Cullen Street, Nimbin

A redevelopment proposal for the centre of Nimbin after the devastating fire in August 2014.

The Concept Plan was developed by Mark Floate following his work on the the 7 Sibley Street, Sustainable Nimbin project.

In developing the project brief the design team considered input gathered from the community discussions and meetings with Lismore City Council. From these workshops sessions, several distinct issues were identified have become the basis for the Concept Plan.

• Pedestrian Connections – maintain and enhance the important laneway connection between the street and the western car-park.
• Shared Public Space – open up the rear of the site as accessible open space for markets, gatherings and events.
• Active and Mixed Uses – create small retail, commercial and some residential spaces to promote safe and active interactions.

The project aims to provide a range of shop sizes, some as small as 10 sqm to encourage diversity and local involvement. The lane-way connects the main street to an open garden space which can act as public square in both the formal and informal sense. It is envisaged that there will be both open air and covered space for dining, entertainment, hosting of public events such as Mardigras and on a daily basis it can provide a positive space at the heart of Nimbin.

The notion of live-work spaces is encouraged by Lismore City Council as the mix of uses tends to encourage more activity and passive security. The plan proposes some residential accommodation either in the form of 3-4 small apartments or a small hostel at the upper level overlooking the public open space.