Published on Tuesday, 22 June 2021 at 6:30:00 PM
Picture Caption: Concept design of the GRAG Park upgrade.
Revitalisation in the CBD continues to be high on the agenda with the City of Greater Geraldton allocating funds in the 2021/22 Budget to upgrade the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) Park and activate Chapman Road.
The planned upgrades to GRAG Park will completely transform the empty space by demolishing the aged toilet block and building new public toilets.
A covered walkway will be a new addition as well along with seating and landscaping featuring wildflower gardens that showcase the region’s world class wildflower season.
The RAC funded Chapman Road Tactical Urbanisation Pilot Project will trial a 12 month activation of the barren street between Durlacher Street and Cathedral Avenue.
The plan includes formalising two way traffic on the street and reclaiming the remaining road surface by turning it into a shared space featuring more bench seating, shaded parklets, street trees in pots, pavement art and wall murals.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the long overdue projects are top community priorities.
“Economic development, which includes CBD revitalisation, was the top ranking future priority in the City’s Community Voice survey,” he said.
“These projects will greatly improve the whole look and feel of the area and certainly leave a much better impression of the City on tourists visiting the Visitor Centre located in the GRAG building.
“By making the street a place for people and not just cars, the space will also attract more locals which in turn, will attract new businesses and investment.
“We know this revitalisation model works as the creation and activation of Rocks Laneway has seen more than 14,000 people utilise this space as either participants or spectators in a wide range of community activities since it’s completion in late 2019.
“This is just another way the City is continuing on our path to recovery,” Mayor Van Styn added.
The GRAG Park upgrade and the formalisation of two way traffic on Chapman Road are part of the Geraldton City Centre Revitalisation Plan.
Every year the City allocates funding in the Budget to undertake works to revitalise the CBD.
For more information and to view the City’s 2021/22 Budget, head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au
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