolved.
“Once this feedback is received it will guide the more detailed design needed before upgrade works can begin.
“The upgrades are important as they will help the precinct to continue to function as an important community hub that can support many different community needs and uses, now and into the future.”
Community members can provide feedback on the City’s Let’s Talk platform
www.letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/heathcote-civic-precinct-concept-floorplan by Monday August 23, 2021.