FEEDBACK INVITED FOR THE OLD DUBBO GAOL HERITAGE PLAZA
Draft concept plans have been released to the public, to help come up with a design that will form the Old Dubbo Gaol Heritage Plaza. Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is developing the plaza in front of the State Heritage Listed Old Dubbo Gaol (ODG), as part of the Destination Dubbo: International Ready project.
The ODG Heritage Plaza project is aimed at reinvigorating the CBD of Dubbo, while also attracting more tourists to the region. Work being considered for the project includes landscaping to recreate and interpret former historic structures, incorporates shaded seating, food truck access, market stall space, lawn, night time illumination, exposure of the original gaol wall, light projection possibilities, and a large kinetic artwork – for which a nationwide competition to find an artist is currently underway.
“We’re now asking for the community to view these concept plans and let us know what they would like to add or change. We want this space to be inviting for everyone, and revitalising this space will add enormous value to the local economy,” said Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields.
The $5.01 million Heritage Plaza Project forms part of the $13.58 million Destination Dubbo: International Ready project, which aims to increase tourism in the area. The Destination Dubbo project is comprised of three major developments: the Old Dubbo Gaol Heritage Plaza, the Macquarie Foreshore Precinct, and the Wiradjuri Tourism Experience. DRC has received $10.14 million funding from the NSW Government to complete the project.
DRC has exchanged on the old State Bank at the front of the Old Dubbo Gaol. The project will see the 1970s building demolished, to make way for the new precinct. Some of the things the space might be used for include school group gatherings and resting place, film festivals, food truck festivals, CBD green space, markets, performance space, meeting place for community, tourists and families, projection wall for films, live music opportunities, and night time economy activity.
“If you think there is something that hasn’t been included in the concepts, and you want to have your voice heard, I encourage you to jump on Council’s website, view the images, and provide feedback. You can also go into one of our Customer Experience Centres to view the plans and provide feedback,” said Councillor Shields.
The plans will remain on public exhibition for at least 28 days, before an overview of the community consultation results will be presented to Council in April. The final design of the plaza will be provided at a future meeting of Council.
Image caption: Concept of the Old Dubbo Gaol Heritage Plaza.
Last Edited: 09 Jan 2024