Stage 2 includes the development of the Sorell Community Precinct.
Stage 1 includes restoration of the heritage-listed Rail Carriage Shed (watch the video HERE) on Station Lane as a public venue. As well as commitment by the State Govt. of $500,000 to relocate the Men’s Shed and Sorell Lions Club buildings to Pembroke Park
This is a very exciting project with the potential to have a massive impact on our community. You can view the plans by scrolling down or you can also download the PDFs here.
Stage 2 Submission
Dear Sorell Council,
I write to you in relation to the latest design Master Plan for the proposed Sorell Community Precinct project (Aug 2024).
Firstly, I would like to congratulate the Council for the initial design and layout. The space looks well designed, incorporating a number of different uses while maintaining an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. This is an excellent start to create an inclusive, beautiful and well-used space that will be enjoyed by all members of the community.
I understand that consultation took place in 2020 and a reference committee was created in 2021, however given the size of the project, I would strongly recommend that the Sorell Council consult the community on the finer details before designs are finalised. Ensuring that the end user, the community, is consulted on these details will enable the project to be as successful as possible.
The original consultation engaged 43 written submissions and 79 people attended the forum. Given that there has been a significant amount of new residents in the area and there are approx 3,000 people who live in Sorell, further consultation is warranted for a major project like this.
I would like to officially offer to collaborate with Council to carry out effective and efficient consultation with the community to ensure all ideas are put forward. Combining resources and working together will magnify Council’s limited resources.
I posted the initial layout on the facebook group “Sorell & Surrounds” on January 23rd, 2025 and received many excellent points and ideas. I have collated our own comments, as well as, feedback received from the community so far (see below). This is likely only a small snapshot of ideas that will further enrich this project:
- Provide free access to Wifi within the area of the precinct
- Ensure an adequate number of power points are installed to support music equipment on the stage and the operational needs of the food truck area.
- Explore the potential for the kiosk to be run by a local sports group to raise funds for their club.
- Provide water fountains for drinking water.
- Ensure there is sufficient shade, particularly over play equipment.
- Provide appropriate lighting to allow night markets (A resident reported that George Town Council recently upgraded their town centre area and held a winter solstice with fire pits and food vans that supported the school and local artists).
- Review parking for the area (a number of residents reported the lack of parking at the Park and Ride carpark since the childcare centre and Services Australia office opened. I believe we should not add any extra parking in the Community Community Precinct design however this issue should be reviewed as a whole for the area).
- Provide information as soon as possible as to the new location and layout of the new Mens Shed and Lions Club (I understand this may not be confirmed once funding is allocated).
- Consider reducing the speed limit in the Sorell shopping areas to 40km/hr (with the increase in population in and around Sorell and more traffic travelling to the Sorell Community Precinct once complete, this will ensure the area is safer and more friendly to pedestrians).
- Ensure the public toilets meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, ensuring they are accessible to all users ( resident posted this very informative video which I recommend everyone to watch: https://youtu.be/Ncavm8xSRm0?si=5YBMrCWvk10jBv2L).
- Consider vandalism and how to protect against it, including the possibility of CCTV installation (I believe that vandalism is part of a larger issue of poverty and lack of access to youth services in the area, particualy for teenagers. To effectively reduce and stop vandalism, an approach by all levels of government is required. Installing CCTV cameras is not a simple fix but may be required).
- Consult Sorell on Stage regarding the loss of their storage space (when this project is implemented) to ensure they are supported as much as possible (e.g assist in organising an alternative storage area that meets their needs).
- Work with the Mens shed to explore the possibility of utilising part of the space for an artist workshop that creates sets, costumes and props for “Sorell on Stage” and other art programs.
- Consider low cost hire charges to optimise usage (I understand the carriage shed will be available to hire for the public. Please ensure the hire rates for sporting clubs and community groups are no more than $5/hr and provide free hire for events such as artist exhibitions that support local artists/creators).
Warm Regards,
Kristian Horvath
*UPDATE MARCH 2025*
Council provided the following letter in reply. I am really excited about the prospect of further consultation and will watch this issue closely. You can find Council's reply here.
Plans
