BALRANALD’S million-dollar Market Street makeover has commenced, with businesses continuing to trade.
The main construction of works is expected to be completed by the end of November.
The $1.36 million project is split into two stages: stage one is from We to Miles street, costing $923,000 with stage two, from Miles to River Street, costing approximately $450,000.
Balranald IGA owner and operator Brendan Doyle told The Guardian the works had minimal impact on his business.
“It certainly could have been worse,” he said.
“We have had much worse in the past when they’ve done roadworks.
“They’ve communicated with us pretty well to try and work around us.”
Mr Doyle said one of the car parks had been slightly cut off, but said there was “no major drama” since the business would soon be rebuilt.
Mr Doyle said the Market Street works tied in well with the rebuild of the IGA store.
“Hopefully it’ll be fantastic,” he said.
“I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.
“You can’t see the big picture now when they’re half way through, but hopefully it all comes out really good.”
For Le-Gee’s owner Leanne Gerkens, the works have had a big impact on the trade of her business.
“It’s made our takings low, that’s for sure. It’s up and down,” she said.
“We’ve only had a couple of weeks where it’s been really really quiet, but it (Market Street) is going to look fantastic once it’s done.
“There’s no doubts about that.”
Other businesses on Market Street were approached by The Guardian but did not wish to comment.
Balranald Shire Council general manager Michael Kitzelmann said the main construction of works, concreting and civil work, were set to be completed by the end of November.
“The final works with street furniture, garden, landscaping and other things will commence in December,” he said.
“They’ll (the workers will) start at one end and work through to the other
“New chairs on the footpath and all those sort of things.”
Mr Kitzelmann said council had consulted with community members and businesses in Balranald throughout the works.
“Although we acknowledge that there has been some minor disruptions, the majority of businesses have expressed their happiness with the street being revamped and look forward to the finished product,” Mr Kitzelmann said.
“The consultations we’ve had with people is that they understand that there is a considerable amount of work in renewing a main street and they’ve predominately been very supportive.”
Mr Kitzelmann said NSW Health Services had visited Balranald to conduct a disability inclusion survey on the upgrade.
“They are very satisfied with the ability for mobility access along the main street and applaud the changes with the removal of old cracked and deformed concrete with the new easy transition for less mobile people,” Mr Kitzelmann said.
The general manager said once the project was completed council would hold an official opening.
Funds for stage one were obtained through the Stronger Country Communities Fund 2017 round of funding.
Albury Wodonga-based landscape architect Fiona Slade was tasked with designing the proposed streetscape concept plans.
