West Ashgrove will be transformed as part of a $9.2 million Brisbane City Council revitalisation of suburban precincts.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said plans are underway for the $3 million investment in West Ashgrove Village shopping strip on Waterworks Road.
“Local shopping strips are the heart and soul of communities and now more than ever we need to buy local to help our businesses survive the pandemic and then thrive. They are places where people can connect with each other and key services without travelling to major shopping centres and we are dedicated to making them more vibrant than ever,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The preliminary concept design for West Ashgrove has been developed following engagement with local residents and businesses. It includes a wider footpath along Waterworks Road, improved pedestrian access through crossing upgrades, better seating and a specially designed shade structure.
“The transformation could also include more garden beds and shade trees, while there are options for colour to be added through public art and lighting.
The Gap Ward Councillor Steve Toomey said the West Ashgrove village upgrade would be a much needed boost for local businesses which have suffered economic hardship from the coronavirus pandemic.
“By creating a more attractive and welcoming retail precinct, we can get customers back in the doors, boost foot traffic and inject more money into the local economy at a time when it is needed the most,” Cr Toomey said.
Upgrades as part of Council’s Village Precinct Projects expected to be finished this year include:
• Sunnybank – $1.4 million to upgrade the village precinct on Turton Street and Station Road, including creative lighting, seating and footpath upgrades.
• Darra – $940,000 shopping strip upgrade on Railway Parade and Darra Station Road including new art murals, creative lighting, bespoke seating and garden beds.
• Seven Hills – $1.2 million to revitalise The Corso, including street trees, bespoke seating and footpath upgrades.
• Paddington – $300,000 Council contribution for street tree bud lighting, creative light projections and art murals to brighten up Given and Latrobe terraces.
• Wilston Village – $315,000 Council contribution for street furniture and creative lighting installations on Kedron Brook Road.
Plans to revitalise Manly Harbour Village are also underway, with public consultation currently open and construction due to begin early next year. Residents and business owners can have their say on the Manly Harbour Village upgrade via online survey at Council’s website until 20 September.
The West Ashgrove concept design survey is open for feedback until 9 October. Council will hold public information kiosks on the corner of Coopers Camp Road and Waterworks Road from 3 – 5pm on 18 September and 10am – 12pm on 19 September.