Residents asked to re-imagine Bairnsdale CBD
Shoppers, businesses and visitors to Bairnsdale are being invited to ‘re-imagine’ their city centre as part of an ongoing revitalisation of the Bairnsdale Central Business District (CBD).
East Gippsland Shire Council has commenced working with the community to explore improvements to the business area of Bairnsdale as the Shire’s regional service centre and heart of business and cultural activity.
The intention of the revitalisation projects is to deliver practical outcomes that can be implemented by Council, which will make meaningful improvements to the public areas that support the business area of Bairnsdale.
Mayor, Cr Dick Ellis, said many residents in East Gippsland access Bairnsdale for a wide range of services, so it was important that the business area continues to meet the needs of community members and visitors to the area into the future.
“As the East Gippsland region grows, it is important that we ensure that Bairnsdale can continue to function as a service centre for a wide range of community and business needs,” Cr Ellis said.
“Council has committed to improve the quality and vibrancy of the public spaces that provide amenity and enjoyment for the public in the commercial area.
“Bairnsdale has an excellent structure with a regular grid street pattern, the Main Street Gardens and connection to the Mitchell River, but more can be made from the street spaces and those disused or underused spaces that can contribute to the vibrancy and activity happening in the Bairnsdale commercial precinct”.
At its December meeting, Council resolved to engage a consultant team (lead by Message Consultants, working in conjunction with MDG Landscape Architects, local engineering firm Crossco Consulting and Traffic Works) to prepare streetscape and public space plans that build on the city’s strengths and better meet the needs of local residents, businesses and visitors.
The project team recently spent a week gathering information in Bairnsdale including mapping how areas in the CBD are used and not used.
Cr Ellis said revitalising Bairnsdale wasn’t just about the public spaces.
“Council has been involved in a number of projects in the Bairnsdale CBD.
These include:
- Commitment to the ‘Walkability and Wayfinding’ project for Bairnsdale – new signage and maps to make it easier to get around;
- Working with business people in Bairnsdale to develop a business plan for the CBD;
- Incorporating public art into the development of the commercial area of Bairnsdale;
- Seeking opportunities for creative businesses to grow and flourish in the CBD; and
- Working with VicRoads on improvements that will improve to traffic and pedestrian safety.
“There will be plenty of opportunities to become involved, so if you have views about the way that the Bairnsdale CBD can be made an even better place to visit for shopping, services or socialising, please contribute your thoughts,” Cr Ellis concluded.
People seeking to register their interest or wishing further information about this project should contact Council on 5153 9500. Ideas can also be contributed online at www.reimaginebairnsdale.wordpress.com.