A town square in Larkin Place connecting John Street and Elizabeth Street could be part of a major makeover of the Camden town centre.
Under the plan a town square would accommodate a variety of events, social activities and boost commercial opportunities available in that precinct.
Larkin Place is one of four Camden town centre precincts which have been included in the Camden Town Centre urban design framework.
The other three include the John Street precinct – from Camden Town Farm to St Johns Church, Murray Street and the Nepean River Link.
It’s proposed John Street be developed as a creative community precinct with a strong heritage character unified as a pedestrian-safe, public domain.
Murray Street, the arrival point to Camden from the south west, would be turned into a hospitality and commercial “eat street’’ offering both indoor and outdoor dining options.
Nepean River Link would offer a cycling and pedestrian connection between the river and the town centre. The plans recommend formal paths to link Camden to the river and its surrounding natural environment as well as improving connectivity to Camden South and Spring Farm.
Camden Town Centre urban design framework has already been given the green light and council is now looking at ways to put the design principles and ideas into practice.
“Camden is a vibrant rural town that successfully supports the social and physical needs of the local community through its good design and clever planning,” says Mayor Lara Symkowiak.
“We want to enhance the way the town functions and protect the cultural heritage while ensuring that it can respond to the wishes of a contemporary community,” Cr Symkowiak said.
“This framework has been created in consultation with the community and incorporates ideas raised by residents, visitors and business operators as well as town planning experts,” she said.
“The document provides direction for future planning controls and concepts to inform the economic success and appeal of the town centre.”
The framework addresses the built form, current use of spaces, access and movement through the town centre and looks at the economics, natural environment and public domain with the underlying goal of maintaining Camden’s rural heritage and charm.
Some of the other key strategies that council is now working on include:
- Prepare a signage and wayfinding strategy;
- Prepare a public art strategy;
- Investigate underground power to improve entry appearance to the town centre;
- Explore use of Larkin Place car park for events;
- Further investigate planning controls within the town centre.
