The next round of Stanthorpe streetscape improvements, which have been described as a labour of love, have started in the main street of Stanthorpe.
Combining road safety upgrades, bespoke beautification works and vital underground water infrastructure improvements, the workswill include a new raised pedestrian crossing, disabled parking, functional art and mature trees.
Southern Downs Regional Council’s chief executive officer Dave Burges said crews will work to minimise impacts and disruptions as much as possible during construction as they work to deliver a practical and welcoming town centre for locals and visitors to enjoy.
“Each stage of the streetscape project has been a labour of love designed to improve the CBD and reflect Stanthorpe’s rich artistic and cultural history,” Mr Burges said.
“This next stage of the project will underpin the unique character of the town and transform High Street into a vibrant alfresco precinct by installing outdoor seating shaded by mature trees, providing safer pedestrian access to the main street, and emboldening the art and heritage interpretations to keep the town’s history alive.
“Importantly, works will include safer pedestrian and accessibility improvements, giving residents better access to the medical clinics with new disability parking.“
He said an existing informal crossing was being temporarily removed to provide additional car parking spaces.
“Council is working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to explore the viability of reinstating the informal crossing in a new location,“ Mr Burges said.
“To make space for the precinct and construct the new pedestrian crossing, seven existing parking spaces need to be removed, and council continues to investigate options to create additional parking on and off-street.
“Council has also collaborated with the next generation of young, passionate artisans to craft functional art that pays tribute to Stanthorpe’s diverse culture, rich heritage and charming character.”
Year 9 and 10 art students from Stanthorpe State High School worked with local artist Maggie Brockie to curate 16 linear metres of handmade granite and tile mosaics incorporating 36 different designs inspired by The Stanthorpe Nine, a group of highly endangered floral species endemic to the Granite Belt.
In addition to the new outdoor gallery, students from Stanthorpe State High School and St Joseph’s School designed and fabricated steel-framed ironbark bench seats.
The current works, funded with support from the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, are scheduled to be completed by the end of June.
Previous enhancements to the area have included the Fromes Lane artistic walkway and the Doug Smith Carpark in Rogers Street.
