Council planners have highlighted potential within Woombye’s streetscape to extend the footpath and re-purpose parts of Blackall Street for public amenity.

Extending the sidewalk for pedestrians, gardens and possibly dining is a type of “tactical urbanism” that also serves as a traffic calming measure. It helps slow down car traffic on the adjacent road as well as enhancing the look and charm of the main street.

The realigning is one of a raft of measures under consideration based on community feedback to Council’s Blackall Street Streetscape Project.

The Project aims to create an attractive vibrant town centre, tell Woombye’s story and improve pedestrian access & parking.

The Project has been allocated $75,000 for Community engagement & design and $450,000 for Construction in 2021-22.

Div 5 Cr Winston Johnston expects more funding will be forthcoming in future budgets. “A preliminary budget allocation of $450,000 by the previous council, was never going to be enough to deliver this project,” said  Cr Johnston. “And I expect significant extra funding from either the June Budget and/or, from a State Stimulus Funding Grant.”

Construction is to be delivered mid-2022 after the finalised plan is presented to the pubic in May this year.

The re-purposing would  could provide more space for the public to sit, relax and enjoy the atmosphere and character of the traditional main street.

It could include outdoor dining to support local businesses.

Council’s next move is to prepare a draft design that will be presented to the public for review.

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