ABOVE: An artist’s impression of The Greens on Barker. Photo: Contributed
A vacant block in Barker St, Casino is about to have its future use altered.
It was earmarked as a car park extension and instead, it will be turned into a green space in the heart of the CBD.
The block of land opposite the Tatts Hotel will transform into a park with a whole lot of perks..
Funding for the transformation comes from a $340,000 State Government Streets as Shared Spaces grant.
Richmond Valley Council applied for the funding to provide the community with a new green space to be called The Greens on Barker.
The space will have shade structures, pathways, sandstone blocks for seating, picnic tables, noughts and crosses play equipment, and landscaping, as well as pavement stencilling and artwork.
The area will have power and water and be able to host pop-up markets and performances.
Council’s projects and business development director Ben Zeller said the Shared Streets program supported residents and businesses by temporarily adjusting uses of public spaces to provide for in-street activities like outdoor dining.
“There are benefits to creating people-centric spaces, such as fostering connection, reinforcing a sense of community, and allowing the local economy to flourish,” Mr Zeller said.
“There has been a noticeable increase in activity in the CBD since the floods and we all know being outdoors is essential for our physical and mental health, so I have no doubt this specially-created space will bring a new energy to not only Barker Street, but the whole CBD,” Mr Zeller said.
Work on The Greens on Barker will start next month.
and then