Left: Jensen PLUS Director Michael McKeown, Acting Director City Growth Jade Ballantine and Mayor Clare McLaughlin
The community will soon have their say on how they would like their Whyalla foreshore developed, as consultants have now been appointed to commence the long-awaited Whyalla Foreshore Revitalisation Master Plan.
The City of Whyalla has contracted Jensen PLUS to assist in guiding the development of the plan. They were chosen for their proven expertise – including working on Port Lincoln’s award-winning foreshore master plan – and their commitment to genuine and respectful community engagement and collaboration.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin said it was exciting to see such highly-experienced design leaders selected from a high calibre of submissions.
“The Whyalla Foreshore Revitalisation Master Plan is a transformative project that will rejuvenate Whyalla,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“We are entering a critical period of ensuring the community has an opportunity to have ownership and genuine input into the future of the foreshore and how it will serve our city for generations to come.
“It is therefore vital that we have an independent, innovative and experienced team with the right skill sets and strong collaborative focus to assist in guiding the community and Council through this process. This will ensure we find the best outcome that meets the needs of most in the community.”
Jensen PLUS have an excellent understanding of the project requirements through their involvement in similar regional projects, including Port Lincoln’s recent major foreshore upgrade (which won a 2020 Planning Institute Award); Port Pirie’s CBD streetscape transformation; and Renmark’s recently opened Taylor Riverfront Precinct.
Jensen PLUS Director Michael McKeown visited Whyalla on Friday to observe the current foreshore precinct and how various local groups utilise and interact with the precinct.
“It’s been invaluable to see the foreshore area and central Whyalla for myself and get a feel for the place to help plan the community engagement process,” Mr McKeown said.
“I’m really excited about hearing from a broad cross-section of the community about what they value about this part of the city.
“It is the best part of a master planning project like this.
“We’ll have a number of avenues to get involved – including face-to-face workshops, online conversations, and co-design – so plenty of opportunities to contribute.”
Mayor McLaughlin said more details on the next steps of the process would be provided in the coming weeks, encouraging everyone to get involved.
“The community recently demonstrated their passion and desire to have their say on aspects of the foreshore, so we’re excited to hear their ideas on the broader precinct and see where this collaborative process can take us,” she said.
To find out more about the Jensen PLUS team, their track-record and capability, please visit jensenplus.com.au or phone 8338 5511.