THOSE with any grievances or thoughts about the redevelopment of Chelmsford Place now have their chance to make their voice heard.
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Leeton Shire Council voted unanimously on Wednesday night to place the draft plans for this work on public exhibition so residents can take a look and voice their opinions.
In recent weeks the proposed work has been cause for discussion among community members, with some displeased the Rotary rotunda will be removed from the area and the majority of trees will be cut down and replaced.
This redevelopment is part of CBD enhancement works, with phase one in Wade Avenue and phase two at the Roxy Theatre corner and taxi rank already well underway.
Indicative costs for the full Chelmsford Place project are $1.2 million, subject to detail design.
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Grant funding has already been secured for the lower island (near the cenotaph) of $437,000, with funding options being explored for the new extended top island.
Due to this, the development of the promenade may have to be staged.
Councillor and chairman of the CBD Enhancement Committee George Weston feels the draft design captures a vision for the future mixed in with a nod to the past.
"The design plan, produced by landscape architect FSLA aims to create a more attractive, integrated and vibrant setting that celebrates Leeton's history and brings increased social and economic benefit to the community," he said.
"The Chelmsford Place Promenade design creates a sequence of connected spaces with views along the central axis.
"The existing road between the two top islands will be removed and become a connected, open green space."
In allaying the community's fears about trees being removed, council's manager open space and recreation Josh Clyne said various species of deciduous trees will be planted.
"The total number of new tree plantings will be more than double the existing number of trees," he said.
"Six of the existing Canary Island Date Palm trees will remain in their current location with a further two mature palms to be added."
Special water features such as a dethridge wheel, fountain and connecting rill will celebrate Leeton's history as the birthplace of the MIA and there will be plenty of shaded seating areas to sit and relax.
Other key features include decorative art deco forms such as flower beds in a radiating, sunburst pattern and a war memorial garden with circular seating and a symbolic planting of rosemary and poppies to remember our fallen soldiers.
The heritage-listed brick bandstand and lamp posts will be renovated and the existing Sir Walter Burley Griffin artwork will be relocated to the back of the water towers among another shaded seating area and garden.
To view the design plan, visit www.leeton.nsw.gov.au or council's "Have Your Say" online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au.
Hard copies of the plans are also available for viewing at council's offices and the Leeton library.
Feedback on the plans can be provided in the short survey at the "Have Your Say" site, by email or letter by 5pm on October 19.
Information sessions will also be held on Wednesday from noon to 2pm at Jarrah Mall and from 5pm to 7pm at the council chambers on October 6.