Artarmon Village Inc, the chamber of commerce for the Artarmon shopping strip, is developing positive plans to increase the look and feel of the Artarmon Village.

With Wilkes Avenue in good shape, our focus goes to west of the railway line. However, we believe Willoughby City Council’s current redevelopment plans are lacking or misdirected; hence the ratepayer and government funds allocated may be misspent.

 Generally, there has been poor consultation, and even when we are heard, the opinions of local retailers are discounted. In particular, we are concerned about the likely loss of convenient parking spaces.

Artarmon Village Inc has developed a 15-point plan for the shopping precinct. First, we wish to improve the facade of the shops between Jersey and Francis roads, introducing a consistent style and colouring to groups of shops. The 7/11 building on the corner of Hampden and Broughton roads sets the standard for a tasteful and consistent exterior above the fixed awnings.

Our initial advice from local architect Michael Jones is for clusters of colour palettes or bricks to suit small groups of buildings, plus well designed lighting. This will be a major boost to the make the run-down exteriors look tidy and quaint.

Secondly, we propose conversion of the underused section of Artarmon Green on the east side of Hampden Road immediately north of the railway station exit into a facility for music performances, farmers’ markets, pop-up coffee shops and the like. As well as hosting interesting attractions, it will boost the visibility and traffic for local businesses.

 Our third significant idea is to close Broughton Road at Hampden Road to link the two blocks of shops, improve pedestrian safely and create another small precinct with welcoming tables and chairs. Other north shore shopping areas have better design, standards and facilities, which attract customers. Such examples are Cammeray, Wahroonga, Crows Nest and Lane Cove. We reluctantly acknowledge that Artarmon Village is the neglected cousin compared to these smarter and classier shopping strips. Yet this need not be the case. Also in our plan is the decades-long quest for public toilets, greater use of the area south of the railway subway, more lighting to increase evening safety, Artarmon Village signage – and more ideas. Please email artarmonvillage@gmail.com with your feedback or for more information.

“This is the Artarmon Village section of the Artarmon Gazette. To read the full copy of the Gazette please click here“