Heart of Murwillumbah dying

MARCH 10: Is the heart of Murwillumbah dead? Prospero Street, once a vibrant shopping strip, is now dotted with vacant shops.

Photo: Blainey Woodham D125281b

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Poll

Do you think the heart of Murwillumbah is dead?

This poll ended on 09 April 2010.

Yes

82%

No

17%

Undecided

0%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

PLANNING could soon be under way to bring new life back to the dead heart of Murwillumbah – the partly deserted and abandoned stretch of Prospero Street which for many years was a major business hub.

Tweed Economic Development Corporation (TEDCo) chief executive Tom Senti has confirmed there are discussions with Tweed Shire Council to push ahead with a concept plan on how the precinct can be redeveloped.

“Obviously South Murwillumbah is really depressed, but that is the entrance, the gateway to Murwillumbah,” Mr Senti said.

“It’s like Tweed Heads to an extent was. We are really keen to do something.”

Some business owners have expressed dismay at the lack of council action to allow or encourage redevelopment, and Deputy Mayor Phil Youngblutt has blamed the former council administrators for blocking a plan for a shopping complex anchored by Woolworths.

The historic Holston Emporium, once a large two-storey department store built in 1900, has been up for sale for several years and sits vacant among other buildings, including the former Holden dealership showrooms.

Mr Senti said TEDCo had been delayed in taking any action to encourage redevelopment while it waited for the review of the council’s Local Environment Plan, currently on display, to be finalised along with new flood studies.

“That’s why we are now initiating discussions, because I think the timing is right,” Mr Senti said.

He added that TEDCo wanted to develop concepts for the redevelopment of South Murwillumbah in partnership with the council.

“We would like to see South Murwillumbah develop as a tourism hub and arts and cultural precinct,” he said.

Cr Youngblutt said he had held talks with Mr Senti and wanted to “push along” redevelopment of Prospero Street.

“Woolies were going to go in there, and that was stifled by the administrators,” he said. “Now the only thing that’s holding it up is a flood management plan.

“At the moment the area is a total disgrace.”

Greens Party Councillor Katie Milne said existing areas such as Prospero Street should be redeveloped rather than new development areas opened up.

“We should be retrofitting and trying to make the areas we have much more functional,” she said.

“We shouldn’t be doing any more greenfield development at all.

“We need to be more sustainable.”

What do you think? Is the heart of Murwillumbah dying? What can be done to revive it? Have your say - leave a comment below.