Western Downs Regional Council’s Miles CBD revitalisation project nabs Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland award

The redevelopment of a Western Downs CBD streetscape has been recognised with a state award, with the project said to “celebrate the story of Miles”.

The new Miles CBD streetscape was recognised at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland Awards 2023. Picture: WDRC

The three-year long project that saw the main strip of Miles be transformed into a “modern” streetscape has been recognised for its success in capturing the community’s story through its architecture and designs.

The Miles CBD Streetscape project featured at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland Awards, receiving the award for ‘Regional Achievement’.

Western Downs Regional Council spokesperson for Planning, Environment and Agribusiness councillor Andrew Smith said the project was developed to boost economic activity and encapsulate the region’s spirit.

“What made this project extra special was the way it celebrates the story of Miles, and the extensive community consultation which was undertaken to ensure the project recognised the people, places, and stories that make the town so unique,” he said.

Miles CBD Streetscape – WDRC

“By working alongside the community, council was able to develop a fantastic design based on the stories about Miles and its significance to the Western Downs and Queensland.

“This award is fabulous recognition for a project designed to create lasting benefits to Miles and helps to put our region on the map for its contributions to modern landscape architecture.”

Specialist design consultants VEE Design, Fourfold Studio, HIGS and SMEC delivered the design phase of the project on behalf of council.

Some of the upgrades to the streetscape included a village feel which is RV friendly with feature lighting, colourful landscaping, street tables and stools, outdoor dining opportunities, public art and improved pedestrian linkages.

It also features a sound trail which tells the story of people, places and industries in Miles.

The new Miles CBD streetscape was recognised at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland Awards 2023. Picture: WDRC

TIMELINE

August, 2020

The Miles CBD Streetscape project is fast-tracked by Western Downs Regional Council as part of it’s $50m Covid-19 recovery package to secure and create jobs.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said designers were working closely with community members who were asked to share their stories through written or drawn form as part of the development process.

“Once we’ve received feedback, an interpretation strategy will be implemented for the streetscape design to identify the key opportunities to bring these stories to life,” he said.

“This is a really special project for the Miles community which will revitalise the main town strip and encourage more people to meet, dine and shop locally.”

A spokesperson for Design Consultant Fourfold Studio, who lead the storytelling activity, said: “Through this project we wish to extract local stories and history and use this to inform design aspects of the Miles Streetscape”.

“Stories will be brought to life through opportunities such as wayfinding, digital storytelling, public artwork or material choices.”

April, 2021

It was officially announced that the Miles CBD will undergo a multimillion-dollar transformation to promote tourists to the township.

It was reported that Western Downs Regional Council received funding under the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and the project was approximately $6.4m.

“This is a really special project for the Miles community which is about enhancing the streetscape to activate the town centre and drive economic growth,” Mr McVeigh said.

“The upgrade will also focus on enhancing Anzac Park and installing various public art and storytelling elements throughout the town strip including a wall of greats to honour well known historical identities in the area.”

Miles CBD construction. Picture: WDRC

July, 2021

Council endorsed contractors for the Miles CBD revitalisation, with its partnership with Bellwether Contractors.

Mr McVeigh said the appointment of the construction contractor signalled the green light for works to get underway.

“This is a really exciting project which delivers on our vision to aggressively attract business and investment opportunities, right across the Western Downs,” he said.

Works were set to be completed by the end of 2021.

October, 2021

Business owners with stores in the Miles CBD voice outrage over lack of communication around the multimillion-dollar redevelopment.

Action Health Pharmacy owner Jenny Action said she held fear that the project would affect her business as people would be forced to find alternate parking.

“Adequate and convenient parking close to essential services is critical to these members of the community,” she said.

The issue of a lack of communication was echoed by Miles property owner Rodney Rafter.

“The project started without effective community consultation, without the full support of the impacted property owners, (and) without the full support of impacted businesses,” he said.

The Miles CBD will be completely revitalised as part of a major project to enhance the liveability of the town and encourage tourism. Picture: WDRC

June, 2022

After three years of working on the revitalised streetscape, the upgrades were finalised early 2022.

The official opening event was held on July 2, 2022 which invited residents to come celebrate the new CBD upgrades.

Originally published as Western Downs Regional Council’s Miles CBD revitalisation project nabs Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland award