Architects show options for Peninsula Plaza
A simple reconfiguration of the Peninsula Plaza car park could address concerns about truck movement and pedestrian safety, according to the Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast branch.
A firm of architects has provided the branch with a range of options for Peninsula Plaza that do not involve the purchase of the Austin Butler Reserve or the removal of its trees, said branch convenor Mr Mark Ellis.
Several of the options were expected to cost less than the purchase cost of the reserve.
"Adaptive Architects have provided some rough sketches that cover a range of possibilities," he said.
These included "a basic re-arrangement of the carparking or building a parking deck on the existing site".
The architects showed that trucks could be given their own dedicated docking lane, with a rearrangement of carpark that would retain the same number of spaces.
They also designed a "half floor" three-storey carpark which would almost double the carpark capacity, while facilitating delivery truck access.
"A more ambitious third option would have multilevel parking with additional shops and residential units up to the legal height limit.
"The Plaza could be reconfigured to open out onto the reserve, utilising the shared amenity for the centre's customers.
"The melaleucas and green space could become features of the site and be enhanced with seating and landscaping.
"Investing in one of these options, instead of paying to purchase community land, would give both the owners of Peninsula Plaza and the community the solutions they need," Mr Ellis said.
SOURCE:
Media release, 30 Sep 2023
Mark Ellis, ACFCC