Southern Downs Regional Council reveals plans to beautify Stanthorpe’s High St

The Southern Downs Regional Council has revealed plans for a massive redevelopment to transform a major street in the region, while ‘enhancing the town’s identity’. Here’s what locals have to say.

Plans for the redevelopment of a major Southern Downs street are being cemented by council planners and contractors, with local businesses backing the project.

Southern Downs Regional Council’s stage 1 plans to beautify Stanthorpe’s High St have been revealed, with the project aiming to manage the needs of locals, businesses and tourists to the town “while still maintaining that special Stanthorpe feel”.

Similar precinct plans have been proposed in recent years for places such as Maryborough, Amamoor and Bundaberg.

NEW LOOK: Stanthorpe's CBD streetscape could be in for a revamp. Photo Linden Morris / Stanthorpe Border Post

Slaps Coffee House Cafe owner Phil Politch said that if the project were to bring more tourists to the town, it would be good for businesses and the town as a whole.

“We get almost 50/50 between tourists and locals, especially on weekends it can get crazy, you still need to keep that country feel (to Stanthorpe) because during Covid, people came and fell in love with the town,” he said.

“As long as it doesn’t take any carparking away from the main street, anything new for the town is good, if beautification brings people to town or people that want to live here then definitely.”

Little Pomme Cafe and Store owner Liberty Sanders has been running her boutique for two years and said she was excited to see what the beautification would bring.

“It’s always been quite hard to find a park on the street, it’s always busy especially on Fridays,” she said.

“I really like the areas of the street where there’s little ‘pockets’ with things like flowers and seating, and I think that’s really inviting to tourists so something extra – I don’t really know what – but maybe there could be more of that in the piazza area.

“I think with the addition of the new crossing, some people are worried we’ll lose more parking spaces, but I think in the long run that will be more beneficial.”

Stanthorpe's main street may be looking different after the SDRC announced plans are under way to 'beautify' the precinct. Photo: SDRC.

Southern Downs councillor Stephen Tancred said he was looking forward to see the progress throughout the stages.

“Stanthorpe is renowned for its vibrant and diverse food, music and arts scene and the CBD precinct is alive with the town’s unique country charm and quirky localised art,” Mr Tancred said.

“The streetscape project is a labour of love for the community and it’s important that the details of the plan reflect the community’s vision to design a town-centre for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

“It has to be practical but welcoming.”

Mr Tancred said the planned beautification project will “further enhance the town’s identity”.

The SDRC will consult with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to discuss more car parks on High St as well as “updated and improved” crossing designs.