Fifteen carparking spaces may be removed along the heart of Mount Gambier’s CBD as part of a “bold decision” by City Council.

The proposal forms part of council’s “wider vision to revitalise and rejuvenate the commercial heart of the city of Mount Gambier”.

Four of the 15 carparking spaces earmarked to be removed on Commercial Street include those directly adjacent Mount Gambier’s Jen’s Hotel.

A proposal requesting elected members support the project has been listed for discussion in council’s August monthly agenda.

Development Services manager Tracy Tzioutziouklaris acknowledged the proposed removal of all of the carparking spaces is a bold decision.

“This report recommends the removal of the four car parking spaces adjacent to Jen’s Hotel as Stage 1, with the potential to remove the remaining carparks along this section of Commercial Street as a second stage,” she said.

The other carparks earmarked for removal include four spaces in front of 43-51 Commercial Street East and seven in front of 7-21 Commercial Street East.

“Council has received a request from the manager of Jen’s Hotel seeking the removal of the four carparking spaces,” Ms Tzioutziouklaris said.

“The posts associated with the balcony of the hotel have been significantly damaged through being repeatedly hit by vehicles using the carparking spaces.

“Jen’s Hotel is a State Heritage Place, with a prominent presence within this section of Commercial Street East.

The balcony posts are located directly adjacent to the kerb, making the verandah posts vulnerable to being hit and damaged by vehicles trying to enter and exit the carparking spaces.

“The hotel manager has advised the verandah posts get hit regularly with vibrations often felt throughout the building.

“The owner of the hotel is reluctant to fix the posts until such a time there is an increased buffer distance between the verandah posts and the carparking spaces.”

Ms Tzioutziouklaris said at the time of writing her report, council had not yet received confirmation regarding the structural integrity of the hotel verandah.

Meanwhile, council has been contacted by other business owners along Commercial Street East requesting the removal of carparking spaces and the installation of ‘parklets’ or the widening of the footpaths.

“This will help to build on creating a better space between Penola Road and Bay Road, and Ferrers Street and Mitchell Street to improve vibrancy, pedestrian movement and economic activity within the city centre,” she said.

Ms Tzioutziouklaris said the decision may be subject to objection from business owners and the community.

However, she highlighted the positive impact of ‘parklets’ already introduced along Commercial Street.

“Council has already undertaken work to widen the footpath and provided streetscape furniture and sculptures … a more aesthetically pleasing amenity to look at in comparison to the areas of the street where this work has not been undertaken,” she said.

“In particular the locality in front of Presto is more vibrant and appealing than other areas of the streetscape.

“It is well researched and documented the vibrancy of city centres is created by providing areas for street activity and allowing businesses to integrate the street or footpath area as part of their business.

“Outdoor dining can provide an attractive appeal and an impression of activity which in itself is a natural attractor.”

In addition, Ms Tzioutziouklaris said research identifies good walking environments create vibrancy on the street, good economic benefits and help to address obesity and health issues as well.

She also addressed the issue of accommodating for the loss of carpark space.

“There is significant off street public carparking within close proximity of the subject area,” she said.

“The off street public carparking available within the subject locality is anticipated to be able to accommodate for the eventual removal of the 15 on street carparking spaces.”

In her report Ms Tzioutziouklaris said a parklet trialled almost 10 years ago had received support from businesses and the community.

“Whilst there was community and business support for the trial, there were issues identified by Safe Work SA that needed to be addressed,” she said.

“This initial trial involved the placement of a temporary structure in a parking bay in front of a business premises located on the north western corner of Commercial Street West and Elizabeth Street.

“The parklet itself had no protection from vehicle movements nor adequate site lines for vehicles turning onto Elizabeth Street from Commercial Street West.”

If the report recommendation is passed a public consultation and community engagement plan be developed for stage one of the proposal.