Tank removal clears path for Guyra CBD upgrade

Contractors have finished removing disused fuel tanks from beneath Guyra’s main street, clearing an obstacle for a major upgrade of the town’s central business district.

A total of eight steel tanks were found and removed between 19 February and 7 March, all under the eastern side of Bradley Street.

Tests using ground penetrating radars late last year indicated there could be as many as 19 disused fuel tanks beneath Bradley Street and the footpath. However, excavations at the identified locations ultimately found seven in front of Burgess Garage and another in front of the former Thrifty Link Hardware site.

Materials excavated during the tanks’ removal are now be analysed, which is expected to take around three weeks and will indicate what remediation of the sites is required.

“Council will be guided by advice from the NSW Environment Protection Authority about any required remediation of the sites,” Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.

“We will then know the full cost of removing the tanks and treating the sites, which will allow us to determine the final budget and scope for the main street upgrade.”

The $2.7 million main street upgrade will complement the historic architecture of the street, create a more consistent theme throughout the street landscape and provide a safer environment for pedestrians.

It will also feature street art created in cooperation with local artists and school students.

Published on 20 Mar 2019