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Port Macquarie Town Centre revitalised

Those who have not been to Port Macquarie for a few years are in for a pleasant surprise when they visit Council's revitalised Town Centre. The combination of beautification works, carried out as part of the Port Macquarie Town Centre Masterplan, and the development of the Port Central Shopping Centre has transformed the town centre area.

Further improvements are planned to achieve Council's vision of 'creating a visually attractive town centre that is safe, pleasant for users, and enhances business opportunities for the benefit of the community'. Port Macquarie is one of the major urban centres in the North Coast Region with the potential to provide for the State's population growth.

With a current growth rate of 4 percent, Hastings already has one of the highest rates of growth in the region. In recent years, the town centre has had to compete with the establishment of Settlement City - a retail mall and, more recently, the emergence of Gordon Street as a new retail area.

Recognising the importance of the town centre to both tourism and commercial activities, in 1991, the City of Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Inc approached Council seeking ways to revitalise the town centre.

A Sub Committee, comprising Councillors, Council officers, local professionals and business people, was set up to oversee the preparation of a master plan for the town centre. After community consultation and a focus workshop, a draft plan was developed by consultants and placed on public exhibition.

With the assistance of local businesses, Council was fortunate to secure a 'shop front office' in the main street to display the proposals. Staffed by Council personnel, these officers were only too willing to explain the concepts to locals and visitors alike.

Beautification works resulting from the Plan give priority to pedestrians over vehicles while, at the same time, providing for calmed vehicular access to this key commercial and community focal point.

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