Archive: Urban Design Framework - Gisborne
Last Updated 24/2/08
Gisborne Urban Design Framework Workshop: "We Know What We Don't Want"
(10/11/07 - P) It's about the future, but some came just to say how much they detest the Gisborne Call Centre...
A recent Urban Design Framework workshop in Gisborne was, from residents' reports, fairly well attended. But something two of the South ward Councillors who attended might not have anticipated was the unanimous community condemnation of the Gisborne Call centre. They really, really hate it. It's the one thing no-one wants any more of in Gisborne
MRRA Says:
Are we surprised? Nup. Just wait until the yummo acres of glass and the shiny tin roof go on...
Reports to MRRA suggest Mayor Helen Relph seemed surprised at such strong community rejection of the building she and fellow South ward Councillor John Letchford supported moving forward to final approval. If residents are looking for scalps, they can start with these two, and the rest of them that thought the Call Centre was just what Gisborne needed: Councillors Geoff Neil, Noel Harvey, John Connor and Henry Bleeck.
Ah... and let's not forget the big hand the State government had in the Call Centre becoming a reality. Was ruining a town and putting a community offside really worth - how many jobs was it?
People hated the Call Centre when they first heard of it, they just weren't given any chance to say so - were in fact prohibited by Council, the State government and/or VCAT from having any say at all in what happened to their own town centre. Oh well, perhaps they can have their say next time they vote.
Workshop For Gisborne Urban Design Framework Wednesday 31 October
(30/10/07 - P) Have your say on what you value about Gisborne's town centre and how you would like to see it improved
This is a must attend event! Gisborne residents are urged to attend this workshop and have input into the future of Gisborne's town centre. Issues to be addressed include the economy of the town centre, future development, open spaces, pedestrian links and transport options.
Details:
Gisborne Urban Design Framework Workshop, 6pm - 8.30pm, Wednesday 31st October, Council Chambers, Robertson St, RSVP: 5421 9640 or email jeanineb@macedon-ranges.vic.gov.au
MRRA Says:
This is an important project, and Gisborne residents are urged to get involved.
From comments made to us by Gisborne residents, we wouldn't mind betting that knocking down the towering monstrosity of a call centre will prove a popular option for improving Gisborne's town centre. Now that it is under construction, people are telling MRRA they are horrified at the size of the building. We can only say with regret, wait until all of that shiny glass and metal goes on.
Just remember who gave Gisborne the call centre in the final vote: Councillors John Letchford and Helen Relph (both South ward (Gisborne) councillors), John Connor and Noel Harvey (both West ward), and Geoff Neil and Henry Bleeck (both East ward).
Those who opposed it were Councillors Rob Guthrie (South ward), Tom Gyorffy (West ward) and Sandra McGregor (East ward).