Pedestrian focus for CBD revamp

A $4.5 million revamp of Warragul’s central business district will have a “pedestrian friendly” focus, according to Baw Baw Shire community assets director Phil Cantillon.

Council is currently working on a program for future streetscape improvements within the Warragul CBD, which aim to improve and invigorate the retail heart.

Council officers have been working with a project reference group including business and community representatives to identify priority projects for the streetscape.

Over the next four years council has budgeted to spend $4.5 million on streetscape and traffic improvements.

Mr Cantillon said a general theme of discussion with the project reference group was whether the community wanted a pedestrian friendly town or traffic friendly town.

He said the works being undertaken would focus on pedestrian friendly.

The major project objectives are:

Minimise traffic flow and unnecessary vehicle circulation through the core CBD area by providing a more pedestrian friendly and green environment;

Formal pedestrian crossings with flashing lights on Smith St and Queen St;

Prioritised pedestrian amenities including wider footpaths, upgraded paving and space for outdoor dining and retail activities;

Additional accessible parking spaces;

Improved traffic circulation – one-way west bound on Palmerston St, south bound on Smith St between Palmerston and Victoria St and traffic treatments including roundabouts and traffic signals; No loss of parking spaces; Streetscape improvements works to complement any of the potential multi story car park sites;

Closure of Cenotaph Lane to vehicular access so as to create a more pedestrian friendly environment; and, Improved public lighting. The Smith St (north end) works are expected to be underway in coming months. Pedestrian crossings with flashing lights will be installed near the Courthouse Café (15 metres south of the existing crossing) and at the existing crossing at the northern end.

Other works identified for Smith St include a new pedestrian crossing at the Victoria St intersection to align with the pedestrian laneway through to the car park.

Tenders for the design and construction of roundabouts in Mason St are expected to be finalised by the end of this year ready for construction to begin early in 2017.

Mr Cantillon said feedback on the streetscape plans had been positive.

He said the project reference group had discussed a range of options on how the town should look and whether it be pedestrian friendly or traffic friendly.

He said the outcome was people very much wanted the town to be pedestrian friendly.

Mr Cantillon said the process also had included a lot of discussion about multistorey car parking options.

“Every idea or issue the community raised (during consultation) was listened to and put into the discussion.

“There are still some issues that we are working through,” he said.

Plans and streetscape work details – page 49.