Businesses have say on streetscape works

Warragul business people will have an opportunity discuss proposed central business district streetscape designs, including one way traffic in Palmerston St, at a meeting tonight.

Baw Baw Shire and the Warragul Business Group have organised the consultation session to discuss the next stage of works.

Council’s community assets officers will present the proposals to business owners and operators. The meeting will focus on: Palmerston St streetscape works between Victoria and Smith Sts;

Smith St streetscape works between Palmerston and Queen St;

Overall traffic changes, particularly oneway traffic on the above locations;

Update on the future multi-deck car park; and,

Future cbd works planned for the next four to five years.

Warragul’s central business district retailers have raised concerns that one way traffic in Palmerston St will impact business activity.

Baw Baw Shire’s acting community assets director Vishal Gupta said last month the impact on businesses and car parking needed to be given further consideration before any works were finalised.

The project reference group managing the project has suggested a multi-deck car park needs to be established before one way traffic arrangements are implemented.

Council has allocated $2 million in its draft 2017/18 budget for a package of streetscape works which includes a major overhaul of Palmerston St.

A major part of the works is to implement one way traffic in Palmerston St, in an easterly direction, between Victoria and Smiths Sts.

The Palmerston St works also includes creating a wide pedestrian promenade on the south side of Palmerston St which can be utilised for outdoor dining and retail activities.

The works include a feature pavement at both ends and in the centre to help prevent potential conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. A new dedicated kiosk would be installed at the existing kiosk location.

Additional lighting and seating and removable bollards to allow for street closures during big events also are included.

Council’s proposed streetscape works also proposes one way traffic (south direction) in Smith St between Palmerston and Victoria Sts. These works are scheduled for 2018/19 financial year and final plans for these works have not been developed.

The meeting will be held tonight at Frankie’s Cafe, Warragul from 6pm-8pm.