Urban renewal expert Andy Sharp reckons the Ingleburn central business district has “good bones’’.
Speaking at the Ingleburn business chamber monthly dinner last night, Mr Sharp also said, in answer to a question, fixing the Campbelltown CBD and Queen Street was challenging but was not insurmountable.
Mr Sharp, pictured above during his speech, started working for Campbelltown Council six months ago. He told guests at the chamber dinner that his talk represented his own views and not that of the council.
He has 30 years experience in urban renewal and was involved in a major project in Canberra before coming to Campbelltown.
“Urban renewal starts with a vision put together by everyone involved,’’ he said.
“It requires hard work but it is possible to create places that are liveable and loveable,’’ he said.
“I am not against cars when it comes to renewal of places, but it’s about the value you get when putting people first,’’ he said.
“You need play places where children can be safe and have fun.
“And where children go, parents follow, and that’s what you want, people spending more time in a space near or in a CBD setting.’’
Earlier in the evening, the chamber held its annual general meeting, where Drew Percival was elected president, replacing the late David Hazlett, who passed away suddenly over the Christmas period.
Mr Percival announced that the guest speaker for the next chamber dinner would be the president of the NSW RSL, Mr Ray James, a Campbelltown resident.
“It will be around two weeks before Anzac Day, so it will be very appropriate,’’ Mr Percival said.
In June, the chamber will hold its annual fundraising luncheon and a high profile guest speaker is expected to be a highlight.
