Otho Street Renewal To Start

19 January 2018

A rejuvenation of Inverell’s CBD will commence later this month with Otho Street set to receive a facelift as part of the Town Centre Renewal Plan.

Inverell Council mayor Paul Harmon inspected the Otho Street site between Byron and Evans street this week and believes the program will ensure Inverell stays ahead of the pack as a retail destination.

“Inverell is renowned as a boutique shopping destination and research shows our retail catchment has a population base of around 60,000 people. These works are about ensuring Inverell remains a stand out, attractive retail centre that visitors and shoppers want to return to”.

Cr Harmon believes the 15-week works program will rejuvenate the town centre and entice visitors to stay for longer periods of time – allowing businesses greater opportunity.

“Council is mindful that these works will have an impact on retailers and residents and for that reason, we are committing to 12-hour workdays during construction to ensure we complete the work in the shortest period possible”.

Cr Harmon stated there have been a number of misconceptions regarding the Town Centre Renewal program, with the mayor moving to allay concerns about parking and the centre median.

“Firstly, the centre median will not be raised – it will be constructed level with the road surface and have the added benefit of being a refuge for pedestrians crossing the street. Secondly, parking will remain as reverse angle parking in the CBD”.

The mayor indicated face-to-face visits, text updates, newsletters and web-based information will all be utilised to provide information to business houses during the project period.

“Certainly, our staff are liaising with business owners and residents in Otho Street to ensure they are kept up to date regarding the works schedule which commences 29th January”.

“Our website has an artist’s impression of Otho Street following the works and also has information regarding traffic flow and access for motorists”.

“The centre median will have Pin Oaks planted – this species has been selected based on shade value, attractiveness and its success in urban design elsewhere”.

Cr Harmon outlined works will take 15 weeks in total, with temporary changes to traffic flow in Otho Street, however, footpath access will remain open at all times.

“Short term, we will have some temporary alteration to parking while the project is in progress, however, at the conclusion of the works, parking will be reverse angle parking
as we have right now”.

Council requests road users to exercise care and consideration when travelling through the works site.

Further details regarding the Otho Street renewal works are available on our Town Centre Renewal Plan web page.

Image: Mayor Paul Harmon with Council Manager Civil Engineering, Justin Pay, reviewing plans for the Otho Street renewal.

For further information contact:
Fiona Adams
Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138 | Inverell NSW 2360
02 67288288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au