Margaret River residents who are interested in keeping tabs on the Main Street Redevelopment project can now subscribe to receive a quarterly project newsletter.
Launched last week, the newsletter provides a thorough overview of the redevelopment and includes information such as project background, projected timelines, community feedback, and key issues like pedestrian and vehicle access, parking, and safety.
Shire of Augusta Margaret River Margaret River Project Manager Helen Whitbread said the first of the newsletters appeared to be well-received by readers.
“This redevelopment has been a long time coming and there’s certainly an air of anticipation around the project,” she said.
There a lot do to before we can press go...
- Helen Whitbread, AMR Shire
“We’ve all been waiting a long time for Main Roads WA to be able to continue to progress the construction of the Perimeter Road so that main street heavy vehicle traffic is reduced and the precinct becomes more accessible and pedestrian-friendly
“I think we are all also pretty keen to see the construction of the roundabout at the Wallcliffe Road and Bussell Highway intersection.”
“It’s becoming more and more difficult to get through this intersection at peak times and this project will go a long way to addressing that issue.
“We will also benefit from major upgrades to drainage and stormwater management right down the main street.”
“One of the really exciting elements of that I am looking forward to seeing in place project is a new festival precinct which will provide an ideal venue right in the middle town for activities such as outdoor screenings, food fairs and other community events can be held.”
Dr Whitbread said there had been some initial concern expressed by local business about interruption to trading but believed this had been eased with good communication and planning to date.
“We’ve had really good, open discussion and debate about how to encourage ongoing retail trade during the project,” she said.
“Potential impacts have been considered and mitigated wherever possible.
“There might be things that come up as we go along but I think with strong established working relationships and ongoing communications and dialogue people will be very happy.”
Dr Whitbread said the start date of construction was still some time away but work behind-the-scenes was scaling up.
“There a lot do to before we can press go,” she said.
“The revised design brief will go to Council this December, then in 2018 we will review changes to the detailed design, consult with business owners about project phasing, advertise for tenders, appoint a head contractor and continuing stakeholder engagement.
”Construction will finally kick off in February 2019.”
Anyone who wishes to subscribe to review the Main Street Redevelopment newsletter can subscribe by emailing hwhitbread@amrshire.wa.gov.au
Alternatively, the newsletters will be uploaded to http://yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/ for public viewing.