Iron Street Shops upgrade

The draft concept has been developed using feedback received during Stage 1 consultation. Community members told us they would like a safer, greener and more welcoming local centre, with improved pedestrian access, additional shade and landscaping, better lighting, more seating and stronger connections between public spaces. These priorities have helped shape the proposed improvements.

Following Stage 1 consultation, additional design development, technical investigations and traffic assessments were undertaken to ensure the proposed improvements are practical, safe and informed by community feedback. Taking the time to complete these studies has helped ensure the draft concept is well considered before being presented to the community.

The draft concept proposes changing the parking layout from 60-degree angled parking to 90-degree angled parking to improve safety, accessibility and the overall function of the centre.  Importantly, there is no reduction in the number of parking spaces proposed as part of this change.

The draft concept includes accessibility improvements, upgraded accessible parking, new outdoor dining and gathering spaces and public domain upgrades designed to make it easier and safer to move around.

The existing totem poles have been considered as part of the design process. Council recognises their contribution to the character of the centre, but they are proposed to be removed as part of this project. 

The primary focus of this project is the public domain surrounding the Iron Street Shops. While no major works are currently proposed within the triangle forecourt itself, the traffic study identifies potential improvements that strengthen the connection between the shops and the forecourt area, helping both spaces function together as a more connected and welcoming local destination. If supported, Council will continue to seek funding to support future projects of the improvements identified in the traffic study, including upgrading the forecourt.

The draft concept proposes pedestrianising part of Dunlop Street, by increasing the public domain to create a safer and more direct connection between the Iron Street Shops and the forecourt area opposite. This would reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, improve accessibility, and create opportunities for outdoor dining, seating and community gathering spaces. The aim is to bring the two areas together as a more connected and welcoming local centre.

The traffic study proposes changes to vehicle movements around the Iron Street and Dunlop Street intersection to improve safety. Some turning movements may be restricted, particularly for larger vehicles, due to the existing road layout and sight distance constraints. Access for businesses, residents and service vehicles will continue to be assessed as part of the traffic and design investigations, and community feedback will help inform any future design decisions. Importantly, no works identified in the traffic study are proposed for this project, with the draft concept not proposing any works that would impact current traffic movement across the centre.

The draft concept proposes works that may require the removal of a small number of trees. Any tree impacts would be carefully considered during the detailed design phase. Where tree removal may be required, Council will seek opportunities to minimise impacts and provide replacement planting where feasible. The draft concept also includes a significant number of new mature tree plantings and landscaping throughout the centre to increase shade, greenery and amenity.

The traffic study informed the proposed traffic changes in the shopfront draft concept design and considered the wider centre in response to feedback received during Stage 1 consultation. While the project budget does not allow all recommendations to be delivered at this stage, they may be considered as part of future projects subject to Council securing sufficient funding.