Published on Monday, 6 September 2021 at 7:26:56 AM
The final preparations to turn a section of Chapman Road in the CBD into a place for people and not just cars are underway with works to transform the street scheduled to begin mid-September.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he is excited about the 12 month long pilot project, using low-cost materials to trial another aspect of the Geraldton City Centre Revitalisation Plan.
“Revitalising our CBD by breathing new life into Chapman Road between Cathedral Avenue and Durlacher Street which is currently void of any street appeal is pretty exciting,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the activation plan that was developed by a Working Party of 18 local businesses operators and property owners, community group members, youth and other interested parties regenerate this space.”
The transformation of the street will take two weeks and will begin with the removal of the median kerb strip and restoration of the road surface followed by street line marking to formalise two lanes of two-way traffic.
The reclaimed road surface will then be painted in three colours, blue, green and orange representing ocean, botanic and outback respectively while ‘selfie’ walls and Aboriginal Art works, all designed by local artists, will be installed on buildings and windows throughout the street.
The last stage involves making the reclaimed road more people friendly by installing 19 large potted trees and bench seating at various locations on the painted sections of the reclaimed road and a parklet will be placed in front of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Park.
“It’s going to be fantastic to test drive these short-term, low-cost ideas to see if they actually work and if they do, they might just inspire changes to other areas of the CBD which have been highlighted for activation in the Revitalisation Plan,” Mayor Van Styn added.
The City of Greater Geraldton is delivering the project in partnership with RAC through its Reconnect WA initiative which aims to create vibrant streets and public spaces for Western Australians to interact and connect
RAC Group Executive Social and Community Impact Patrick Walker said RAC is excited to support projects that bring new energy and vibrancy to our communities.
“A key priority of RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative is to inspire local residents and businesses to get involved in driving positive change in their local areas,” he said.
“The Chapman Road Tactical Urbanism Project Working Party has developed a fantastic activation plan and we’re thrilled to see this pilot project come to life.”
For more information on the project head to the City’s website here.
Picture Caption: Chapman Road Activation Design.
Back to All News