Margaret River Main Street Development

MARGARET RIVER MAIN STREET REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment Project was finally given the ‘go ahead’ at the June 26 Council Meeting. Previously held up by delays to the completion of the Perimeter Road and a funding shortfall, the Project has been revised to be delivered in three stages to ensure that the $5.49 million of State Government Funding can be effectively used for keenly sought pedestrian and public amenity, road safety and infrastructure improvements.

Stage 2.0’ of the Project will include all civil, electrical and landscaping works from the River Precinct through to Fearn Avenue, including the area known as the ‘Festival Precinct’ and ‘Town Square’, as well as the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Bussell Highway and Wallcliffe Road (see map below).

The subsequent stages, ‘Stage 2.1’ and ‘Stage 2.2’, will be delivered when the additional funding necessary to complete the project is secured. These stages will include 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).

Stage 2.0 will deliver approximately 75% of the total project and is due to commence in September / October 2019 and continue through to May / June 2020. Should additional funding become available, Stages 2.1 and 2.2 will be delivered sequentially.

A ground-breaking ceremony is being planned for the last week of September 2019 and in the meantime Main Street Traders, Chamber of Commerce and the Shire will be working on plans and activities to ensure the Main Street remains vibrant during the construction period.

Public Meeting Invitation

Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment

Information Update on Construction Program

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River invites you to attend an update on the

Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment Stage 2 construction program.

Where: Council Chambers 41 Wallcliffe Road Margaret River

When: Monday 17 June 6.00- 7.00 pm

Shire of Augusta Margaret River Councillors will consider options to progress the Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment Project at the 30 January 2019 Special Meeting of Council after all tenders submitted for the works came in over budget.

Read more here: https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/news/media-releases/1139/special-meeting-of-council-to-consider-main-st-redevelopment-progress-options/

Local artists Trent Walker, Ewan Cameron (CAST Designs), Ben Crappsley and Jennifer Cochrane have been awarded public art commissions for the Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment Project. The exciting new street furniture by Cast Designs, and art work by Ben Crappsley will be situated in the new public space in Fearn Avenue as part of the Shires’ ongoing commitment to supporting local artists through public art. In addition has Jennifer Cochrane will create ephemeral street art during construction.

The street furniture and artwork were selected from seven shortlisted submissions from local artists. The Assessment Panel were very pleased with the quality of all submissions and found it difficult to make a final judgement for commission.

Project Manager Helen Whitbread said ‘All artists submitted a varied range of very high quality work. The talent we have in our region is amazing and we are very excited to be able to incorporate some of this into the project.’

In coming to a final decision, the Panel was looking for creative expression together with functionality in a public square. The Panel felt that the winning submissions had a freshness that complemented the new Main Street, street furniture. The art work and furniture designs provided a unique compelling representation of the region, whilst being robust and functional.

In addition to the commissioned works, shortlisted submissions were available for an on-line voting for People’s Choice Award with results seeing local artists Kashmir Rouw taking People’s Choice Award in the furniture category and Amy Wyld for the Art Panel Category for her ocean theme. Both winners receive a prize of $500.

Trent Walker (CAST Designs) and Ewan Cameron (Timber Grooves)

CAST Designs are experienced bespoke glass fibre reinforced concrete furniture and surfaces manufacturers based in the Cowaramup Industrial Area. Founded by Trent Walker in 2015, CAST specialise in furniture combining the use of concrete, steel and timber. Working in collaboration with emerging local timber and metal artist Ewan Cameron from Timber Grooves Design, they will produce unique, durable and functional public seating and planter boxes for the Main Street Redevelopment Project. Ewan specializes in wood engraving and produce timber creations with high quality finish, showcasing local hardwoods.

Both live and work within the community and with this comes a passion for minimizing the impact their work has on the environment. They both endeavor to use recycled and upcycled materials and industrial by-products where possible. They are committed to supporting our local community and other local small businesses when sourcing supplies.

Ben Crappsley

Ben Crappsley is a Fremantle based artist who grew up in the Margaret River area. After completing his senior high schooling in Busselton he pursued studies in Graphic design at Perth Central TAFE.

Ben returned to visual art studies in 2007 at Curtin University and completed a Masters degree in 2011. He has continued to develop his arts practice, contributing work to numerous group exhibitions and has held three solo exhibitions in the Fremantle area.

Ben also teaches a painting class at DADAA Fremantle and has worked for Awesome Arts in their Creative Challenge program in 2018.

Ben’s work has a strong graphic style using mixed media techniques including aerosol paints. The Margaret River public artwork commission has provided an opportunity for Ben to contribute works inspired by his frequent visits to the Margaret River region. He is currently developing new work for group exhibitions in Bunbury, early 2019.

Jennifer Cochrane completed a Bachelor of Arts at Curtin University in 1988. Her practice is predominantly object based; she has exhibited throughout Australia and internationally, including large-scale permanent works and intimate site-specific installations. Jennifer envisages using bold colours to create an abstraced response to the site that considers changing perspectives.

Work on the Main Street is expected to commence February 2019.

The Augusta Margaret River Shire will shortly be delivering the long anticipated urban renewal to the Main Street (Bussell Hwy and Fearn Ave) in the Margaret River CBD.

Commencing in February 2019, construction works will be implemented in two stages:

• Stage 1: February 2019 to May 2019 - Underground service upgrades (stormwater and electrical works)

• Stage 2: September 2019 to February 2020 – Road resurfacing, roundabout construction, footpath renewal, hard and soft landscaping, electrical works

Construction will result in short-term altered traffic and pedestrian conditions, including temporary road closures; however, businesses will remain open on Bussell Highway and adjacent side streets, with alternative customer access arrangements in place when required.

Summary of construction works

Civil Works

• new stormwater drainage trunk line and associated pits, lids and chambers, installation of all interconnecting stormwater drainage pipes, pits, lids and chambers

• reconstruction of roads, footpaths, cycle lane and parking; drainage, kerbing and surfacing

• three new roundabouts

Landscape Works

• new pedestrian crossings

• a new cycle lane and associated dual use path

• new paving, retaining walls

• new street trees

• new shelters, seating, planters, bike rails, bins, drinking fountains, timber bollards.

Electrical Works

• Western Power forward works pole/streetlight relocation

• Western Power pole/street lighting upgrades

• Western Power pole/street lighting decommission and removal

• new electrical cables and associated pit lids

• new Lighting Control Board, Main Switchboard

• new street light poles and luminaires, including banner attachments, up-lighting

• new communication conduit

Updates

Please visit https://yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/margaret-river-main-street-development for up-to-date information on the project timelines, and changed traffic conditions. This website will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.

Should you require any additional information please contact Helen Whitbread, Main Street Project Manager by email; amrshire@amrshire.wa.gov.au subject line Main Street Construction

The Margaret River Main Street Redevelopment Project is set to commence in February 2019. As a part of this exciting upgrade Fearn Avenue will be transformed into a public space and festival precinct.

To make this space vibrant, comfortable and welcoming for all users, the Shire is bringing together local artists to help create a suite of unique street furniture.

You are invited to view the short listed submissions and pick your favorite to help decide on the final pieces.

To have your say visit the Margaret River Main Street Public Art survey. Hurry !! ... voting closes at 4.pm Friday 26 October.

The March 2018 Community Newsletter for the Main Street Redevelopment project is out now! This update includes an updated timeline, a summary of the changes to the schematic design resulting for the community and engagement and advice about the next steps for the project.

Download the update here, or email yoursay@amrshire.wa.gov.au to receive a hard copy by post.

As part of preparing the design for the Main Street, utility mapping of underground services will commence in the Margaret River Main Street through March and April 2018

Stage 1:

Wednesday March 21-March 23- A Mobile Radar will be used to conduct a survey between the hours of 19:30 and 05:00 along the road and carparking

Stage 2

March 26- 29 April 4- April 30

Utility Survey via GPR on the footpaths and off road areas

While disruption will be kept to a minimum, please accept our apologies in advance, for any inconvenience experienced whilst these works are taking place.

The detailed design for the Main Street Redevelopment Project is well advanced incorporating feedback from our extensive community consultation and strong community support.

Following feedback from the community a few of the key changes are:

• a dedicated cycle lane on the uphill ( eastern ) side of the street and shared lane for cyclists on the downhill (western) side of the street
• an ACROD bay adjacent to Pharmacy 777 and an additional ACROD bay in the Festival precinct
• two new pedestrian crossing points in the River Precinct
• increased public open space in the new town square including water and power outlets to support events
• parklets for increased alfresco opportunities
• opportunities for community input into street furniture including parklets , planter boxes and 'story telling' in the paving
• retaining grassed areas in Reuther Park for informal recreation
• addressing traffic issues and pedestrian access issues at the Tunbridge/Churchill Bussell Hwy intersection