Drum secures $8.5m for Mall redevelopment

CELEBRATING $8.5M IN FEDERAL FUNDING....FRONT AND CENTRE…Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, surrounded by Mall retailers from left Craig Blizzard, Michael Desimone, Chamber CBD committee member, Wendy Crow, retailer, Shane Sali, Chamber president, John Anderson and Chamber CBD committee member, Geoff Adams, at the $8.5M Federal funding announcement of the Maude Street Mall redevelopment. Photo: Steve Hutcheson.

For some months now, Greater Shepparton City Council and the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been negotiating the best format for the redevelopment of the Maude St Mall. In March, the Council presented a plan for the Mall that conflicted with the point of view of traders and the Chamber.

Following an onsite meeting with the Chamber a matter of two weeks ago, the Federal Member of Nicholls, Damian Drum successfully advocated for Federal funding of $8.5 million dollars from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to go towards the redevelopment, to be matched dollar for dollar by the Council.

“This funding is a significant investment in the region’s future by the Federal Government,” said Mr Drum.

“I look forward to working with the Greater Shepparton City Council as well as other groups, to ensure the redevelopment commences as soon as possible.”

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah said the project will now be fast tracked through the Council process to see the redevelopment construction starting in the new year.

The proposal by the Chamber requires one-way traffic through the Mall from Fryer Street to High Street with parallel parking along both sides among other changes to the plan.

Cr Adbullah said, “The redevelopment will have no kerbs and the existing trees will be retained although a small number will have to be removed to fit in with the overall plan.”

“This game-changing project will help transform Shepparton’s central business district and ensure our productive and vibrant region remains strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term and I look forward to seeing the project boost economic prosperity,” said Mr Drum.

“There are too many vacant shops in the CBD and this will encourage more activity in the region.”

Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, John Anderson said, ”This project will show people what a great place Shepparton is to live in, I am grateful to the Council and want to thank Damian for advocating for the funding that will make it happen.”

According to Council Engineer, Phil Hoare, the designs are well on the way and now need to be modified to incorporate the traffic flow from Fryer Street though to High Street.