The Camden Town Centre Vision Project has a simple aim.
And that is to make the Camden town centre an attractive, popular and thriving central business district.
Now that vision has won council a commendation at the 2016 Planning Institute Australia NSW Awards for Planning Excellence.
Council shared the honour with JBA and AEC Group as they took part in developing the vision for the Camden town centre two years ago.
Another key plank of the project was asking for the community to contribute their ideas for Camden town centre.
The end result was a program of initiatives which aim to attract more people to the town centre, integrate economic, social and environmental initiatives, revitalise the town centre, build on its strengths and establish the right conditions for business to prosper.
It took out the Commendation Award for Best Planning Ideas – Small Project – and council is delighted.
“I am very proud Camden Council was recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia for our commitment to the Camden Town Centre,’’ said the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Lara Symkowiak.
“As the fastest growing local government area in NSW it was imperative council developed a vision that plans for the future.
“The initiatives outlined in the vision guide the future of the Camden Town Centre to ensure that it is a diverse, prosperous, vibrant, accessible and connected town centre for all.
“The intent of the vision is to protect and strengthen the town centre’s distinct character and heritage, while at the same time facilitating appropriate change and growth.
“The judging panel for the Planning Institute Australia NSW Awards consisted of respected independent experts and acknowledged that council wasn’t trying to overhaul or change the fabric of Camden, rather adopt a strategy and approach of incremental change and gradual evolution so that the character of the town centre is maintained and strengthened.
“The PIA also commended council on our ability to work with the community, to identify common themes as a result of our community consultation and develop a vision, strategy and implementation plan based on the community’s comments.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners across all categories on their achievements at the annual awards.
“It is an honour to be recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia,” Cr Symkowiak said.
