Stawell party for new Main Street
Northern Grampians Shire leaders have encouraged Stawell community members to celebrate a $1.35-million revitalisation of their main street on Friday.
The council and Stawellbiz will host ‘Meet and greet in the new Main Street’ from 5pm to 9pm.
The project, jointly funded by federal and state governments, involved 11 weeks of construction.
Upgrades include new on-street dining and retail zones, street plantings, seating areas, new pedestrian crossings, road reconstruction and more.
Friday’s celebration involves a range of free activities, including an outdoor movie for children at 7pm, fireworks at 8.45pm, face-painting, a jumping castle, a snake from Halls Gap Zoo and a ‘Shop Local’ competition.
Live music from Stawell’s Andrew Kennedy and his band ‘No Plans’ and a wine and beer garden provided by regional producers will be among the highlights.
Northern Grampians mayor Tony Driscoll said the opening would also celebrate Stawell businesses.
“Many of them are getting involved in the celebrations in their own way,” he said. “It’s going to be a great launch for the completed transformation of the Stawell central business district.
“We were under a strict deadline to complete this fantastic transformation so it’s wonderful to see it come full circle.
“It’s been a great alliance with two tiers of government in providing the funding for this revitalisation project.”
Stawellbiz president Nigel Keating congratulated the council and the government on their efforts to bring the project to fruition.
“It has been well received by the community and is a great positive for Stawell in revitalising and reinvigorating the town for both locals and tourists,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the new, vibrant CBD and celebrating the completion of the project with the community.”
Cr Driscoll said the upgraded central business district precinct was set to improve shopping and dining experiences in the area for residents and visitors alike, potentially leading to new investment and an increase in occupancy rates and repeat visitation.