By Jeremy Cook
Garden beds in Stanthorpe’s main street will spring to life next month as the latest phase of the town’s CBD streetscape facelift draws to a close.
Vegetation which has been kept off-site away from the winter frosts will be planted in September while plans are also reportedly in place to have permanent grid-connected lighting installed, according to Southern Downs Regional Council.
The beautification of High Street has turned plenty of heads since work on several upgrades began in early-2024. The project drew on ideas outlined in a Stanthorpe streetscape master plan first produced for the council in 2015.
Current upgrades included the construction of a raised pedestrian crossing towards the upper end of High Street, handcrafted ceramic tiles, sculptures and wooden benches made by Stanthorpe school students, an added disabled car space and the removal of one informal crossing.
Part of the project attracted some criticism, particularly online, for seven car parks which were removed to facilitate construction of the additional pedestrian crossing and the project’s various beautification components.
“This area of High Street will be transformed into a vibrant and community-focused space with alfresco areas and mature trees,” a project fact sheet produced by the council stated.
“In order to achieve this, as well as construct the pedestrian crossing, seven existing car parks will need to be removed.”
A council spokeswoman said investigations into how and where to reinstate those car parks were ongoing.
“From the outset of the Streetscape Master Plan, it was recognised adding a crossing and build outs within the road corridor would have an inevitable impact upon the number of immediate car parking spaces,” the spokeswoman said.
“Council, in conjunction with its design consultants, have worked hard to minimise the forfeiture of carparks whilst simultaneously investigating other options to offset losses through identifying new spaces in other locations.
“These investigations are ongoing, and the council remains committed to finding effective solutions to ensure convenient parking for all residents and visitors.”
Work has since finished on the raised crossing with a barricade to come down once temporary lighting has been delivered. A council spokeswoman said the barricade had been erected for “pedestrian safety”.
“Plans are also in place with the power authority to install permanent grid-connected lighting as soon as possible,” she said.
The latest slate of streetscape upgrades were promised to produce improvements to pedestrian safety, underground water infrastructure and general aesthetics.
Previous streetscape projects since 2015 have included beautification works along Fromes Lane and the construction of Doug Smith Carpark on Rogers Street.
