Wingham chamber of Commerce president, Liz Jarvis is "very excited" about this week's funding announcement for the Wingham CBD street beautification project.
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Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has announced a grant of $1 million to assist MidCoast Council with project.
MidCoast Council had budgeted $2 million of their own funds for the project, bringing the total cost to $3 million.
"We've been pushing very hard for this and it's great the federal government is popping in another million dollars, and that council had already flagged it as a project they were wanting to get done for the people of Wingham," Mrs Jarvis said.
"Also, because the project is now able to extend to the whole CBD, it means that Wingham will get a consistent look and feel.
"It will be easier to be proud of our town and what's happening in our town when our streets are safe and the roads are all clear of the potholes that keep popping up because of poor drainage," she said.
Dr Gillespie said the federal funding will not only result in the work being done much sooner, it allows more areas to be included with a greater level of landscaping.
It's very, very exciting that are finally going to get our main street upgrade.
- Liz Jarvis, president Wingham Chamber of Commerce
MidCoast Council director infrastructure and engineering, Rob Scott said council hopes to have the masterplan completed by the end of this year, and work commencing in the middle of 2021. But he said council cannot promise firm dates at this stage as consultation is continuing. How long the project will take is also unknown for now.
"One of the things we have to be really mindful of is how we deal with all the shops. Doing it in chunks means it will take longer, but you reduce the impact on the shops and keep access to them," Mr Scott said.
Wingham Chamber of Commerce and MidCoast Council will be working collaboratively to minimise disruption to retailers.
Chamber of commerce has been working on securing funding for a street beautification project for the roads and footpaths in the CBD for more than 20 years. "It's very, very exciting that are finally going to get our main street upgrade," Mrs Jarvis said.
It's all about creating a calm environment cars and pedestrians can share.
- Rob Scott, MidCoast Council director infrastructure and engineering
Roads and pedestrian safety are not the only items on the list of improvements to be made. Work will also be done to create a greener, more attractive environment.
"The intent behind any CBD project is to capture the essence of the community and what makes it unique, then to design that in a way that makes people feel good about their area," Mr Scott said.
"It's about creating a space that is more appealing, encouraging people to visit and opening up the public areas to be used in different ways that benefit the community.
"In addition to the appeal of the area the works will improve pedestrian safety and greatly assist those with challenged mobility," Mr Scott said.