Helensburgh community encouraged to have their say on future of town

Community members can provide feedback on three strategic projects in Helensburgh which are the proposed town centre plan, the streetscape masterplan and an option for the Helensburgh library project.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said Helensburgh was a vital town in the city and had about 7,100 residents.

Read more: UOW campus a 'ghost town' - so uni cafes asking new customers to come visit

"The council has decided to combine these three essential opportunities so we can build a comprehensive look at what future considerations and actions we need to take," he said.

"The council has already delivered a new play space in Charles Harper Park and new fitness equipment for the town."

By getting feedback on the plans simultaneously, council hopes to streamline community engagement, and also develop phased plans that can be ready to roll in early 2021.

The draft town centre plan sets out a vision and strategy for the town centre.

The draft streetscape masterplan aims are to celebrate the village-like Helensburgh town centre by creating a low-speed environment that is pedestrian and cyclist-friendly.

The streetscape masterplan outlines the connections, character and meeting places that can be "built into" the centre. It also outlines the proposed extra trees and shrubs that can be planted.

The council has begun the long-term project to construct a new and improved modern library and community centre in Helensburgh village centre.

It is considering the option of integrating the community centre and library to create a hub, similar to the one at Thirroul, and is asking for ideas on the look and feel of a future library project.

Helensburgh resident Danny Belter said the car parking and shops have not kept up with the growth in the town.

"I don't like too many dual occupancies, villas and apartments. It is not why I moved here. The character of the town is being lost," she said.

"I'd like to see the strip of grass on Walker Street utilised better. I'd like to see it become gardens, to be beautified but the trees need to stay."

Helensburgh resident Nikki Bergant agreed more car parking spaces were needed close to the shops.

"Most footpaths around town are okay, after they have been repaired," she said. "It is important to me that the character and heritage of the town is kept for future generations.

"It would be good if the new library could offer study rooms."

Helensburgh resident Susanne Derbridge also wants to see a bigger library in the town.

"I went to the council meeting when they discussed ideas for the new library but I hate to say I could be very old before I see a new library," she said.

"I would like to be able to have our church services at the new community centre as we got kicked out of having the service in the existing one."

The council has previously consulted with the Helensburgh community, including school children, on a town centre plan and streetscape masterplan.

The feedback in online surveys and community workshops helped inform council staff on what residents want to see in their town in the future.

"I encourage everyone who has an interest in the future of Helensburgh, and this might be local residents or those who visit the town centre for work, socialising or for shopping, to join in this phase of community engagement," Cr Bradbery said.

"It's a way you can get involved in something that directly affects the Helensburgh community for years to come.''

Submissions on the three proposals close at 5pm on June 22.

Residents can have their say through the council's Join The Conversation webpage and take part in the surveys, or they can email the council with comments.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.