Devonport urban designs on show

Ideas Devonport is hoping some exciting new looks emerge from the urban design competition open to local residents, students and design professionals.

This initiative sought concepts for Devonport's Bartley Square, Victoria Rd and Marine Square and how they link.

The plans will be displayed for everyone to see at the old information centre next to Devonport Library in North Shore City between 10am and 4pm from Tuesday, February 24, to Sunday, February 29.

"People who really care about the place get to have a say in the process," says Devonport Community Board chairperson, Mike Cohen.

"We should all feel proud about where we live and people's feedback will contribute to making it an even better place," he says.

``We want ideas which complement, build on and are compatible with the existing historical template.''

Devonport is one of North Shore City's oldest areas. It is unique in that its main street runs down to the sea, and Mount Victoria and North Head frame the township.

The urban design competition asks people to take into account public and private transport, pedestrians, cycling, parking and Devonport's heritage, as well as build on the Devonport Centre Plan and working group report which considered implementation.

Plans should also enhance the local area while protecting the qualities that its community values, says North Shore City Council environmental policy advisor, Grant Harris.

"We'll have an urban designer on hand at certain times during the weekend to help people from the community who want to illustrate their ideas as part of the feedback, and to answer any questions they may have," says Mr Harris.

After residents have had a chance to look at and comment on the designs, a panel will pick three proposals for our Devonport Community Board to consider at its meeting on March 23.

The panel will be made up of urban designers Doug Leighton and James Lunday, landscape architect Gavin Lister, and long time local resident, Paddy Stafford-Bush.

Each of the three finalists will be awarded their prize of $3000 after they have had the chance to further refine and add detail to their plans.

The community will be given the opportunity to view the final three designs before they are considered by the Devonport Community Board. There is still time to get a design in and help shape the future of Devonport - entries do not close until next Friday, February 20, 2004.

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