iPlan - a NSW Government initiative coordinated by
Department of Planning

The potential for additional tertiary facilities in the town centre core and the civic / educational / hospital precinct should be investigated. As Southern Cross University continues to expand and the local population increases, tertiary education demand is expected to grow. Potential for complementary facilities may present opportunities for expansion and increased diversity, thereby reinforcing the town centre as a multi-disciplinary education precinct. Location of facilities in the town centre core also create the potential for a stronger link with the Coolangatta TAFE.

The redevelopment of retailing along Bay Street is expected to follow the residential and commercial development and will not require government initiatives other than appropriate planning instruments. However, major retail developments outside the town centre core (such as supermarkets and showrooms) should be assessed individually on their own merits. Internally-oriented or freestanding destination retail facilities with large car parking space are not conducive to a town centre and therefore should not be permitted within the town centre core.

Much like retailing, the growth of service commercial facilities (such as health, financial and personal services) in the town centre will follow the increase in the local resident population that they will serve. The preferred development scenario provides for these facilities above ground level in the retail core, and in dedicated commercial buildings on the fringe of the retail core and in other commercial precincts of the town centre.

Larger commercial entities and institutions serving regional populations will be attracted by relative cost, location attributes, proximity to complementary businesses, availability of suitable premises and workforce availability. The town centre as proposed is expected to be a much more competitive option for larger companies because it will offer a vibrant CBD with a stronger identity, a larger local population and workforce, and a much improved local environment for employees.

There may be potential to attract major commercial tenants, which in turn would be a catalyst for other commercial development. However, in the main, provided the town centre develops as envisaged, it is expected that commercial development will occur anyway.

Recommendations regarding the Jack Evans recreation precinct are contained in Part 2 of this report.

The creation of a lagoon-type area within Jack Evans Boatharbour would activate the public space and create additional opportunities while retaining the existing activities within the precinct. New opportunities include development of additional tourist and recreation facilities such as a waterfront restaurant or kiosk, a lighted waterfront walkway between Twin Towns and Tweed Mall, and a recreational and cultural focus in the form of a regional showcase arts and culture centre. Each of these is expected to require public sector initiatives to assess and develop over an agreed time frame.

As substantial new development is proposed within the adjacent town centre core, it is also recommended that a revision of open space provisions be undertaken to ensure the preservation of recreational, visual and aesthetic values, and the protection of views and vistas.

Walking is one of the major tourist pastimes and local residents need to have a presence within the town centre for it to retain its ambience and activity. A riverwalk is proposed to link the northern tip of the town centre at Duranbah Beach through to the southern edge at the Civic / Education / Hospital precinct. This would capitalise on the natural beauty of Tweed Heads and enhance the links between major precincts within the town centre. This too, would be a public sector initiative. However, discussions with major stakeholders including Tweed Mall and Twin Towns indicate that they may participate in this and other improvements in the park and boat harbour area.