An initiative to trial changes in Prince Street, Grafton is set to go ahead after Clarence Valley Council was awarded a $495,000 grant from the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces Program.
Clarence Valley Council is one of 23 regional councils to receive a grant in Round 2 of the award-winning program, launched in May 2020 by the NSW Government, to enable trialling temporary and innovative ideas that build the case for more permanent change for key streets.
"This is an important stepping-stone to implement the Grafton Precinct Plan that Council adopted in July 2021," Mayor Ian Tiley said.
"This includes retaining car parking for local workers, while making the street a more inviting and comfortable space to visit and spend time in.
"The project focuses on improvements that celebrate Grafton's rich heritage by enhancing Prince Street and will allow Council to improve the connection to the Grafton Waterfront Precinct."
Preliminary work has been undertaken and consultation will now begin with local businesses and the community before the three-month summer trial program starts late this year.
"This funding awarded to implement the trials will help boost economic recovery and support our local businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic by improving outdoor spaces, reconnecting community and attracting more people to visit Prince Street," Clarence Valley Council Manager Development and Land Use Planning Murray Lane said.
This Program is a key initiative of the NSW Government's efforts to provide high-quality public open space across the state and is funded by the NSW Government.
Visit the NSW Streets As Shared Spaces Program website.
