About the project

In response to feedback from local traders, Council have committed to reinstate parking spaces as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the Nicholson Street Mall precinct in Bairnsdale.

Nine additional parking spaces will make it easier for residents and visitors to access local businesses, shops, and services in the area.

The initial decision to improve Nicholson Street for pedestrians came from a desire to enhance safety, walkability, and the overall town environment through the delivery of 'Re-imagining Bairnsdale' urban development plan in 2017. Making these decisions for our community involves balancing various interests and priorities.

While the pedestrian-friendly initiative was important for promoting active transportation and creating a vibrant public space, the practical needs of residents and businesses has highlighted the need and desire for additional parking.

The decision to reinstate the car parks reflects our adopted approach to urban planning which considers the diverse needs of the community following changing circumstances over time.

Objective and scope

The objective of this project is to balance competing priorities and to address the evolving needs and preferences of the local community. Providing additional parking aims to help create easier access to shops, providing additional economic opportunities to local traders and further activating the Nicholson Street Mall precinct.

Nine additional carparks will be made available within the Nicholson Street Mall Precinct by removing and relocating existing bollards and tactile markers, reconstruction of the edge strip, and installation of additional line-marking.

The Proposed Layout Plan is available to download in the documents section, together with a project information sheet. Copies of these documents are also available at each of Council's Customer Service Centres.

Consultation and community engagement

Concern was raised by local traders regarding the reduction of parking spaces within the Nicholson Street Mall precinct after the completion of the redevelopment works. Under the request by Councillors to address these concerns this project was initiated, and it will see additional carparking spaces implemented.

Community feedback is instrumental in shaping the positive changes within our community. Council's decision to initially improve Nicholson Street for pedestrians and subsequently reinstate the removed car parks following community feedback reflects a responsive approach to governance which prioritises the needs and preferences of our local community.

Regular updates will be provided directly to local traders, and to community through project updates on YourSay.

Construction

The contract for construction was awarded to Cranes Asphalting and Bitumen Sealing Pty Ltd (Cranes) through a publicly advertised tender process. Cranes is a local civil construction company with 48 years’ experience in this type of work.

Council is working closely with Cranes to ensure minimal disruptions to local businesses and visitors to the area during the works. The works are anticipated to start after Easter and will take approximately six weeks to complete. Shop owners will be advised prior to commencing works.

Funding

Funding for this project is provided by East Gippsland Shire Council in the adopted 2023/24 budget.

We encourage you to view the design and welcome your continued interest in this project.

Project updates will be provided on YourSay in the tab below. Please choose to follow this project on Your Say to receive important information regarding this project directly to your inbox.

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