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A major public investment aimed at revitalising Windsor’s historic town centre has sparked backlash from community groups and heritage advocates who claim the project threatens, rather than protects, the town’s unique character.
The Windsor Liveability Project, a key initiative of Hawkesbury City Council, is part of the broader Western Parkland City Liveability Program, under the Western Sydney City Deal. The project carries a price tag of $18.75 million, jointly funded by the Australian Government, NSW Government, and Hawkesbury City Council.
Council has promoted the works as a transformative step towards creating a more vibrant, sustainable, and accessible public space in the heart of one of Australia’s oldest European settlements.
According to the Council, extensive community consultation has been undertaken through the "Your Hawkesbury Your Say" portal, with feedback influencing choices such as paver colours and seating styles.
Heritage concerns prompted petition
However, not everyone is happy.
On 29 May, a coalition of approximately 40 community groups, residents, and independent experts gathered at the Mall to express concern that the project—particularly in areas like Thompson Square—is inconsistent with the historic landscape and Georgian architectural heritage of Windsor, Australia’s third-oldest European township.
Attendees claimed the project includes elements that breach NSW heritage guidelines, referring specifically to the use of “brutalist fixtures” and modern design features that they say clash with the town's heritage identity.
“The [Liveability] Project is the poorest example of urban design I have encountered in recent times,” said a spokesperson for the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism. “It disregards the historical significance of the site, employs inappropriate materials, and lacks attention to detail. Most unforgivably, it ignores the needs and rhythms of the people who use the space. Unlike other generic modernisations, this intervention desecrates a place of national heritage.” according to an member of the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism present at the meeting.
A heritage property owner who wanted to remain anonymous added, “For those of us who understand architecture and heritage, it was painful to watch an out-of-town agency effectively vandalise our town centre, particularly when so many locals and experts offered their free guidance. It’s frustrating for heritage property owners to see the same council that imposes strict regulations and costly requirements on residents so openly disregard the very standards it enforces.”
The group was so alarmed by the direction of the works that they resolved to launch a petition via Change.org calling for the removal of Hawkesbury Council’s General Manager. The petition attracted 344 local signatures before it was removed due to a complaint alleging defamatory content.
“I am extremely disappointed with the attitude this Council has adopted,” said local resident Claudia. “There is little or no communication with constituents when you email your concerns. You virtually have no voice. From an initial meeting with the Mayor back in 2022 regarding the gas lamps—despite many meetings and resolutions at Council—majority have been disregarded. Something that should have embraced the historical value of this unique town has been ignored.”
Campaign continues
Undeterred, the group has since submitted its petition to the NSW Minister for Local Government and is continuing to advocate for rectification works—particularly in Thompson Square and the Windsor Mall precinct—to ensure the town’s heritage values are preserved.
A spokesperson for the group said they are not opposed to upgrades, but that such works should “enhance Windsor’s history, not overwrite it".
Business owners of Simon’s Cafe have also raised alarm over the economic impact of the redesign.
“Since the commencement of these works—particularly the installation of oversized garden beds directly in front of our café—we have experienced a severe and immediate decline in trade, with weekly sales dropping by approximately 40%,” said the owner of Simon’s Café in a letter to Council. “The new garden beds now occupy the space previously used for our outdoor seating, effectively blocking visibility and reducing our capacity to serve patrons outdoors… Despite polite and repeated requests to reconsider or relocate these garden beds, I have yet to receive a clear response or timeline for action.”
The café owner further noted an increase in pigeon activity due to the new plantings, disturbing diners and raising hygiene concerns. “We have received numerous complaints from customers—some have even stated they will not return due to this issue.”
“It is difficult to understand why so many square metres of garden were placed in the Mall,” added Pat, another local resident. “They use up space for markets and alfresco dining which were key features of the Mall… I have always felt the cutting down of the mature trees in the Mall was a mistake. So much could have been done to prune and control them. The good feeling that large mature trees give is hard to replace.”
“So many people who really value Windsor believe that Windsor could be one of the most stunning visitation sites in the Sydney region. I don't think this was taken into consideration with this Mall makeover. The brick paving is nice—thanks to community action Windsor didn't get the grey granite like South Windsor.”
Community concern intensified following an official text message from Council Engineer Will Barton, who is overseeing the Windsor Mall refurbishment. The message, sent to the Windsor Experience Action Group member, the community group leading advocacy on the project—stated that a resolution passed by Council “does not bind or commit Council to enacting this part of the resolution with the Liveability Project.”
In a statement posted online, Hawkesbury Council said: " After years of planning and 12 months of construction, the transformation of Windsor Town Centre is now complete, marking a major milestone in the Hawkesbury’s town centre revitalisation journey."
The Council added, "the final stage of the Windsor Liveability Project, Windsor Mall, was completed on 30 June, delivering a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming space for residents, visitors, and businesses alike while celebrating the rich history of Windsor."
The Council will be hosting an official opening event on Sunday, 10 August from 9am in Windsor Town Centre.
