The main street of Grafton will come alive during summer when Clarence Valley Council trials a range of new measures to reinvigorate the Central Business District.
From November, wider footpaths, colourful landscaping and planter boxes, shade structures, artwork and extra seating will be put in place to encourage more people to stay longer and rediscover Prince Street in the CBD.
“This is an economic recovery initiative to bring more people to Grafton’s CBD, to support local businesses and to re-connect our community,” Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ian Tiley said.
“This trial is an important stepping-stone to implementing the Grafton Precinct Plan which was approved by Council in 2021. It offers the opportunity for Council, state government, local businesses and the community to work together and test out new ideas, develop plans, hear feedback, and enable future changes in Grafton to deliver the best outcomes for everyone.”
These initiatives are part of the Streets as Shared Spaces Program made possible through a fully funded grant from the NSW Government.
To compliment the project, Transport for NSW has funded the upgrade of three existing pedestrian crossings in Prince Street to “wombat crossings” – raised platforms that slow traffic and improve road safety.
Two of these crossings will bookend temporary front to kerb parking for the core area of Prince Street, while maintaining parking spaces to support local business. Wombat crossings will slow the traffic, creating a more inviting space for the community to enjoy and a safe place for front to kerb parking.
“These innovative and creative projects will allow people to enjoy the CBD and create spaces to relax and connect, which will support local business operators as they bounce back from the pandemic,” NSW Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said.
“We’re reinvigorating our streets by creating more vibrant places for people to enjoy socialising, shopping and connecting with their community. By driving foot traffic our investment in Grafton will also support small business operators whose continued success is crucial to the future of this region.”
Residents will also notice decorative lighting along the street as well as a couple of buildings illuminated with local artworks to ‘light up’ Grafton as part of Christmas celebrations. There will be art in the streets and a gnome scavenger hunt for the kids to enjoy.
“It’s great to be working with council on a project that will improve safety while enhancing the amenity of the Jacaranda city’s beautiful main street,” NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Mr Sam Farraway said.
“This project is a perfect example of the way we can use infrastructure to bring communities together.”
As part of the Rediscover Grafton project, there will be immersive activities such as audio storytelling about Grafton where you can walk trails and listen to Bundjalung stories, local heritage and Long Way Home creative tales on your mobile device. Council is inviting people to slow down as you walk the streets and notice the highlights of the city.