Council is now inviting community members to have their say on the Crago Mill Precinct masterplan.
Brewster Hjorth Architects (BHA) have prepared a number of options that identify the functionality and spaces that are required within the new precinct, with these options presented to Council at its May 2021 meeting.
Councillors stated their preferences were Option 1b with Option 5b as a potential staging arrangement from the ten choices identified.
The Masterplan includes the following elements as well as the proposed layout on the Comur Street site:
– Council Chambers and community meeting space
– Council Office facilitiesA modern community library
– Commercial Space for small business start-ups and e-commerce co-working facilities
– Self-contained accommodation for short term specialist council workers and new council staff while waiting to secure permanent accommodation in Yass
– Re-use of the Heritage-listed Crago Mill as a community hub and café
Council’s General Manager, Chris Berry said that this submission process is all about finding out what the community thinks of the masterplan and how the concept design should be progressed, particularly for the Crago Mill and the use of the commercial space.
“We have started consulting with community member who have made previous submissions and we have also been speaking with the Historical Society and Yass Valley Business Chamber, now we’re looking for broader community feedback before we move on to developing a concept design.” Mr Berry said.
In February 2020, Council identified a Civic Precinct – comprising a new library, community meeting rooms, office accommodation, e-commerce small business centre, short-term accommodation and long-term tenants – as a key future infrastructure project for the community.
Councillors also determined to make funds available for the preparation of documents required for the project to proceed to the stage where it will be deemed ‘shovel ready.’
As a result, $672,000 will be allocated in the 2020/21 budget for the completion of a masterplan, schematic design and all necessary development approval documentation.
“Having ‘shovel ready’ plans will place Council in a strong position to secure any grant funding opportunities on offer” added Mr Berry.
The community were invited to participate during this process with submissions called for on the preferred location and the overall scope of works.
From the feedback, two key sites were identified with Councillors endorsing 209 Comur Street as the ideal location for the future Crago Mill precinct redevelopment.
Funding for the design of the project has been included in the 2020/21 budget. Any decision in relation to the funding and construction of the project will be considered in future budgets.
The proposed new library plan includes recreational reading areas, a peaceful lounge, an enhanced children’s area with interactive reading areas designed to engage with young minds, a study centre for all ages to learn individually or in groups, all supported by three program areas including an assembly space, maker space and digital technology space.
The community are invited to view the masterplan design options and provide feedback by visitinghttps://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/our-coun-cil/public-consultation/article/1199
Submissions close 5pm Friday, 18 June 2021.
Further community consultation will take place once the concept designs have been developed, however this is the time to have your say in guiding the next stage of development of the Crago Mill Precinct.
If you have any thoughts you’d like to share in regards to the Crago Mill Precinct, send them in writing to editor@yassvalleytimes.com.au.
