Sunshine Coast Council will deliver streetscape improvements in Blackall Street as part of its Streetscape Capital Works Program.
Construction works will soon begin on the Blackall Street, to be completed by May 2023 weather dependant. Please see our project news website for further details and updates.
The project team have now responded to the community Values and Vision in Stage 1 ‘Have your say’ and feedback provided in Stage 2 ‘Have we got it right?’. With a total of 486 surveys received, the information has ensured the design creates a streetscape upgrade that aligns with the community values and visions.
Purpose
The purpose of this update is to inform the community of the final concept plan. As we progress towards construction further project updates will be provided to ensure the community is well informed to minimise impacts during the construction period in mid-2022.
No further feedback will be asked for as we are now progressing with detailed design and construction documentation. Thank you to all who have provided input through the surveys, conversations, letters and emails and at the community design workshop.
Background
In November 2020, Council engaged with the Woombye community to understand what you love about Blackall Street and what can be improved. As part of Stage 1 ‘Have your say’ community engagement, a total of 225 surveys and multiple conversations were completed to gain an understanding of what the community loves about Blackall Street and what can be improved.
The community were invited to have their say at several engagement events including:
- Online and print survey
- Sausage sizzle at the School of Arts Hall
- ‘Cheers and ideas’ event at the Woombye Pub
- Community streetscape workshop held in March 2021 where the community provided further input to shape the streetscape design.
In July, Council engaged the community again to present a draft concept plan for feedback. A further 261 surveys were received and analysed to help inform the final concept plan. The concept plan was also presented at a sausage sizzle and at the School of Arts Hall and a presentation at the Woombye Pub.
Community engagement
Stage 1 ‘Have your say’ survey data was analysed to form a community brief, from which the project team created a draft Concept Plan for further community feedback.
Community feedback on the draft concept plan indicated:
- Create an attractive and vibrant town centre
- Tell Woombye’s story
- Improve pedestrian experience and provide convenient parking
- Stage 2 ‘Have we got it right?’ survey data has now been analysed and the concept plan updated in response.
- Community feedback on the draft concept plan indicated: 65 per cent of respondents agreed that the plan translated the community values from Stage 1 engagement.
- Community indicated they would like to see car parking considered further which was identified as a missing value.
- Respondents advised the trees, gardens and improved pedestrian paths and crossings were strongly supported on the concept plan.
The project team have now responded to community feedback and updated the concept plan with the following amendments:
- Reduction of new garden beds to include more parking on Blackall Street.
- The formalisation of parking on Wakefield Street to increase potential parking spaces.
- A change to parking duration along Blackall Street to improve car park turnover for adjacent businesses.
- Placement of two more parking spaces on Hill Street.
The final concept design is a balance between maintaining car park numbers and improving the experience of residents and visitors to Woombye.
Due to market conditions, material availability and cost, the full scope outlined is subject to funding availability.
Where to from here
Construction is scheduled to take place in the 2021/2022 financial year. Council will keep the community updated as the project progresses. Overview
Funded through the Streetscape Capital Works Program, council seeks to design and deliver a streetscape upgrade for Blackall Street through a placemaking process.
Council, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has allocated $1.55 million to deliver the streetscape improvements. The State Government has contributed $500,000 of the total funding under the $100 million South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.
Placemaking is an approach to engage and collaborate with communities to create meaningful and vibrant places that reflect their values.
Contacts
For more information, please contact council’s Placemaking and Design Office via email placemaking@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
