Main Street tender processes track for February start date

Tender documents for the revised Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment works are being prepared for distribution to prospective contractors by the end of the month.

The timing of the release of the critical documents is on target to meet the revised February start date for the project, which now better supports uninterrupted trade for businesses over the critical summer school holiday period.

“Council listened to our local traders and appreciated their concerns about potential interruption to Christmas trade should the project have started as initially slated in October 2019,” Shire of Augusta Margaret River CEO Stephanie Addison-Brown said.

“The project team has now rescheduled key milestone dates and stage requirements to align with these changes.

“We feel very confident the new schedule now provides the best support to our local businesses, and the Shire will be able to adequately manage the staging costs within the available budget.”

As a further benefit for the community, the Shire has determined the management of the Main Street Redevelopment Project will be kept in house, after the recent departure of Project Manager Sean Shields due to personal reasons.

Shire Works Manager Peter Brown will now assume the role of Main Street Project Manager, with the support of Shire Coordinator Technical Services Chris Yates. Both will work under the direction of the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team.

“The Shire had previously contracted out the project management role, but this restructured team arrangement makes the most sense,” Ms Addison-Brown said.

“We have highly qualified and experienced staff, with the right local knowledge for the project right at our fingertips and we want to use them for this priority project.

“This team will ensure maximum benefit is delivered to the community and impact to resident and visitors is minimised, while prudent financial management is ensured.

“They know the systems, processes, suppliers, local landscape, and local community needs better than anyone.

“They’ve been involved in aspects of the project to date and I’m now very pleased they have accepted these appointments full time.”

The Shire thanks Sean Shields for his work in completing key staging plans for the project and wishes him the best of luck back in the UK.

Opportunities for local trades

The Shire has compiled a local trades directory which will be made available to the major tenderers when the project tender is advertised.

Local suppliers who are interested in being added to the directory are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest if they have not done so already.

The Main Street Redevelopment project includes the following works: demolition and earthworks, drainage, lighting and electrical works, new pedestrian paving and kerbing, traffic management, landscaping and street furniture.

To express your interest, complete this form and email to amrshire@amrshire.wa.gov.au or post to PO Box 61, Margaret River 6285.

Due by 5pm, Wednesday 16 October 2019.

The submission of an expression of interest does not guarantee engagement in the construction of the Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment Project.