ARMIDALE Regional Council will withdraw an application for $3.3 million to fund the mall redevelopment.
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Mayor Simon Murray said the decision to withdraw would address concerns about the engagement process.
“It also sends a clear signal that Council is keen to work with the community for as long as it takes to achieve a design with strong public support, where the finished product is something the whole community can be proud of,” he said.
“There will be several more opportunities for funding and public feedback continues to show there is overwhelming community support for improvements to Beardy Street Mall and the CBD precinct.”
Results on the application process were due early February.
Community consultation showed overwhelmingly that residents did not want a road through the central mall.
Residents have taken the consultation process into their own hands, opening an alternative engagement space and planning a protest.
The process has been valuable in getting the community to look closely at the Armidale CBD, Cr Murray said.
“While some aspects of the initial design do not have general community support, the concept on display is a starting point for discussion and has certainly been very effective at motivating people to provide feedback,” he said.
The community engagement and planning process will continue until February 16.
Council will look at applications for other regional development grants, Cr Murray said.
“However, the high level and diversity of community response we’ve received so far on the CBD upgrade design has shown it will be beneficial to allow as much time as we need for the community discussion to run its course.”
The decision was made to give the community more time.