Main Street works to commence after peak summer period

Calls from traders for the Shire to reconsider timing of upgrades to Margaret River’s Main Street will be honoured with works now set to start in February 2020.

Following close consultation with Main Street traders, Council resolved to revise the start date with the intention to limit disruption to trade over the peak tourism period and allow time for a new staging schedule to be finalised.

Shire Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Addison-Brown said the decision was made in response to serious concerns from business owners and in consideration of delivering the whole project in a cost effective way.

‘We hear the concerns of our Main Street trader community regarding the potential of works to impact trade over the busy summer season and hope this decision will ease some of their worries.

“Our staff have been in phone contact with the majority of Main Street traders who have expressed overwhelming support to move out the start date to February next year.

Ms Addison Brown said a lot of work is happening behind the scenes to finalise an alternative construction schedule.

“We understand the community are seeking clarity on how the project will be rolled out and ask for your continued patience.

“Our intention is to find a balance between keeping as much of the Main Street open for business whilst making sure the construction roll out makes financial sense and can be implemented within existing budgets.

“Our proposed draft schedule will see the first stage of works begin in February next year with the intention to complete the new Wallcliffe Road roundabout and the portion of road from Higgins Street to Tunbridge Street by around May when the winter rains begin.

Above: Proposed Staging of Works

“Works will then resume in around September 2020 to complete Stage 2, which includes the Festival Precinct on Fearn Avenue.

“A big part of the upgrade involves installing new storm water drainage to address flooding on the Main Street, making the completion timeframe of all stages weather dependent.”

“Starting works in 2020 will also provide the Shire with an opportunity to seek additional funding needed to complete Stage 3, which is currently unfunded.”

“Stage 3 includes the civil, electrical and landscaping works for the remaining section of the Main Street known as the 'Hill Precinct' (located just south of Fearn Avenue through to the new Wallcliffe Road roundabout).

“If we are successful in securing additional funding to complete Stage 3, there is potential to save on the overall project costs because contractors will still be on site.”

The Shire will continue working closely with business owners to keep them informed about the project plan and supporting marketing campaign to facilitate access to the town centre and broader project details.

This project is supported by the State Government.