The world is run by those who turn up. It was a saying a former New England MP was fond of saying, but for the Armidale community right now it is one worth remembering.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One issue more than any other is dominating the city, and that is the fate of the Beardy Street Mall, specifically the central section of the mall, which has been closed to traffic for decades.
With a draft proposal from Armidale Regional Council now on the table, a decision will soon have to be made about the mall’s future design.
Not many would argue that nothing needs to be done in the mall. There is definitely room for improvement, and it is a matter of what ideas are adopted.
Like any public space, if it is not revamped every so often, it can become outdated, and fall behind other cities and towns who are taking a longer term view.
While the draft proposal has received a mixed response to its various elements, the idea of potentially opening the mall to traffic between Faulkner and Dangar streets has sparked the most conversation.
Almost 2000 people have indicated they do not want a road opened through the mall. That number includes 1200 signatures on a petition, and another 500 online.
A Community Connect engagement centre has been set up in the mall.
As we have reported in today’s edition, there is also a protest planned for February 3, organised by a new group called Save Armidale Mall.
The group is concerned that the community will not be listened to by the council.
While there has been criticism of the council, that this proposal is a done deal, and the public will not be listened to if they offer a contrary view, the council has been adamant that they would revise the plans based on community feedback.
Which brings us back to asking, who will turn up?
While the future of the mall will be decided by the council, it has made it clear that it will be influenced in its decision by those in our city who turn up and offer a view on what the mall should look like.
It is time to respond to the council’s request for information at the engagement centre in the mall, and attend the protest in the mall on February 3.
As a city, and as a community, this is the time to offer our views to the council. Then we, as a community, will ensure they do listen to us.