CAMPERDOWN’S main shopping strip hasn’t been upgraded for more than 20 years but that is about to change.
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Corangamite Shire has earmarked $250,000 for a streetscape improvement project along the Manifold Street precinct and is hoping for a matching amount from the state government.
Now all the council needs to determine is what improvements would make people shop, work in and visit the area and it is looking for ideas.
The project will involve minor improvements to footpath surfaces, street lighting, business facades, signs, seating, garden beds, pedestrian refuges and access to public monuments.
There will be no changes to the town’s historic elm trees, the clock tower, war memorial or other public monuments.
Cr Ruth Gstrein said the streetscape last went through a major revamp prior to council amalgamations and was in need of a “refresh” to make it vibrant again.
“We don’t have any pre-conceived ideas from council and a lot of consultation is planned with the community,” Cr Gstrein said.
Mayor Chris O’Connor said the council wanted to hear from people with ideas for both sides of Manifold Street between Brooke/Harrison and Leura/Cressy streets. “The whole idea of the refresh is to make small changes that will improve the look of the town centre and make it easier to get around,” Cr O’Connor said.
“There are plenty of opportunities to have a say and I encourage residents to join in one of our streetscape walks or drop-in sessions in the next few weeks to share ideas.”
The suggestions will form a series of concept sketches. The council will then select a preferred sketch and develop detailed design plans for the upgrade which is scheduled to begin next year. Council offices have organised a walk-through of the area for interested people on Saturday, starting at the courthouse at 10am. Walks will also be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 2pm, Wednesday, July 2 at 2pm and on Sunday, July 6 at 10am.
Drop-in session will be held at the courthouse on Wednesday, June 25 and Wednesday, July 2, both from 9am to 6.30pm.
Letters and feedback forms will also be sent out to Camperdown businesses this week and feedback forms are also available online at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au