Ballina township has long recognised the beautiful Richmond River as the jewel in its crown. However, like many town and city centres, it was not making the most of the river’s many attributes. With this in mind, Council developed a masterplan for reinvigorating Ballina’s central business district focusing very much on the river and its environs.
Just a short block from the main shopping strip, the riverfront had been a neglected part of town used largely as a car park. Completed in early in 2002, the process for the masterplan included widespread community consultation.
By the end of 2003, and at a cost of $2.5 million, the run down area next to the river had been given a complete make over with a new restaurant, playground area, wharf and dual walkway/cyclepath. The project has not only revitalised the riverfront, but is providing a boost for business and tourism. The new waterfront area is a catalyst for adjacent businesses to reorientate their operations to make the most of the attractive, new river precinct.
One of the key aspects of the materplan is the public open space along the riverfront where people can simply enjoy the river. Set against the park and using a modern sail design, the buildings along the riverfront are now more inviting to the community providing a direct link through to the shopping strip.
The area is already proving to be very popular with locals and a magnet for tourists. The redevelopment provides a venue for the retail marketing, promotions, community festivals, recreation or simple enjoyment.
The second stage of the masterplan, road construction works, widening of the footpaths and landscaping in the adjacent main shopping strip will be completed in June. This will open the way for additional alfresco dining, making the CBD and river precinct a highly attractive and vibrant retail centre.
