Letter to the Editor: Architectural design win for Council chambers

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE construction of the new Council chambers building was a divisive and contentious issue at the time in Coffs, especially pertaining to the cost when there are so many roads and footpaths etc in the area where the money could have been better spent.

But we have it now and apparently it won an architectural award.

I was stunned!

From the outside I will admit the building is striking, but venture through the front doors and it is like entering an oversized cave constructed of bricks.

There is no welcoming “feel” to the edifice.

I have only had to go there a few times and all I see is a bland construction.

This was an opportunity for a far more impressive entry foyer.

My first visit was to the library which to my surprise, was split over three levels and with no internal connecting stairs.

One has to go outside and down the stairs to the youth library or down another level to the children’s library.

I do not call this a good design.

At the time when plans were revealed I felt that an opportunity was missed to make this a more eco-friendly construction, possibly by using hanging gardens on the facade to soften as well as moderate the temperature of the building.

The streetscape is also devoid of trees which would enhance the front entrance.

A positive result though, was the tidying up of the rear lane so it is now more user-friendly.

Congratulations to the Council for the award, but in my opinion doesn’t seem justified.

Regards,
David MICHAEL,
Safety Beach.