Exhibition period to commence for Grafton CBD plan

The two proposed trials for the Grafton CBD are awaiting your thoughts about whether or not they should go ahead

The draft Grafton CBD Plan and Transport Strategy and supporting documents will be on public exhibition from Friday, May 7 to June 4., 2021. Photo: Clarence Valley Council

Two temporary trials to make the Grafton CBD more attractive to consumers have been approved by Clarence Valley councillors.

In a vote of eight for and one against during the April 27 Ordinary Council Meeting, these temporary trials for the Grafton CBD Plan and Transport Strategy will first pass through a public exhibition period before being implemented at two key locations.

Park and promenade

A proposed nose-in parking trial is expected to take place at the northern end of Prince Street, adjacent to Bacon Street. Bike racks and other aesthetic improvements will pepper the central median strip, while the footpath will be widened by around 1.2 metres, covered with temporary timber decking to allow additional cafe seating and outfitted with large planter boxes.

Prince Street corner with Bacon Street – initial concept design, widen footpaths, trial nose in parking, bike racks, traffic calming.

Slowing down the pace

After Prince Street main block was identified as the busiest part of the CBD for pedestrian traffic, adjacent to ‘The Link’ and existing arcade, there are plans to widen the footpath, provide additional greenery and space for cafe seating in order to slow down the flow of foot traffic.

“The intention is to construct timber decking off site for easy installation, use artificial turf and materials as outlined above that can be relocated and reused for similar trials or events in the Clarence Valley,” the documents state.

Adjacent to 'The Link' and existing arcade Рinitial concept design. Widen footpath, provide additional greenery and space for caf̩ seating and community engagement.

It’s understood two car parking spaces will be lost at the northern trial site near Bacon Street, and three spaces adjacent to ‘The Link’. However, the Council documents state that this will only be the case during the four-week trial.

“The adjacent shop owners and Chamber of Commerce are supportive of the trials,” the documents state.

“It is worth noting that a car parking audit for the project has found no concern with the amount of car parking available in Grafton for the foreseeable future.”

The draft Grafton CBD Plan and Transport Strategy and supporting documents will be on public exhibition from Friday, May 7 to June 4. All submissions, analysis, and recommendations will be reported to Council at the July Council meeting.