Preliminary works have begun for the Ulmarra CBD Upgrade and Bailey Park, Clarence Valley Council has announced.
Council says the Ulmarra Riverside Village Precinct Plan has been designed to establish Ulmarra as a “must see” destination for visitors, revitalise the river edge and improve access, and promote Ulmarra as a place of character and heritage significance.
The project will include reconstruction and beautification of Coldstream and River Streets and adjacent footpaths, which will add stormwater drainage. It will also redevelop Bailey Park providing a new toilet block, playground, seating, shelters, lighting, footpaths and shade trees.
Council will deliver the entire project with its own staff instead of using external contractors.
In-house delivery provides several benefits including cost savings, the ability to liaise closely with the community and be more responsive to their needs, while keeping the money in the LGA, the Council said in a statement.
Council’s presence in the area started this week with Water Cycle staff conducting initial investigations to replace the water mains. Installation using trenchless technology is expected to start next week.
The streetscape aspect of the project will start in the coming months and will take approximately six to eight months to complete, weather permitting.
Project Manager Andy Seaman (pictured) met with Coldstream Street business owners this week as part of ongoing community consultation since Council first endorsed the project in 2019.
“Our mandate is to keep all shops operating, and maintain vehicle and pedestrian access at all times,” Mr Seaman said.
The works at Bailey Park will start first, including additional parking to help alleviate parking concerns once works commence in Coldstream Street. Overall, there will be a net gain of seven car parks in the Ulmarra CBD at the project’s completion.
