Anglesea shopping centre spruced up

THE Anglesea Shopping Centre is being spruced up with new paving, trees and seating.

The Surf Coast Shire has replaced old and broken tiles with exposed aggregate concrete to provide a safer, more even, surface and reflect the coastal character of the precinct.

Existing timber seats are being repositioned to flank six new Chinese elm trees which have been planted along an east-west spine in the precinct.

New timber bollards will replace ageing metal bollards while the existing bike rack and drinking fountain have been retained.

Anglesea Ward councillor Margot Smith said the upgrade would improve the experience for people visiting the centre.

“The upgrade will make it easier for pedestrians to get around, with the old broken tiles replaced with a fresh new surface, and the line of Chinese elms make for an inviting space for people to sit and linger.

“The elms are more suited to paved seating areas in that their roots don’t displace pavement and being deciduous they provide a lovely shaded space in summer and let light in during winter.”

Embedded within the old pavement were a series of clay pavers which were made by Jan Juc artist Antony Twining.

The tiles featured coastal motifs and were created by Mr Twining in 1996.

The clay tiles could not be retained, but contractors salvaged a section so it could be presented to Mr Twining along with a photographic record of the art piece.

Eucalyptus trees within the paved area were removed along with an existing brick wall and garden bed that were in poor condition.

The works began earlier this month and were expected to be completed within three weeks.