First stage of streetscape nearly completed

The end is in sight for the major Square streetscape redevelopment from Church Street through to the City Council’s Civic Administration Building (CAB).

The City Council has given itself until the end of November to complete the upgrade of that portion of roading that will provide a more pedestrian friendly link between the inner-city footpaths and the Square.

The upgrade is also intended to increase safety at the intersection through the introduction of a roundabout, reduce the speed of traffic and beautify the immediate area.

The $980,000 upgrade began in August and is scheduled for completion in March 2008 however work will cease with the near completion of the first stage at the end of this month and will start again early in January.

This is intended to minimise disruption during the busy Christmas period. The programme has been discussed and agreed with the affected retailers.

Project Manager, Tori Stableford, says so far the roundabout has been completed, the footpath from Church Street to the CAB widened and underground services installed with work on resealing the carriageway with asphaltic concrete and marking the road beginning later this week.

Also programmed for the next fortnight is the completion of raised planters containing cherry trees, seating on all four sides of the planters and feature lighting underneath at intervals along the widened footpaths.

The planting of flax and native grasses in the central medians around and close to the roundabout will also be completed as part of the beautification. Enhanced street lighting will further illuminate the area.

The purpose of the redevelopment is to create a different environment in the immediate area. While there’ll be fewer car parks, there is parking close by and the retail, business and hospitality attractions are all within easy walking distance Tori says.

“We want people to enjoy the total Square and not just walk around it,” she says.

When work resumes in January, the Council will complete a small portion close to the Main Street roundabout and then focus on the upgrade on the Square side of the roadway immediately in front of the new Customer Service Centre through to Church Street.

The completion of that stage is scheduled for the end of March 2008.

The Council regrets the disruption but believes the completed work will enhance the area, make it safer for everyone and be appreciated by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

The programme is identified in years one and two of the City Council’s 10 Year Plan.