Construction work to improve pedestrian safety and protect the State Heritage listed Jens Hotel has begun in Mount Gambier's CBD.
The $70,000 streetscape and footpath improvement project will deliver safety upgrades outside the hotel at 40 Commercial Street East, addressing ongoing vehicle strike risks and supporting a safer, more accessible pedestrian environment in one of the city's busiest areas.
City of Mount Gambier General Manager City Infrastructure Barbara Cernovskis said the works respond to long‑standing safety and structural concerns while contributing to broader improvements along Commercial Street.
"This project is fundamentally about improving safety for pedestrians while protecting one of Mount Gambier's heritage buildings," Ms Cernovskis said.
"The verandah posts at Jens Hotel are located very close to the kerb and have been impacted by vehicles on multiple occasions. A redesigned streetscape and widened pedestrian space provides the safest and most practical solution."
The project follows a Council decision in August 2023 to investigate the creation of a more pedestrian friendly space outside Jens Hotel, consistent with Council's long term CBD planning objectives.
Construction and traffic management activities include kerb reinstatement and footpath construction works designed to support safer pedestrian movement and improved accessibility.
Ms Cernovskis said while similar works are sometimes loosely described as 'parklets', the project is more accurately characterised as footpath widening and a streetscape upgrade.
"What's being delivered is a widened footpath and improved streetscape that enhances how people move through and use this part of the CBD," she said.
"The redesign creates additional pedestrian space, allows outdoor dining to be positioned further away from traffic, and delivers a safer and more accessible environment for all users, including people using mobility aids."
The expanded outdoor dining area will include protective safety barrier blocks, providing clear separation between patrons and vehicle traffic.
As part of the project, the deteriorating paved roadway at the intersection of Watson Terrace and Commercial Street East will also be reconstructed using coloured asphalt to improve durability and enhance the appearance of the streetscape.
The project aligns with Council's CBD Guiding Principles and Strategic Plan, supporting pedestrian accessibility, heritage protection, streetscape quality and economic vibrancy in the city centre.
To enable the works, the southern lane of Commercial Street East between Ferrers Street and Watson Terrace will be closed to all traffic from Monday 2 February 2026 for approximately two weeks.
Detours will be in place for westbound traffic. Eastbound traffic, parking on the northern side of the street, and pedestrian access on both sides of the road will be maintained throughout construction.
Council thanks the community and local businesses for their cooperation while the safety and streetscape improvements are completed.
