Pop Up Park set to be permanent

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Penrith’s innovative Pop Up Park is set to become a permanent fixture.

Penrith Council this week endorsed a report that recommended a new permanent park be designed for the location at the western end of High Street, in consultation with local businesses, residents and the Penrith CBD Corporation.

Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said this ambitious trial project had been a success and could be used as a blueprint for other Australian communities wanting to place urban transformation in local hands.

"The park was designed by community and business representatives, designers and student architects in 2013. They were guided by world renowned urban tactician Mike Lydon and place-making specialists Place Partners and The Lot," Cr Fowler said.

"The recognition of this project in the prestigious Planning Institute of Australia (NSW) Great Place Awards program is testament to Council's innovative approach to trialling changes in public spaces."

In June 2014 Council responded to feedback from users and business owners and the eastern end of the Pop Up Park was reopened to vehicle traffic, with the introduction of parking spaces for short term parking.

Surveys, conducted by Urban Design and Planning Consultants Hames Sharley Pty Ltd following the park's trial period, showed that a majority of users and business owners believed it should become permanent.

"The construction of the trial park has allowed Council to assess the need and impacts of a permanent facility at minimal cost," Cr Fowler said.

"The temporary nature of the park meant that some compromises were originally made in regards to the choice of construction material.  This will be addressed in the new design."

Council resolved that the new design should also address the need for amenities, lighting and wi-fi with an ongoing marketing program planned.

The Pop Up Park will continue while a permanent park is designed.

Pic caption: Penrith CBD Corporation Chairman Owen Rogers (left) and CEO Gai Hawthorn (right) with Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 14 July 2015.