Local contractor awarded tender for Main Street works

Local construction company Busselton Civil (BCP) Pty Ltd was awarded the construction tender for Margaret River’s Main Street upgrade that is set to start in February 2020.

A total of six organisations attended the public briefing for more information about the project, with two quality tender responses received.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River Council decided at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting to appoint BCP as the successful tenderer.  

Shire President Ian Earl said he was delighted that a business from within the local region would be completing the Main Street Makeover.

“I’m very pleased to announce that after thorough evaluation by a panel, a local supplier has been selected.

“There is a total $8.6m in State and Local Government funding earmarked for phases one and two of the project and the more of these funds that are spent locally, the more we will see recirculated back to local families.”

“This really is a win for the whole community,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Addison-Brown said the first two phases of works to be completed under the tender contract include Tunbridge Street to Fearn Avenue (including the new Festival Precinct on Fearn Avenue), the roundabout to the south of town where Bussell Highway intersects with Wallcliffe Road, and the roundabout at Tunbridge Street and Churchill Avenue intersection.

“There has been a big build up to this point and I feel like the community can really get excited now,” she said.

“The project is going to result in a highly attractive, welcoming and accessible centre of town that we can really enjoy and be proud of.

“There will be critical drainage improvements, road pavement upgrades and improved safety measures for both pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

“The streetscape will be friendlier, with more landscaping and seating areas to socialise in.  

 “Also included is a new Festival Precinct which has been long desired for by the community – particularly business groups.

“This will create opportunities for more festivals, fairs, celebrations and events to create a more vibrant and active town centre,” she said.

A summary of key benefits includes:

increased number of road crossing points from six to nine to improve pedestrian safety and constructed in line with current standards; a net increase of at least two parking bays within the CBD, with increased length of parking bays from 6.3m to 7m. This will provide better access for 4WD vehicles and achieve compliance with current standards. There will be additional directional signage to direct traffic to parking options; larger ACROD accessible bays for people with mobility restrictions; a new Festival Precinct on Fearn Avenue providing the community with an event space adding to the vibrancy and community feel of our town centre. The Festival Precinct will include a rain garden; safer intersections and improvements to traffic flow with the new roundabouts at Tunbridge Street and Wallcliffe Road/Bussell Highway intersections; a new cycle lane and additional bike parking which will help create a culture of using alternative transport modes; improved verge landscaping and larger tree protection zones to preserve the established trees; better drainage, pathway and road surfaces; new energy efficient LED street lighting; better bin systems to improve recycling; new outdoor seating and; flags on street poles that can be better utilised by community groups and event organisers to promote events.

The key features and benefits of the project have been determined through extensive community consultation held with residents, business owners, community groups, partner agencies and local organisations since 2013,” Ms Addison-Brown said.

“Through this consultation, our community have essentially built the plan in collaboration with the Shire.

“I feel very confident people are going to be really happy with the final result.

“We look forward to starting the project as scheduled in February 2020 and bringing the long-awaited project to fruition,” she said.

The first two phases of this project are funded by the State Government of Western Australia through the South West Development Commission and by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

The third phase between Willmot Avenue up to Wallcliffe Road is subject to further funding.

For more information about the project visit www.mainstreetmakeover.com.au