Prior to September’s Council election, a key issue for voters was the future of Byron Bay’s Main Beach foreshore. All councillor candidates agreed, prior to the election, that more consultation/info was needed before making any decision (unlike Mullum’s local water supply).
Concept plans were presented by Council staff for public comment in late July, which included the removal, or partial removal, of the carpark around the pool and Fishheads restaurant.
That drew opposition from local surfers, who called instead to improve the beachfront areas east of the surf club.
A multi-storey carpark behind the pool and an upgrade of Apex Park were also proposed by Council staff to offset the loss of parking, along with the planned retreat (relocation) of the Beach Byron Bay cafe at Clarkes Beach.
Local landscape architect and urbanist, David Vago, provided The Echo with his vision for the foreshore, which is based largely on staff’s suggestions.
He’s branding it ‘Lets un-pave paradise and pull down a parking lot’.
David told The Echo his company Habit8 (www.habit8.com.au) were behind several high-profile Sydney revitalisation projects, including the Sydney Monorail Walkway, Bondi’s beachfront, and the transformation of Glebe Island into an outdoor music bowl.
Aquatic complex
The plans propose an aquatic complex with Olympic-standard heated pool facilities, replacing the existing pool and buildings.
He says, ‘The upper floor will feature a stylish restaurant, cocktail bar, and function area with a sweeping balcony offering breathtaking views of The Pass and sunsets over Wollumbin’.
‘The building’s roof will be covered with solar panels and vegetation, ensuring the facility is environmentally sustainable’.
Replacing the carpark would be open space, an outdoor gym and exercise area and a ‘playground themed around First Nations culture and the unique aquatic environment of Byron Bay’.
Amphitheatre
‘A formal sandstone amphitheatre named the “Amp-Sea Theatre” will provide a new venue for community gatherings, events, and performances’, Vago says.
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