Following on from yesterday's Lismore App story about the revitalisation of the CBD laneways thanks to a NSW Government Grant (Revitalising CBD laneways causes concern for business owners), we received a progress update from Lismore City Council (LCC).

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LCC has released a final concept design for the Lismore Laneways Project and is now seeking community feedback through the council website.

The concept design has been developed by urban designers Vee Designs using ideas and input gathered through two community workshops with the registered Lismore Laneways Working Group.

This group was made up of local businesses and community members who provided ideas about Lismore’s identity and a vision for how Council could make the laneways a place to spend time, dine, experience art, and participate in community activities.

“It was really fantastic to hear local community groups, traders and residents say they want to roll up their sleeves and help activate our inner-city spaces – and that will be key to making this project a success,” Mayor Isaac Smith said.

“This is a fully grant-funded project that is all about transforming our streets into shared spaces to promote community participation and drive economic activity. Our CBD and the way we use it needs to change in order to attract more pedestrians and shoppers.

“Transforming urban areas into community spaces is happening in regional cities and urban areas throughout the world with great success. This project will help to kick-start a new way of interacting with the city centre and create a central hub that is vibrant and full of activity and life.”

The Lismore Laneways project is funded through a $510,000 NSW Government grant and aims to build on the success of the Back Alley Gallery and the rich street art already located in the laneways. The project includes improvements such as lighting, greenery, seating and new artworks.

Original designs also canvassed the idea of a Carrington Street closure and community responses ranged from very supportive to uncertain.

Council will undertake four-week trial closure of Carrington Street between Eggins Lane and County Lane in April/May 2021 to explore how the city centre can be used for events, dining and community activities. Access to Eggins Lane, County Lane, Larkin Lane and other sections of Carrington Street will be maintained at all times.

“We want to test this idea and see if a pedestrian-friendly space will help breathe new life into the heart of the city,” Mayor Smith said.

“We envisage the space being used for community activities – anything from music and dining to yoga and busking. We will be doing a call out later this year asking for people to get involved and help bring this space to life.”

Mayor Smith urged local businesses and community members to get online, view the concept design and provide feedback.

The concept design and feedback survey can be accessed at Council’s Your Say Lismore community engagement hub at yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au. Feedback is due by Friday, 4 December 2020.

The final Lismore Laneways Project will be rolled out from February to June 2021.

The Draft Lismore Floodplain Risk Management Study will also be on display soon at the Your Say website as council voted in favour of the public exhibition of the study.

This is a long and complex study that council staff are looking to simplify to make the feedback process more meaningful.