WINDALE is set to break the shackles of its past with plans for a new community skate park and retail precinct.
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It is hoped the projects, which represent the biggest investment in the suburb for decades, will trigger a cultural and economic shift in the Lake Macquarie suburb.
The existing skate park, which sits adjacent to Lake Macquarie PCYC in Lake Street, will close on January 13, to make way for a Masters Home Improvement store.
Long-time Windale resident Lester McDonald, who has lived there for the better part of 60 years, said the multi-million dollar projects were a step in the right direction towards building a brighter future for Windale.
“It’s a sign of the future,” he said.
“As long as the suburb’s progressing, it’s positive change.”
The new-look, bigger skate park will be built during the next 12 to 18 months.
A handful of potential sites have been identified for the new skate park, but the plans will be fleshed out at a series of community consultation workshops and online surveys.
The Lake Macquarie Youth Strategy 2014 – 2019 identified the project as one way to boost community connectivity among youth in Windale.
Lake Macquarie PCYC manager Andrew Best said it couldn’t come soon enough.
“The skate park that is there is highly used; I believe the community will greatly benefit from a new one,” he said.
In another coup for the suburb, Lake Macquarie council has started to prepare the first development control plan for Windale
The plan sets out objectives and controls for the development of housing and open space.
It will also be based on community feedback, which the council collected late last year.
Some ideas included rezoning the area to allow for small lot housing; refurbishing the tennis courts; planting shrubs, trees and gardens in public spaces as well as beautification works and new signage along the Pacific Highway and South Street.
Mr McDonald moved to Windale with his family when he was 10 years old.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes since then,” he said.
“It was only half a dozen shops when I got here.
“Windale gets a bad name but on the whole I believe it’s a great suburb; everyone’s friendly.”
