By Deanne Jeffers
LAST week the $17.15M Maude Street Mall redevelopment was officially opened by Greater Shepparton mayor, Cr Shane Sali and Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Mr John Anderson.
One-way, low-speed traffic southbound from Fryers to High Street has been reintroduced to the area, ending the precincts time as a mall. Cr Sali and Mr Anderson were the first to drive down the street, joined by two elves and a Christmas dachshund in a vintage Chevrolet car.
“The completion of this major project comes as a pivotal time for our region after two years of Covid and the most recent flooding event, we’ve all show strong resilience within our communities,” said Cr Sali.
“This is a big project; it’s been a long time in the making and it’s great to have it finally open.”
He thanked retired Federal Member Damian Drum and former State Member Suzanna Sheed for their contributions to the project, who secured $12.32M in State and Federal funding for the project.
The redevelopment was undertaken by local business, Jarvis Delahey Contractors. In addition to one-way, low-speed traffic, including on-street parking – which is complimentary until February, Maude Street now features a new playground, CCTV, audio, modern street furniture, lighting and shelters fitted with solar panels.
“The parking bays here are very deep base, there’s no backing required. They’re deep enough to be able to drive in and drive out, which makes a safe shared space,” commented Mr Anderson, who said he is eager to see the businesses in the precinct continue to develop and grow.
“I think over time, what will happen is that other areas that are wondering what to do with their particular closed street will come and look at us in Shepparton, see what we’ve done, see the success we’ve been able to create, and it will become a model for other cities.”
The redevelopment is part of Shepparton’s CBD Revitalisation Project, which includes works to rejuvenate Vaughan Street and Maude Street Bus Interchange, opened earlier this year.
Take a trip down the new Maude Street and let us know your thoughts by commenting or messaging on social media or sending an email to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au
