The new Draft Armidale Dumaresq Local Environment Plan 2012 brings very good news for the future of Armidale.
It states an aim to “maintain the viability of the Armidale Central Business District and to protect local amenity”.
It goes on to say that the Draft LEP proposes two zonings for the main commercial and retail centre of Armidale, which is currently, zoned General Business 3(a).
The Draft “proposes two zonings instead — B3 Commercial Core and B4 Mixed Use”.
It goes on to say “The B3 Commercial Core zone is for major centres that provide a wide range of retail, office, businesses, entertainment and community uses that serve a wider region as well as the local community”.
And then “The B4 Mixed Use zone is intended for areas where a mix of land uses is to be encouraged, including retail, residential and community uses. Residential development in this zone can be important in sustaining the area and providing housing close to commercial cores.”
At last we are edging closer to a ‘grown-up city’ which does not die when night falls and has the security brought by people, light and movement.
My only argument with the draft plan quoted above is that the “B4 Mixed Use zone is proposed for land surrounding the proposed B3 Commercial Core zone”.
I would like to see the possibility for excellent residential development in the Mall areas themselves in some of those large, empty eyesores. Then we would truly be a ‘grown-up’ town, with cafes open at night and people bringing the heart of our city to life.
Susan Dunn,
Armidale
