Detailed design plans are being developed for three key projects in the town centres of both Penola and Millicent.
Design consultants Sproutt will be in the region this week, making preliminary investigations to inform the detailed design of the town centre streetscape projects for both Penola and Millicent.
This is the next step in a process that began back in 2018, when Wattle Range Council committed funds to enhance both town centres, improving amenity whilst preserving character, encouraging opportunities for economic development and promoting places for people.
Council chief executive Ben Gower said WAX Design was then engaged to come up with a concept design.
“In engaging with the community through workshops and surveys, WAX were able to better understand their priorities, as well as reflecting on any ideas, aspirations, issues and opportunities raised,” he said.
“This community feedback played an integral part in the development of the final concepts.
“A total of 13 projects were identified by WAX in the Town Centre Concept Designs, and the first three of those have been selected by council to be progressed to a detailed design phase.”
Mr Gower said Penola’s town entry and Riddoch Street, along with Millicent’s town park and Stuckey Street (Glen Street), were the first to progress.
“The projects selected were seen to have the highest level of economic, social and environmental benefit to Penola and Millicent,” he said.
“The design brief is to protect and enhance the unique character of the town centres whilst encouraging activation.”
Whilst in the region, Sproutt representatives will be visiting the proposed sites, as well as meeting with key stakeholders, including impacted traders/business owners, cultural representatives and disability advocates.
“Preliminary designs will be provided to council in March next year, at which time further conversations with stakeholders will occur, with the final designs for tender expected to be ready in June 2023,” Mr Gower said.
“The deliberately staged approach to these rejuvenation projects will enable council to leverage both internal and external funding, in order to successfully bring the community’s vision to life.”
Visit www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/our-council/major-project-updates/town-centre-streetscaping for further information and background for the project.
