Proposed upgrades for Cowper Street, Warrawong unveiled

We’re focussed on improving Warrawong’s Town Centre and supporting its growth to become a key cultural destination offering appealing public places.

We set out our vision for Warrawong as well as the actions Council can take to renew the Town Centre in the Warrawong Town Centre Masterplan, which was endorsed in 2013.

One of the key areas within the Warrawong Town Centre Masterplan was to tap into Cowper Street’s potential as a community hub. We want to upgrade and rejuvenate Cowper Street to make it easier for pedestrians to get around, safer and more attractive for people to enjoy this key public space.

Through targeted community engagement, residents have told us what they want to see in the Town Centre. Residents told us they care about:

• Pedestrian safety with improvements such as better crossings and wider footways
• Shade trees, spaces to sit and meet up with friends and family
• Opportunities for outdoor dining is a must
• Areas are needed to celebrate the unique culture of the Warrawong community.

This valuable feedback has been used to draft the Warrawong Streetscape Upgrade Plan. This draft Plan spells out the upgrades we’re proposing for Cowper Street. We’ve included concept plans, illustrative images and artist impressions of what this could look like as well as examples of the proposed traffic changes that make the wider footways possible,

There’s a lot to take in, and that’s why we’re calling for Warrawong community members to get involved and find out more about the project.

“Council is now asking the community to share their thoughts on the proposed Streetscape Upgrade Plan. It’s a draft Plan and that means now’s the best time to make any adjustments while we’re in the design phase,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“Local knowledge is an invaluable resource when it comes to designing big projects such as this one. We want to get this project right and so I ask that community members get involved, find out more about the proposed upgrades and share what you think will work, or may need some improvement now while we’re on the drawing board.”

For more information about the draft Warrawong Streetscape Upgrade Plan or to leave feedback, visit the Our Wollongong website.

You can also provide feedback by emailing Council, calling (02) 4227 7111 or in writing to: Wollongong City Council, Locked Mail Bag 8821, Wollongong 2520.

Council has a long-term vision for Warrawong and that includes the extensive work which is happening to get construction started on the new Warrawong Library and Community Centre.

“We have a really ambitious vision for Warrawong and the work on the Streetscape Upgrade Plan and the Warrawong Library and Community Centre project is really exciting,” Cr Bradbery said.

“There is a lot planned for Warrawong over the next few years and the upgrades to Cowper Street as a community hub will add so much value to the amenity, safety, and atmosphere of the Warrawong Town Centre.

“Over at the new Warrawong Library and Community Centre, works on this significant project are continuing. We’ve recently reached a new milestone with the Development Proposal now approved. That means we can finalise our design for the centre.”

For more information about the Warrawong Library and Community Centre project, see our webpage.

Information Stands – Warrawong Streetscape Upgrade Plan

WHEN: Saturday 29 October, 12noon-2pm & Saturday 12 November, 10am-12noon

WHERE: Information stands will be located in the Warrawong Plaza opposite Specsavers.