Town centre revamp gets underway

THE next stages of St Leonards’ streetscape revitalisation are starting, with footpath, street furniture and garden bed upgrades set to bring new life to the town centre.

The City of Greater Geelong has allocated $250,000 in its 2021-22 Budget towards the south-west footpath project and creation of a median strip through the shopping centre in Murradoc Road.

New raised pedestrian ‘wombat’ crossings will also be installed in Blanche Street and Murradoc Road, replacing the existing crossing outside the supermarket, thanks to state government funding.

The city’s deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the upgrade was a multi-year project aimed at making the area a more attractive place for locals and visitors.

“Following consultation with the community, the City of Greater Geelong has delivered a series of footpath improvements and installed new street furniture, garden beds and a mural,” Cr Sullivan said.

“There are a variety of stage two projects on the way, including an upgrade to the south-west footpath and the installation of a flush median strip on Murradoc Road.”

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said the improvements were making the shopping strip more accessible and more appealing, encouraging longer and more regular visits and greater trade.

The series of projects to upgrade, enliven and create a safer town centre started last year after the City committed initial funds for the upgrade in 2019.

The concept plans went out to the community in November 2019 and in January 2020 the feedback was used in the development of detailed designs.

Projects completed to date include the toilet block upgrade and mural, four sections of footpath, raised gardens, refurbished street furniture and the bus stop relocation.

The installation of CCTV and smartpoles for Murradoc Road, including free WiFi will be ongoing, while design work is underway for an upgrade of street and footpath lighting.

Project eight involves improvements around the playground which requires the initial completion of a Cultural Heritage management plan before it progresses.

The south-west footpath project and median strip is expected to be complete by the end of next month.