Category: Village Amenity

[Editor’s Note: This Web Book comprises 19 chapters, each a webpage.  It remains a work-in-progress and we expect to complete it by August 2023.  ‘The Katoomba Charrette Outcomes Report of 1999’ comprises some 133 pages and 47,000 words.  A complete copy is embedded herewith toward the end of Chapter 7, and may be downloaded, since it is a public document.  […]

Back in 1998, the regional community of Katoomba had formed a view that their township centre deserved progressive town planning.  This vibe had emerged after long neglect and interest by local government, Blue Mountains {city} Council. Katoomba locals (interested business owners and residents alike) considered it time that such town planning for Katoomba’s mainly town centre be thoughtful, appropriate and […]

So, in 1998 a number of wise established townsfolk locals of Katoomba (residents and business people alike) with a passionate interest in improving Katoomba, initiated a town planning project themselves.  They came together and established a working group to this  end, The Katoomba/Echo Point Planning Advisory Committee. Their underlying principle was for Katoomba’s town centre revitalisation, and the famous nearby […]

The ‘charrette’ methodology facilitates incremental creative project management was more recently adopted by urban design consulting firm Ecologically Sustainable Design Pty. Ltd (ESD) based outside New South Wales in North Fitzroy in Melbourne, Victoria.  Since 1992 ESD had led some 15 charrette urban design methods across Australia and New Zealand. In 1998, ESD was sourced and contracted by The Katoomba/Echo […]

To clarify a vision for the Katoomba Town Centre, and to achieve community consensus for future planning directions in Katoomba; To improve businesses and the town’s image, safety and amenity to gain more benefit from tourism; To improve access for pedestrians, cars, and public transport users and to address parking issues related to both the town centre and Echo Point; […]

In April 1999, the process ultimately culminated in a published summary document five months after the process had begun in October 1998.  The document was entitled  ‘Katoomba Charrette Outcomes Report and Town Centre Revitalisation Strategy – Defining Katoomba’s future’ (April 1999)‘.  This was the cover page:   This substantial 133-page outcomes report represents a rare initiation project and participation by […]