Introduction | 01 LHD is the main thoroughfare and plays a crucial role in connecting these two areas with a railway bridge, providing vehicular access. Along with this, a railway footbridge at the Thirroul railway station also provides pedestrian access. Lawrence Hargrave Drive is a significant coastal road and a popular tourist drive that provides a key travel route between Wollongong, its suburbs and Sydney. It ends in Thirroul and further meets Princes Highway at the Bulli pass. The existing character of the site, the Village Centre precinct, is an amalgamation of two contrasting natural scenic elements: escarpment to the west (known as Lady Fuller Park) and ocean to the east. The northern side of the study area is larger in size and is focal point for retail and community services within the suburb, whereas the southern side is comprised of mixed retail and community services with a compact character, and close proximity to the Thirroul railway station. The site is also popular for its Cabbage tree palms. Although most have been diminished due to the development, some are still found along the escarpment. With close proximity to the beach and the village centre development, the site attracts a plethora of visitors in the form of tourists and locals.
Site Photos & Impression
1. Imposing beauty of escarpment
2. Lack of linear view through entire township (surprise)
3. Disconnected township dissected by rail line and bridge
4. Commercial zone - mix of heritage and modern facades
5. Shop-top housing & commercial
6. Retail mix typical of coastal location (take-away, homewares, boutiques, surf shops)
7. Lack of shade, inconsistent street trees (west side)
8. Sense of enclosure more dominant on eastern side of street
9. Degraded public domain
