Streetscape facelifts

Penola & Millicent redevelopment consultation continues

Design consultants Sproutt will be in the region this week, making preliminary investigations regarding the detailed design of the town centre streetscape projects for both Penola and Millicent. This is the next step in a process that began back in 2018, when Wattle Range Council committed funds to enhance both town centres, improving amenity whilst preserving character, encouraging opportunities for economic development and promoting places for people.

WAX Design was then engaged to come up with a concept design. Wattle Range Council CEO Ben Gower said the concept design process was about engaging with the community through workshops and surveys.

“WAX were able to better understand their priorities, as well as reflecting on any ideas, aspirations, issues and opportunities raised,” Mr Gower said. “This community feedback played an integral part in the development of the final concepts.”

A total of 13 projects were identified by WAX in the Town Centre Concept Designs, and the first three of those have been selected by Council to be progressed to a detailed design phase:

• Penola: Town Entry – pictured above top
• Penola: Riddoch Street – pictured above bottom
• Millicent: Town Park & Stuckey Street (Glen Street) – pictured below

“The projects selected were seen to have the highest level of economic, social and environmental benefit to Penola and Millicent. The design brief is to protect and enhance the unique character of the town centres whilst encouraging activation,” Mr Gower said

Whilst in the region this week, Sproutt representatives will be visiting the proposed sites, as well as meeting with key stakeholders, including impacted traders/business owners, cultural representatives and disability advocates.

“Preliminary designs will be provided to council in March next year, at which time further conversations with stakeholders will occur, with the final designs for tender expected to be ready in June 2023,” Mr Gower said. “The deliberately staged approach to these rejuvenation projects will enable Council to leverage both internal and external funding, in order to successfully bring the community’s vision to life.”

Further information on this project, its background and where to from here, is available on council’s website at www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/our-council/major-project-updates-town-centre-streetscaping