The Molong Town Centre Activation Project stage 1 works will commence in Bank Street between Gidley Street and Shields Lane on Saturday,15 April 2023 until Friday, 16 June 2023. The work will take place on the northern side of the road, including the centre section. Pedestrian access will be possible on both sides of the road, with parallel parking available on southern side of road during construction.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE PROJECT?
The Molong Town Centre Activation project aims to develop Molong as a key regional destination, leveraging off the town’s unique characteristics and offerings, improving walkability and facilitating movement, improving navigation and wayfinding, stimulating private investment, and diversifying the local economy and grow the town as a local business and tourism hub.
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE WORKS?
The entire project is expected to be completed prior to January 2024, weather permitting. Council will ensure that works will be programmed to minimise disruption during the Christmas trade period. Work will be conducted between 7am - 5pm, 5 days a week. Intermittent works outside of these hours may occur, including on weekends. Council will undertake the work in stages to provide access and minimise disruption to businesses for shoppers, staff, owners, residents, and delivery workers.
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE STAGE 1 WORKS?
Stage 1 works will commence in Bank Street between Gidley Street and Shields Lane on Saturday, 15 April 2023 until Friday, 16 June 2023.
WILL THERE STILL BE PARKING AVAILABLE ON THE STREET?
The Molong Town Centre Activation works will be completed in stages to ensure traffic can flow and pedestrians still have access to businesses and homes throughout the entire project. Parking will be available on Bank Street throughout the entire project, with parallel parking available in areas where construction is happening. Council have undertaken testing to ensure that the design will meet the requirements of users (including motorists and pedestrians) and ensuring that parking is accessible for a range of vehicle types.
WILL DELIVERIES STILL BE POSSIBLE ON BANK STREET DURING THE WORKS?
Yes, deliveries will be possible for businesses during all stages of the construction works. ·Delivery vehicles will be able to park either in the 45-degree angled parking, or between tree plantings in the street center, once they are installed.
WILL THERE BE LESS SPACE ON BANK STREET WITH THE ADDED TREES?
The centre median and tree planting configuration proposed is anticipated to have minimal impact on vehicle manoeuvring and will enhance safety generally. The new tree plantings will be Japanese Elm (Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase') and are designed to provide added benefits of vehicle speed calming, safer pedestrian refuge and amenity enhancements.
Whilst the term “median” is used, the median is at the same level as the road which ensures no trip hazards. This flat median, combined with the street trees, will enable a safer weigh point for a pedestrian to gain refuge from traffic if needed.
WHEN WILL THE STREET FURNITURE BE INSTALLED?
The street furniture, which includes bins, seats, bike racks, and planters with Crepe Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica x faurei 'Natchez') will be completed by October 2023.
WHY CAN'T THIS FUNDING BE REPURPOSED FOR OTHER PROJECT?
Following extensive community consultation throughout the development of both a Molong Main Street Issues Paper, and a Molong Town Centre Plan, Council was successful is securing over $2M in grant funding from both the State and Federal Government to activate the Molong CBD. As part of the grant application, Council was required to provide a sound business case for assessment, evidence of community/business support, and an outline of the complete scope of works and costs proposed.
The Grant funding was successful based on this information – including the street trees - and Council is required to regularly report to both the State and Federal Governments as the project is delivered. Whilst minor changes to the scope of works are permitted, large changes are not - and therefore if the project is not delivered in line with the funding agreement, funding may be withdrawn.