The one thing they forgot in $8.4 million spend: New shade sails to be added to Henley Square revamp

IT took eight months and cost $8.4m but it seems one thing was overlooked. Now, the local council’s voted to divert money from another project to rectify the Henley Square revamp oversight.

Henley Square soon after it was officially reopened. Shade sails will now be erected. Picture: Sam Wundke

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IT took eight months and cost $8.4m but it seems one thing was overlooked.

Now, the local council’s voted to divert money from another project to rectify the Henley Square revamp oversight.

New shade sails will be built at the southern end of Henley Square.

The sails, near Bacchus Bar and Cibo, are expected to cost about $160,000, on top of $8.4 million spent on an upgrade of the square.

Charles Sturt Council’s Asset Management Committee voted last week to divert funding from a recycling centre upgrade to erect the sails.

Acting chief executive Bruce Williams said the potential to include shade sails at the southern end of the square was not raised until after initial designs were finished.

Enjoying the sun: Mya Lorefice, Lucy Anastassi, Tatjana Drougas and Amelia Lorefice visited the newly revamped Henley Square before Christmas. Picture: Tom Huntley

“The original plans for Henley Square focused on the main square area,” Mr Williams said.

“During the course of the project opportunities were identified for shade between Cibo and Bacchus and the Henley Surf Life Saving Club.

“Using the unspent funds from another project will enable this element of the project to be undertaken.”

Designs for the project will be undertaken in coming months and work is expected to be completed this year.