One of Murwillumbah's busiest thoroughfares is set for a facelift thanks to funding from the NSW Government's Your High Street program.
Council has received a grant of $589,963 to improve pedestrian amenity and boost local businesses through improvements to Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah, with the community now invited to provide feedback on the plan.
The proposed scope of works includes tree planting to increase natural shade, new garden beds, additional accessible seating, small-scale public art projects, pathway and landscaping improvements and upgrades to roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.
Enhancements will take place along a 300-metre section on the southern side of Wollumbin Street, between Commercial Road and Brisbane Street.
Council's Acting Director Sustainable Communities & Environment Stewart Brawley was excited to see the beautification project go ahead.
"Our vision is to create a greener, vibrant and more welcoming public space with cooling natural shade, splashes of colour from local artists and new opportunities for residents and visitors to spend time and socialise in Murwillumbah," Mr Brawley said.
"Wollumbin Street is home to nearly 50 businesses – including the busy Sunnyside Mall, Wollumbin Street Medical Practice and Murwillumbah Services Club.
"The aim of this project is to support local businesses through increased visitation and strengthened links between the main shopping centre, Knox Park, the arts and heritage precinct and the Tweed River."
The project aims to increase usage of the street throughout the day and night, and stimulate local businesses as part of a collaborative effort between Council, Murwillumbah Chamber of Commerce, M|Arts and Sunnyside Mall.
Improvements to Wollumbin Street follow the successful installation of parklets in the Murwillumbah CBD last year, through the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces initiative.
"Extensive consultation confirmed strong support from businesses and the community for the parklet project and attractive, vibrant public space improvements," Mr Brawley said.
"Evaluation of the parklet project showed the improved amenities led to more people choosing to spend a longer period of time in each location. The project aims to boost the local economy and public wellbeing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, by creating opportunities for the community to be healthier, safer and more inclusive."
Concept plans developed as part of the funding bid will be further advanced, with the project expected to be completed within 12 months. Council will work closely with businesses and the community to design and deliver the project.
There will be a staged approach to construction in order to minimise the extent of impact on any one area at any one time.
Local business owners, employees and residents are encouraged to view the draft plan and provide input to help achieve a shared vision for the improvements.
Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/wollumbinstreet to view the draft plan and provide your feedback. Submissions close on Wednesday 24 November.
The Your High Street program is aimed at promoting permanent improvement projects in local government areas across NSW by funding councils to undertake projects that improve the amenity of local high streets, boosting economic recovery, while improving people's safety and experiences. The program is funded by the NSW Government in association with Tweed Shire Council.
