Works to get underway

Council is pleased to advise that works in Campbell Street and its intersection with James Street, and early works for the Play and Skate project will soon be underway.

We have been working on design planning and approvals for upgrade works for Campbell Street and James Street to improve drainage, parking and accessible and safe footpath connections for this multi-use and popular destination. With the Play and Skate project now commencing detailed design works, an overall plan for the project area has been finalised. This has included ensuring that works do not impact on the delivery of the Port Fairy Folk Festival and other site users.

These projects will be delivered under a range of funding sources including the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program, the State Government’s Sport and Recreation Regional Community Infrastructure Fund and Moyne Shire Council for a total value of $3.9m – a major investment in much needed infrastructure and assets for residents and visitors.

Council is now in a position to proceed with the project which will be managed in-house through the Project Management Office in partnership with teams from construction, civil works, buildings and assets, and engineering. The design and construction of the Skate and Play Precinct will be managed under the design and build contract with Convic.

The overall project will comprise of the following key works:

• Underground stormwater drainage.
• Kerb and channel on the north and south side of Campbell Street.
• Folk Festival entrance upgrades.
• Angle car parking on the south side of Campbell Street and parallel car parking on the north side of Campbell Street.
• 2.5m wide accessible concrete footpath on the south side of Campbell Street between Sackville Street and James Street.
• James Street and Campbell Street raised intersection upgrade with wombat crossings.
• Road rehabilitation works on Campbell Street between Sackville Street and Union Street.
• Construction of new car park adjacent to Belfast Aquatics with connecting footpath to Belfast Aquatics.
• Construction of the Play and Skate Precinct.

There are a number of outcomes and improvements that this major investment will deliver for residents, visitors and the wider community. These include:

• Improvements to the drainage network to manage increased risks of flooding from extreme weather events and growing pressure on overall drainage network and capacity.
• Provide for accessible and Disability Discrimination Act compliant footpaths and parking to meets mobility, access and equity needs for all community members, including pedestrians and cyclists.
• Provide dedicated disabled parking spaces in this popular destination for sport, recreation and events.
• Address vehicle and pedestrian safety at the Campbell Street / James Street intersection.
• Provide greater protection from vehicles and parking impacts to the heritage listed Norfolk Island Pines through formalised parking and installation of permeable pavers.
• Support the operation and delivery of the Port Fairy Folk Festival through improved entry treatments particularly for larger vehicles and volume of vehicles.
• Provide for much needed recreation, skate and play facilities for residents, the wider community and visitors
• Respond to the growing use and visitation to the area and its many assets and facilities both current and future.

Traffic management will be in place through these works and at times, traffic and access delays are likely. This is unavoidable due to the nature of the works, but Council will minimise disruption as much as possible. Local access for residents and visitors to Southcombe Park Facilities including Belfast Aquatics, Basketball Stadium etc will be provided when road closures are in place.

Construction times will be between 07.30 to 17:30 Monday to Friday and if required, 08.30 to 13:00 on Saturday. No works on Sunday or public holidays will be undertaken. Works over the peak Christmas summer period will also be minimised whilst ensuring that works progress in order to meet Folk Festival commencement timeframes.