FOUR hundred metres-worth of Ballarat Sewer Build piping has been installed by Central Highlands Water under Peel Street, replacing century-old infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Excavation and micro-tunnelling works between Scott Parade and Little Bridge Street are done, as well as the building of three underground concrete inspection shafts.<\/p>\n
Now over 60 per cent complete, the Build will continue up Eastwood Street to Anderson Street.<\/p>\n
CHW\u2019s project manager Mick Dwyer said all involved have been focused on efficiency and safety, to ensure the construction has minimal impact on surrounding businesses and residences in the centre of the city.<\/p>\n
However, it has not been without challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis critical section through the Ballarat CBD was always going to be one of the most complex, due to the proximity of Peel Street businesses to the sewer path plus the difficult ground conditions beneath the surface,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur commitment has always been to keep roads open and traffic flowing for local businesses, and we are very pleased to announce that works are now finished in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHW is grateful to nearby residents and traders impacted by Ballarat Sewer Build, for their patience, ideas and feedback.<\/p>\n
The water utility has worked since last year to establish relationships with these individuals and enterprises, while keeping them up to date as the project progresses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started interacting with traders in October of 2020, across the entire alignment. We asked each business what their daily activities look like and when their busy periods are,\u201d Mr Dwyer said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom there, we built our construction program around traders\u2019 preferred time slots, commencing at Easter. We also tweaked our program to make the most of lockdowns while businesses were closed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve continued doorknocking, given weekly updates, utilised the radio, and used digital boards to remind people that fantastic local businesses are open and that they should continue to support them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Gull Group is based on the corner of Peel and Curtis streets. Director Alistair Gull said CHW\u2019s communication has been \u201cexcellent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been made aware of all works and timing. Like any project, there\u2019s always a bit of inconvenience, but we\u2019re lucky because we\u2019ve got dual access,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith lockdowns too, not many people could visit our office anyway, so it\u2019s been a good opportunity to get the works done.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs developers, we have a good long-term relationship with CHW, but those relationships are something you always need to keep working at, so this project has been good.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHW has been collaborating with the City of Ballarat throughout the build and now that Peel Street piping is installed, the municipality is set to resurface the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re big on presentation with all our properties, across all our businesses, so anything that improves the streetscape is a small inconvenience for a better outcome,\u201d Mr Gull said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good to just get it all done at a similar time. Projects always take longer, which is frustrating, but you\u2019ve just got to make them happen, solve the problems, and work around them.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHW managing director Paul O\u2019Donohue said Ballarat\u2019s wastewater system will be secure for at least another 100 years at the end of the Sewer Build.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis major community infrastructure project builds on the legacy of those before us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIts success lies not only in the construction and operation, but the ongoing collaboration between Central Highlands Water, our contractors and our local community.\u201d<\/p>\n