At the last Greater Shepparton City Council meeting, the council adopted Option 4a for the redevelopment of the Maude Street Mall. Council had previously considered an alternative proposal that was thrown open to comment from the community however, following overwhelming trader support for the alternate Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry proposal, the plan that included through traffic from Fryers Street to Hight Street was subsequently adopted as the preferred option.
Listed as Option 4a in the Council agenda, ‘the plan provides an improved layout with increased flexibility for adaption to changing future requirements, aligns closely with consultation feedback suggestions, reduces impact on trading during construction, provides greater retention of trees and provides more efficient connection from Fryers Street to High Street.
It also retains and maximises areas available for recreation and public events. In summary the layout provides one-way slow-moving traffic from Fryers Street to High Street with parallel parking both sides and retains existing pavement from building line to verandah line where possible. The revised design retains the strong linkage to the Fraser Street tower area and public toilets with the children’s play area.’
President of the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, John Anderson said, “This is certainly the best option available that will help revitalise the Shepparton CBD into a prosperous business centre.”
The project has obtained Federal Government funding of $8.5 million dollars that is to be met dollar for dollar by the Council.
Work on the project is now back at the technical design phase and work should commence later this year or at the beginning of 2021.
