Bayside Council has endorsed a refined masterplan for Pine Park, Ramsgate which removes car parking from its prime foreshore location and returns it to pedestrians.
last month, the council approved the $4 million stage one of the park’s upgrade.
A new Ramsgate beach plaza, enhanced pedestrian promenade and cycleways, new stairs to the beach, lookouts and new park furniture and lighting are features of the masterplan.
Pine Park is part of the 8,5km Cook Park which runs between the Georges River in the south and the Cooks River in the north on the western shores of Botany Bay.
It plays a strong community role as the home of groups such as Nippers and events at the Ramsgate Life Saving Club and as a scene for large family gatherings and picnics.
A masterplan for Pine Park was first undertaken in 2013 and the refined plan will incorporate works to be completed allowing the allocation of $4million in funding under the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.
The refined masterplan includes the removal of car parking in Caruthers Drive prime foreshore location, returning it to pedestrians and cyclists while retaining access of for emergency vehicles
The plan will also look at widening the shared promenade for pedestrians and cyclists from Ramsgate Baths to Sandringham Street with breakout or gathering spaces in the northern and southern ends.
There will be new off-street car parking adjacent to the Grand Parade with a one-way in and out system and a new commuter cycleway adjoining the Grand Parade.
The plan includes the creation of the Ramsgate beach plaza adjacent to the Ramsgate Life Saving Club which will have subtle level changes down to the beach with paving in high circulation areas and grassed terraces for informal seating and gathers and and an accessible ramp to the promenade.
There will be new pathways while the picnic lawns will be retained and improved by removing the cycleway that dissects these area.
Other features include new beach access stairs and landing areas, retention of trees and new park furniture and lighting.
Last week the council decided to proceed with the $4million stage one of the masterplan which was one of three options considered by the council.
Option two which was the upgrade of the full promenade and northern car park was costed at $8.6 million, and option three, the implementation of the full masterplan was costed at $13.7 million.
A council report said there are a number of possible funding sources possibly available to implement additional elements of the masterplan but they will have to be considered as part of the 2018-19 budget projects.
The council aims to have the stage one works completed by June 2019.
