Work on the upgrade of Katoomba Town Centre footpaths will continue under a new extended delivery program, following restrictive weather conditions.
The project will deliver a new footpath, kerb and gutters from the southern side of the pedestrian crossing on Gang Gang Street, continuing down the eastern side of Katoomba Street to the Council car park. The new footpath is necessary for safety and will improve the look of the street.
The work was originally planned for completion in three stages but, due to the severity of the rain in recent weeks and in an effort to keep the works progressing, the contractor has partly removed pavers for the length of the Katoomba St works, in one stage.
Council is now seeking approval for works to occur day and night, to make up lost time and expedite the program.
"This is an important project for the rejuvenation of Katoomba Street," Mayor Mark Greenhill said. "While Council's contractor has been hampered by wet weather, they are seeking to work around the clock to make up for rain delays.
"The work that was originally planned in three stages will now be done concurrently. The rain delays could have pushed completion out to June, but following talks and the creation of a new program, we are expecting to bring this forward to May.
"We understand this is a busy thoroughfare and that businesses and town centre homes need to remain accessible. Council will keep the disruption to a minimum. We encourage visitors to keep frequenting their favourite shops and cafes on Katoomba Street, as they will remain open during the works."
Council and the contractor are liaising with businesses in the area to ensure safe access, and to install appropriate fencing where necessary, as well as additional signage.
The work follows footpath improvements delivered at Bathurst Road to the Carrington Hotel in 2012 and near the post office and Pioneer Place in 2014.
The improvements are made possible by Council securing funding of $870,000 from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The work needs to be completed by the end of this financial year (June 2021).
There is a construction compound in the lower level of Studleigh Place, off Katoomba Street that will use six existing car parks throughout the project.
Tree plantings on the street will remain in place and Council will refurbish any impacted street furniture. The new expected completion date of 18 May is weather dependent. For more information: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/katoomba-town-centre-footpaths Or visit our new Katoomba pop-up office at Katoomba Civic Centre and talk to Council staff about the project.
