Wollongong City Council has revealed plans to excavate part of Bald Hill to lower the height of its northern car park by up to two metres.
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A draft master plan for the site, released ahead of next Monday's council meeting, suggests the car park be "regraded" to a gentle slope to give disabled and elderly visitors better access to an upgraded toilet block at the northern tip of the site.
The move would involve digging up the car park, removing excess soil and relaying the asphalt. The proposed excavation forms part of an estimated $3.8 million upgrade at the scenic site aimed at improving access and tourist facilities.
Under the plan, Lady Wakehurst Drive would be widened and a roundabout installed at the entry to the lookout.
Extra bus parking is proposed along the roadway, while the number of car parking spaces would be increased from 72 to 86.
Wollongong councillor Leigh Colacino yesterday said the lookout would retain its "bald" character despite the proposed changes.
"This plan preserves the integrity of the site while making it user friendly," he said, adding the regraded car park would not be visible from the front of the hill.
"The shape of the hill will remain the same."
The plan proposes few changes to Bald Hill's southern section, saying the hang gliding and paragliding activities were "integral to the site".
The majority of residents, stakeholders and community groups who helped with the proposal agreed the site needed a food outlet, however what form it takes is yet to be decided.
The site is currently home to a food van but the council has flagged the possibility of incorporating a permanent kiosk in the amenities block. Cr Colacino moved to assure ratepayers the food outlet would be "low-key".
He said it was important to get the site's overall plans right to provide a "world-class opportunity" for people to visit the site.
"This isn't a plan for the next 20 years; it's a plan for centuries to come," he said.