THE upgrade of the civic and retail “heart” of Kerang’s central business district is designed to provide a unique and exciting opportunity to not only improve its aesthetic appeal, but also to enhance the functionality of this key area.
The $750,000 redevelopment of the Victoria Square section of Victoria Street is the second phase of the planned multi-stage redevelopment of Kerang’s shopping centre and environs.
Plans for the latest stage were endorsed by Gannawarra Shire Council last week and draft concept plans are now available for community feedback.
The Victoria Street facelift will be financed through a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government and a $250,000 contribution from Gannawarra Shire Council.
Shire strategic development director, Chris White said that discussions had commenced with Victoria Street business operators and plans and details are on display outside the shire office in Patchell Plaza for public comment until August 31.
Shire representatives will meet with the Kerang Traders group at Riverside Park from 5.45pm on Wednesday, September 7 to provide information about the beautification of the Victoria Street area.
“Feedback so far has been positive, and we now wish to hear the thoughts of the wider community in connection with these emerging plans,” Mr White said.
The concept plan, which has been developed for Victoria Square, proposes a number of alterations to the current visual appearance and functionality of Kerang’s primary civic space including:
• Implementation of traffic calming measures on the approach to Victoria Square
• Creation of a shared zone, within Victoria Square, which effectively gives priority to pedestrians and improves safety
• Construction of custom timber bench seats
• Installation of grassed elevated pods and new landscaping
• Installation of in-ground lighting
The proposed plans for the Kerang CBD renewal will be on public exhibition within the Patchell Plaza until August 31 and council encourages the community to provide feedback on the plan.
The first stage of the multi-stage project was redevelopment of Fitzroy Street between Wellington and Scoresby Streets.
The overall plan involves beautification across the shopping centre and providing a link from the railway station through to the Sir John Gorton Library, swimming pool, Atkinson Park and the highway.
