Liveability Project - Revitalising Our Town Centres

As part of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, Hawkesbury City Council has created the Liveability project to revitalise the town centres of Richmond, South Windsor and Windsor through public domain upgrades, place-making and activation initiatives, stakeholder partnerships and commercial opportunities.

To make this happen, Council engaged Place Design Group to deliver the detailed design for revitalising the town centres of Richmond, South Windsor and Windsor. The concept design is now on Council's community engagement website, Your Hawkesbury Your Say at www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au for community members and to view.

The design celebrates the existing heritage and enhances public places through public domain upgrades with the aim to re-energize the charm of the Hawkesbury region. The Design has specific aims for the town centres of Richmond, South Windsor and Windsor:

• Richmond - to be an Activated Cultural Destination
• South Windsor - to be an Updated Contemporary Town Centre
• Windsor - to focus on River Heritage, Civic Boulevards and Vibrant People Places.

The planned upgrades will see all three town centres receiving advanced street tree planting that will create a magnificent 'green boulevard'. We are trying to mitigate climate change and create long term liveability of the Hawkesbury Town Centres. We know that Western Sydney experiences extreme heat in summer (and is only getting hotter) and we are looking to future proof the liveability and, economic stability of the LGA. By implementing street trees, we can also reduce the reliance of cars (by improving walkability through creating greener, shaded streets). This also meets Council's environmental sustainability targets (reduced temperatures and increased biodiversity).

• Richmond Town Centre will receive tree planting, street upgrades, parklets and crossing upgrades as well as park furniture and open space improvements.
• South Windsor Town Centre will include realigned parking compliant accessible spaces in Mullinger Lane, pedestrian crossings introduced and upgraded, lighting, water sensitive urban design (WSUD) garden beds, tree planting, footpath upgrades (paving and furniture) and crossing upgrades.
• Windsor Town Centre will consist of enhanced paving, street furniture which is sensitive to heritage and the existing character, planting and pedestrian crossing upgrades. In the Windsor Mall the creation of a space for activation and events which will increase pedestrian activity, new upgraded paving, furniture upgrades, outdoor dining areas and planting.

Throughout all three town centres Council are continuing to engage with business and property owners to investigate collaborative opportunities.

There will be a minimal reduction in the total number of existing on-street parking spaces wherever possible. Council has taken community feedback into account and as a result, Council is looking to plant the new trees in existing footpath verges. Where this is not possible, the new trees will be planted in the existing carriageway. Place Design Group has also sought creative solutions to mitigate loss of existing car parking areas.

Click here to see the design for further details. A final design package document will be available in June 2022.