Last week the City’s COVID Advisory Committee gave the green light to $200,000 of town centre improvement projects aimed at boosting community confidence in our town centres and supporting struggling businesses. The works were funded as part of the City’s $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package adopted by Council in May.
Mayor Dan Bull said the streetscape works would take place across the City’s four major town centres in Bayswater, Morley, Maylands and Noranda and were requested during previous community consultation.
“Our place managers have worked closely with business owners and local residents to develop place activation plans that guide improvements to our town centres while retaining their unique identity. The improvement projects funded in the local stimulus package either align closely with these plans or have been regularly requested by the community.
“I am confident these projects will make a strong visual impact in our town centres.
“We are mindful our local businesses have been severely impacted by restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID 19 crisis and we are keen to support them.
“Where possible we will employ local contractors and suppliers to further stimulate the local economy.
“Projects in the Bayswater town centre include a new shade structure for Bert Wright Park, a contribution towards the painting of shopfronts and the erection of a sign at the corner of King William Street and Olfe Street to promote City and community events.
“Improvements to the space outside The RISE in Maylands aim to make the area safer and encourage greater use by the community, café patrons and for events.
“In the Morley activity centre, the green space in front of the Morley Library on Walter Road will become a pocket park complete with furniture and native plants.
“Noranda Nook in the Noranda town centre will receive extra funding for upgrades such as solar lighting, extra seating, disability access and a ‘storytellers’ corner’. New signage and improvements to public spaces to allow better flow for pedestrians and cyclists between the Noranda Shopping Centre and the Noranda Sports Clubs have also been funded.
“The allocation of $200,000 in improvement works for our four major town centres will make them more active and engaging places for our community to visit, shop and be entertained.