ONE of the key elements to bringing positive change and success to Shepparton’s CBD is the Chamber of Commerce’s modifications to the current Maude Street Mall redevelopment design.
The Chamber recently took to the streets with its suggested modifications to the Maude Street Mall Redevelopment to seek opinion and received overwhelming support from traders.
According to Chamber president, John Anderson, meeting with each of the available traders gave forth an overwhelming response to the Chamber’s suggestions for the Mall as opposed to the current Council proposal.
Local Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum met with representatives from the Chamber to consider their proposal. “Anyone who has significant interest in the wellbeing of the Shepparton CBD will be concerned that there are too many vacancies,” said Mr Drum. “I am keen to assist the Council in trying to reinvigorate the CBD as I am increasingly concerned that the existing plan on the table does not have the support of the traders. I am therefore urging Council to continue consulting with the traders and the Chamber of Commerce to reach an amicable agreement on what will do that.”
Traders in the Mall were also encouraged to respond to the Council online survey which has since closed, with comments.
The Chamber proposal calls for opening the Mall up to a one-way road in the centre creating some parking spaces along the route. Shane Sali, a trader in the Mall wants the Mall to be much like the vibe that exists in Fryer Street. Similarly, their proposal seeks to retain the existing trees which in the Council plan many would be removed with new plantings to align with the plan layout.
“The traders we spoke to as well as the landowners were all supportive of the Chamber’s proposal,” said John Anderson. “
Other key points the Chamber would like modified to the current plan are:
- Create a Town Square in the Fraser Street area near the Telstra Tower for families and the elderly. This would give the opportunity to relocate the Entertainment Space outside (Harris Scarfe) to the created passive space near the recently renovated amenities near the Telstra Tower.
- The passives spaces could go from East to West from outside Village Cinemas in Stewart Street through to Fraser and Wyndham Streets, ideal for interest groups, organisations and families to congregate.
- Provide clear walkways along shop fronts with simplified streetscape for business flexibility, particularly during the redevelopment phase and beyond.
- Retain the trees for a natural canopy.
- Unclutter the current design, which may allow considerably less ongoing maintenance.
