Creating free space, a smarter future and returns for ratepayers ( Noosa Council Press Release September 2015)
Interested Peregian residents, Councillors and Council staff met recently at the Peregian Community House to discuss the new concept plans under further review for the Rufous Street site after public consultation.
The development of a “knowledge campus” on one third of the site, with the remaining two-thirds of the site devoted to free recreational green space for general community use, is central to the plans.
Noosa Council’s Director of Community Services, Alan (Fox) Rogers said “This concept provides more open space than previously available to the public on the privately owned site where a fee had to be paid in order to gain access to the bowls green and beach volleyball areas.
“It also replaces the two asbestos-ridden buildings and maintenance shed of the former bowls club with structures designed to be environmentally sustainable.
“The plans include a building that will foster IT- driven education and enterprise, mixed-use areas and capacity for a future community hub on the southern corner of the site near the Tennis Club.
“Nose-in car parking is proposed along Rufous Street along with an upgraded car park next to Veggie Village. Pedestrian links to Peregian Village are also intended.”
Talks have been initiated with interested local businesses and universities regarding potential partnerships.
The next step in the process is for Council to analyse feedback from the September meeting of key stakeholders, revise concept plans and undertake traffic and financial feasibility studies, prior to lodging a Material Change of Use (MCU) for the northern end of the site.
Mr Rogers commented: “We are aiming to minimize the costs to ratepayers by taking an innovative approach to a portion of the development.
“Once the concept has been finalised and the MCU has been lodged, the community will have another opportunity to comment on the proposed development.”
The former Bowls Club site was purchased by Council late last year at the urging of residents and the Peregian business community following the closure of the club; failure of previous sale contracts; and demand to further diversify Noosa and Peregian’s economy beyond retail and tourism.
For more information visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au/peregian-your-say
Note: This info is directly from a Noosa Council Press Release September 2015
