Katoomba Charrette Outcomes Report - Blue Mountains City Council

Katoomba Charrette Report & Town Centre Strategy
Bush Tucker Cafe
A small cafe is proposed in the park, which might serve authentic bush tucker, with much of its
seating outdoors in the fresh air.
Car Park
An expanded car park is proposed, as shown.
Pedestrian Trails and Stairs
The pedestrian trails and stairs, as shown, should be refurbished. The stair, which starts in the
top northwest corner, is quite important, as a good view is afforded down it for passive
surveillance, and it would give a more direct access than the switch-back trails.
Tree Thinning and Trimming
To achieve this design, some trees will need removal, and many others should be trimmed,
especially where such trimming will improve passive surveillance from key areas above and
along the perimeter of the park.
Action 10.5 A - Implement improvements to the Park, as per the Project Design Brief.
Action 10.5 B - Develop residential development in conjunction with adjoining property
owners, to encourage housing to occur which will overlook the Park, as per the Project Design
Brief
10.6 Civic Centre Remodel
The Civic Centre in the central section of Katoomba Street is appreciated by many for what it provides,
but by none for how it looks. Its 1960’s ‘Brutalist’ style facade on Katoomba Street is seen by many as
barren and inconsistent with Katoomba’s character. Its subterranean entrance and crooked dark
connection at the rear to College Lane were described at the Charrette as good habitat for bridge
trolls. The ground level shops along an open-air atrium reportedly struggle for lack of exposure. Yet
the Civic Centre is well located, its elderly facilities, toilets and library are crucial assets to the
community.
10.6.1 Project Design Brief
To improve the assets of the Civic Centre and to fix its problems, the following improvements
to its design and performance should all take place:
improve the Katoomba Street frontage, by opening the blank walls with windows, and by
making it more inviting to passers-by;
introduce outdoor, and possibly weather-protected public space/s, where anyone can
gather, and where children can be minded (refer to Section 7.7.2);
make the connection between Katoomba Street and College Lane more direct and more
appealing to use;
extend or adjust operating hours of the library, and introduce Internet facilities;
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