Toronto's waterfront needs this, not high-rise
9th August 2019
I don't agree with Lake Macquarie council's plans to put a six-storey development on the prime waterfront site in Bath Street at Toronto.
Apart from the fact this site will be lost to the community forever, I've had significant concerns that the councillors have never been given an alternative option to consider.
On that basis, I commissioned a landscape architect to come up with a concept plan for a park. The natural slope could be transformed into an amphitheatre for outdoor performances while there's plenty of room for things like cafes, pop-up markets, playgrounds, parking, picnic areas and food vans for community festivals.
As a former councillor and mayor, I'm always reluctant to get involved with council decision making, but I genuinely believe that the council is not listening to the community on this one.
I'm really keen to hear your thoughts on these concept drawings which are included in the short video here.