TUDLab, Law, Lisa, Jung, Gisela, and Prowse, Andrew (2023) Ravenswood Town Centre Concept Masterplan. External Commissioned Report. Charters Towers Regional Council, Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia.

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Abstract

Ravenswood is a historic town located in Queensland, Australia. Situated approximately 80 kilometres southwest of Townsville, it is part of the Charters Towers region. The town was established in the 1860s during the gold rush era and quickly became a bustling mining centre. At its peak, Ravenswood was home to around 5,000 residents and featured numerous hotels, shops, banks, and other amenities. The mining operations in Ravenswood yielded a significant amount of gold, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the town. Today, Ravenswood is known for its rich history and well-preserved heritage buildings. Visitors can explore the town’s historic streets, including the main thoroughfare called Macrossan Street, which showcases beautiful architecture from the late 19th century. Some notable landmarks include the Imperial Hotel, Railway Hotel, School of Arts, and the Court House. Ravenswood also offers opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. The region is surrounded by scenic landscapes and offers picturesque views. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, camping, fishing, and birdwatching in the nearby natural areas. While the mining industry in Ravenswood has increased over the years, there are concerns about the impact of the mine on the town and its relationship with the community, contributing to the local economy. The town continues to attract tourists who appreciate its historical significance, charming atmosphere, and the chance to step back in time to experience Queensland’s gold rush heritage.

This masterplanning process was initiated by the Charters Towers Regional Council to consider opportunities for the Ravenswood town centre’s expansion, including urban design/land use, streetscape improvements and the towns relationship with the mine. The masterplan area is defined by Railway Street, Macrossan Street, Elphinstone Street, Raven Street and Ayr Ravenswood Road. While acknowledging the presence of the evolving and expanding Ravenswood Mining Precinct to the south of the town centre, bordered by Burdekin Falls Dam Road to the west, Ayr Ravenwood Road to the north, and Evlinton Road to the east, it is important to note that this area falls outside the defined masterplan study area. The overarching purpose and intent of this masterplan is to assist Charters Towers Regional Council in defining and prioritising works that align with, and contribute to, delivering a vision for the region. This document therefore summarises key strategies for a revitalized Ravenswood townscape. It includes an analysis of the constraints and opportunities provided by Ravenswood’s unique heritage and continued economic innovation. It devises strategies to increase pedestrian friendliness, to keep visitors in town and to enhance the liveabilty of Ravenswood for the young and elderly. The staging of the proposed upgrades are all integral to this vision.

This Masterplan for Ravenswood has four key objectives:

• To enhance the liveability of Ravenswood as a place for young and old;

• To develop attractive and functional recreational places through improved infrastructure and revitalisation of the creek;

• To create a softer, greener, landscaped environment that helps to remember Ravenswood history and improves amenity;

• To improve the public realm and road network, including the development of a space that creates a sense of arrival and/ or gateway into the town centre for visitors, including trucks and RV’s (Recreational Vehicles).

This Masterplan is a non-statutory, aspirational document. It relies on provisions, strategies, plans and frameworks already put in place by the Charters Towers Regional Council through various statutory instruments such as the 2020 Town Plan. The works outlined in this plan also require liaising with other governing bodies such as the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Department of Resources, Mines and Energy, Ergon Energy and Ravenswood Gold who may need to approve any changes to existing infrastructure. This document will be utilised to guide these works, and is useful for supporting documentation for grant applications and other funding opportunities that align with the Masterplan vision.

Item ID:	84013
Item Type:	Report (External Commissioned Report)
Keywords:	Greenvale; masterplan; regional regeneration; urban design
Copyright Information:	© 2023 Charters Towers Regional Council.
Funders:	Charters Towers Regional Council
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2024 05:41
FoR Codes:	33 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN > 3304 Urban and regional planning > 330411 Urban design @ 100%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280104 Expanding knowledge in built environment and design @ 100%
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