Cobar Grand Central Precinct Planning & Design

Challenge

Cobar, a mining town in outback NSW, sought to strengthen its town centre as a vibrant community and commercial hub. Following the 2023 CBD Master Plan and Grand Precinct Report, Cobar Shire Council identified the Grand Central Precinct as a key project to improve public spaces, encourage pedestrian activity, and boost local business.

Council had already completed strategic planning through prior Master Plan work but needed dedicated funding to advance the Grand Central Precinct from concept to detailed design. The challenge was to secure investment under a highly competitive national program, positioning Cobar’s local priorities against larger regional centres across the country. Without this funding, momentum from the Master Plan risked stalling before reaching a deliverable stage.

Approach

We worked with Council to prepare a compelling grant application under the Regional Precincts and Partnership Program Stream 1. Our process included gathering robust supporting evidence to demonstrate local and regional impact, aligning the project with program priorities around economic growth, community activation and liveability, and structuring the application to highlight how the planning and design works would unlock future construction investment.

Outcomes

Successfully secured funding for the Cobar Grand Central Precinct Planning and Design Project. Enabled Council to move the project from concept to design and planning, ensuring delivery can proceed to construction and tender stages. Positioned Cobar to revitalise its town centre, improve public space, and strengthen the local economy.