AS SPECULATION and anxiety mounts about how and what the Chelmsford Place rejuvenation will look like, Leeton Shire Council has promised the community will soon be clued in to a draft design.
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Already the community has been up in arms about the removal of the Rotary rotunda, which is due to be taken from its position in Chelmsford Place and relocated to a yet to be disclosed different area of the community.
Another area of concern is the removal of trees from the area as part of redevelopment plans.
The Irrigator has been able to obtain an early design concept from July this year prepared by FSLA for council for the work in Chelmsford Place.
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This design shows six palm trees will be retained, another will be transplanted while the remaining 21 trees will all be removed.
This includes the large pine tree near the cenotaph.
Anxiety surrounding the removal of these trees has been growing within the community, but council said it was important for residents to view the master plan when it is released and find out the reasons behind these decisions.
"The trees to be removed and planted will be detailed in the masterplan which is currently being finalised,' acting director of operations Josh Clyne said.
"We will be able to give (the community) the full details by close of business on Friday when the September council meeting agenda is released to the public.
"We are planning to present (the community) with something that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations."
Council has also recently been criticised on social media for what residents deem to be a "lack of consultation" on the proposed work in this area.
This is something council has refuted.
"Council sought ideas for Chelmsford Place in late 2016," Mr Clyne said.
"There was extensive consultation at the time which culminated in a concept plan by RedBelly, which was endorsed by council.
"Key ideas included a symmetrical boulevard, closing off the road between the two top islands, celebrating our irrigation history and Sir Walter Burley Griffin's art deco inspiration and creating a more desirable area for gathering."
However, there are some differences in the RedBelly design plans and the more recent draft design presented to council from FSLA.
With that in mind, it will be important for the community to have their say on the matter once the design and masterplan is presented to the public in the coming weeks.
"If endorsed by council (at its September meeting) the plans will be placed on public exhibition for final comment from September 24 to October 19," Mr Clyne said.
"There will be a double page spread in The Irrigator, design details on council's Have Your Say website and pop up sessions for the community.
"We can't wait to show the community the final designs as we think you will feel very excited about how the plans will transform and lift our CBD."