Emerald Arts Precinct Facelift

Works at the Emerald Arts Precinct have now been completed.

Stay tuned for details of the opening event.

Thank you to everyone who was involved. We appreciate your feedback.

Please view the project timeline on the right for more information on the current project stage.

In November 2018, Central Highlands Regional Council began exploring options to develop the Emerald Library, community gardens and surrounding buildings into a multipurpose arts precinct.

Council conducted a survey in 2019 to collect input from stakeholders to inform a draft masterplan. This masterplan was reviewed by council in 2021, where it was decided that there were a number of logistical problems with the site including parking. Long-term, council will consider other locations for a multi-use arts precinct.

While large-scale redevelopment is on hold, small-scale improvements to the current space are being scoped for implementation to commence in 2022-23. This work will also include finding shade solutions to address the removal of the large fig tree in 2019 due to disease, and the upcoming removal of the second fig tree (estimated December 2021) which is unfortunately now suffering from the same disease.

While the project is small-scale, an important part of this process involves engaging with community to ensure that improvements reflect current aspirations of the space, noting that the last consultation on designs for this space was in 2018.

Implantation of plans is due to commence in March 2023.

Consultation undertaken

1. December 2021: Understanding what's important to you, to inform the development of draft plans for improvements to the existing arts precinct site.
2. March 2022: Review and feedback on the draft landscape plan.