Next stages for Amberley Village Green (Amberley Eastern Reserve)
The Amberley Village Green development framework plan, subject to consenting requirements and South Ward Committee decision-making on locations and sizings.
Council has given the green light for the next stages of the Amberley Village Green to get underway.
Council’s Chief Operations Manager Dan Harris said this will allow works to be priced and staged.
Council approved the next stages of the development plan at its recent meeting, including a recommendation that the South Ward Committee will adjust sizes or locations of the activities on the plan, as well as being given the go-ahead to spend any remaining funds “within the bounds of the plan”.
The development plan was created by a working group consisting of community members, members of the South Ward Committee, and Mayor Marie Black. The working group considered community feedback provided through the Long Term Plan and Reserves Management Plan processes.
Harris said approval for this next stage paves the way for carparking, and planning for landscaping, a playground, croquet lawns and cricket nets to move forward.
Cr Robbie Bruerton said it was important to share the development plan with the community.
“The place looks like a million dollars. If we come back in a year or two, it will look fantastic.
“This is coming together now.”
Bruerton noted the plan “was a long time coming”.
Harris said the Council agreed to purchase the reserve, formerly known as the Eastern Reserve, in 2014.
“Its purpose was to accommodate sports fields, with an emphasis on cricket. It is intended that the reserve would serve as an alternative large recreation space to the Amberley Domain.”
Irrigation has already been installed on the site, a viewing embankment constructed, surface shaping undertaken and a water bore drilled.
“This financial year, funding from development contributions (90%) and local funding (10%) was earmarked to develop the reserve further. Of those funds this year, so far drainage, irrigation and topsoil have been established and the perimeter pathway has been partially constructed. The cricket club has paid for the development of the wicket block. Further works already agreed upon include completion of the pathway, a new public toilet block and utility shed,” Harris said.
West Ward Cr Ross Barnes said it was appropriate that the development plan went back to the South Ward Committee to decide on locations and sizes. “It goes back to the appropriate community to decide.”
Harris said: “When complete, the reserve will provide for a wide range of activities. The irrigated area will be a wonderful green space for everyone to enjoy.”
Previously completed activities including land purchase, shaping and the development and drilling of the water bore has amounted to $715,000; This financial year the project has a budget, comprising 90% development contributions and 10% local funding. That has funded irrigation (including electrical), drainage, reshaping and topsoil totalling $390,000; the perimeter pathway $135,000; and public toilets $230,000.
The cricket wicket was funded by the Amberley Cricket Club.
