Newsroom
- Development Application lodged for the Parke Street Redevelopment – including Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Coles Retail Centre
- 21 August 2007
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The Development Application for the proposed Parke Street Redevelopment in Katoomba consisting of the new Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Coles Retail Centre has been lodged with the Blue Mountains City Council.
The project, on the former TAFE site at 30-32 Parke Street in Katoomba, is a collaborative enterprise between the State Government, Blue Mountains City Council and Coles Group Property Developments Ltd.
The development will be constructed by Coles Group Limited on land owned by the New South Wales Government and by Blue Mountains City Council. Ownership of the new cultural and community facilities will pass to the Council upon completion of the project.
The Parke Street Development will be an exciting new hub for the Blue Mountains, with a design that will result in a landmark building inspired by the outstanding setting of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Region.
The development application seeks to construct a building consisting of: two basement car parking levels, a retail arcade, including a Coles supermarket and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.
The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre level will include:
- City Art Gallery
- World Heritage Interpretive Centre
- Theatrette / Seminar Room
- Multi Purpose Workshop
- Cultural Information for visitors
- Administration and Office Space
- Gallery Restaurant / Café
- Gallery Shop
- Public Art Courtyards
- Viewing Platform
- New Katoomba Library
Below the Cultural Centre level there will be:
- Coles supermarket and specialty shops
- Two levels of underground car parks with parking for over 300 cars
- Lift and stair access to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
- Supermarket loading docks
The development plans have been prepared by two architect firms of international renown reflecting the two different functions of the building. Scott Carver Pty Ltd has prepared the development plans for the basement level and the retail level, whilst HASSELL have prepared the development plans for the Cultural Centre level and the exterior of the building.
Chairman of HASSELL Ken Maher said:
"The location of the proposed site near the top of the hill on Parke Street offers a unique opportunity to create a dramatic elevated platform that focuses on and accentuates the outstanding setting of the World Heritage classified Blue Mountains.
Our design concept is inspired by the form and materials of this special landscape.
Gently vaulted and delicate roofs respect the undulating forms of the mountain ranges, and emphasise the directional nature of the views through the site.
Masonry is proposed as the main wall material, with colour and pattern selected to reinforce the character of the sandstone cliffs characteristic of the Blue Mountains landscape. The design is open and welcoming, with generous provision of open space providing enhancement to the important cultural facilities.
The development is sympathetic to ecologically sustainable design and will include elements for storm water retention, recycling and passive solar design".
Coles Group will hold Open Days on Friday 31 August between 12 and 4.00pm and on Saturday 1 September between 10 am and 4.00pm providing an opportunity for the public to see the designs. The venue will be the former RTA building at 30 Parke St, Katoomba.
These Open Days will be distinct from the DA Public Exhibition Period which will be held by the Blue Mountains City Council later in September as part of the formal DA assessment process.
- Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Design to create "open and welcoming" public place
- 21 March 2007
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Architect's visual perspectives show inspiration from the special landscape
A visual perspective of the exterior of the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre design which internationally renowned Sydney architects HASSELL has been developing over the past months has been released today.
Leading Sydney architect and chairman of HASSELL Ken Maher said that the design concept for the cultural precinct in Katoomba is inspired by the form and materials of the special landscape of the heritage region.
The design statement description outlined:
"The location of the site near the top of the hill on Parke Street offers a unique opportunity to create a dramatic elevated platform that focuses on and accentuates the outstanding setting of the World Heritage Mountains.
Our design concept is inspired by the form and materials of this special landscape.
Gently vaulted and delicate roofs respect the undulating forms of the mountain ranges, and emphasise the directional nature of the views. The repetition of the roof forms gives a unity to the architecture, and reinforces the motif of vaults and arches found in some of Katoomba's significant historic buildings.
A central public space provides a focus for the various public facilities on the site, and allows the display of art within the dramatic setting of the surrounding landscape.
The Cultural Centre with its regional City Art Gallery, World Heritage Interpretive Centre, Theatrette and Café and the new Katoomba Library, are all accessible from this central square which is also linked by various routes back to Katoomba Street.
The colour and pattern selected for the external walls will reflect the character of the sandstone cliffs characteristic of the Blue Mountains landscape.
The design is open and welcoming, with generous provision of open space providing enhancement to the important cultural facilities.
A strong and singular character is intended for the whole of the Cultural Centre to ensure it has a strong presence as a significant civic and public place within the Blue Mountains."
Blue Mountains Mayor Jim Angel welcomed the refinements to the design which he said reflected the input from the community during the design refinement process.
"HASSELL have incorporated ideas from the community to improve the centre and take more advantage of the views on the site."
"The design is now more reflective of the Blue Mountains landscape and the layout of the public spaces provides a better use of space and takes into account community safety issues."
"We look forward to the lodgement of the development application," Cr Angel said.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Director Simon Ambrose said that:
"The design will result in a landmark building that will be a catalyst for cultural activity and expression. The Centre will be a unique place in the Blue Mountains that stimulates cultural development and encourages education and appreciation for the arts and our local environment. It will attract visitors from local, national and international communities".
