Cobar Grand Central Precinct Planning & Design

Client:
Cobar Shire Council

Year Completed:
Funding secured 2024; project underway

Location:
Cobar, NSW

Services/engagement type:
Grant writing and funding strategy

Brief Overview

Cobar, a mining town in outback NSW, is seeking 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.

We were engaged to prepare a funding application under the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnership Program (Stream 1), securing support to progress the Grand Central Precinct Planning and Design Project. The work will deliver detailed design and planning for key sites, moving the project to construction- and tender-ready status.

Challenge / Context

Cobar Shire 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 and beyond. The challenge was to secure investment under a highly competitive national program, positioning Cobar’s local priorities against larger regional centres across the country.

The project needed to demonstrate strong evidence of economic, social and place-based benefits, as well as align with national precinct development priorities. Without this funding, momentum from the Master Plan risked stalling before reaching a deliverable stage.

Our 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.

  • Structuring the application to highlight how the planning and design works would unlock future construction investment.

  • Successfully secured funding for the Cobar Grand Central Precinct Planning & 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.

  • Reinforced our expertise in turning strategic master plans into funded, deliverable projects through targeted funding strategies.

Outcomes

✓ $3.46m funding secured

✓ Design & planning underway

✓ Council delivering on their promise to community

*Cover photo courtesy of The Cobar Weekly