A plan to relocate Centrelink to Anson Street next to Woolworths, in a bid to combat traffic and parking woes at the Five Ways, has been met with a mixed response.
With parking already at a premium in the Anson Street area, car enthusiast Denis Gregory said there was no way clients to Centrelink or Medicare would be able to park anywhere near the new location.
“I don’t think it’s a very good move,” he said.
“The site might be better but as far as parking is concerned it’s just as bad, if not worse.”
Mr Gregory said car spaces in front of the office would be difficult to nab, with street parking in Anson Street between Kite and Moulder Streets filled from 8:30am each day with staff.
“I don’t see why they shifted it from Lords Place in the first place,” he said.
“It’s bureaucrats somewhere rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”
But councillor Glenn Taylor defended the new location, despite raising concerns about congestion and conflict between pedestrians and traffic in Anson Street in the past.
“It’s located right next to the Woolworths car park and the city centre car park ... they’re the two biggest car parks in the city,” he said.
“The Centrelink building was only one block down before. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue. It’s far, far better than where it was at the Five Ways.”
Cr Chris Gryllis said the move to Anson Street would add to the area’s existing traffic issues, especially at the pedestrian crossing.
“I think we have to revisit the site especially with the festive season not far away and see what needs to be done,” he said.
“I’ve observed over the years many near misses ... the experts and gurus of traffic should be able to come up with a solution. Unfortunately I have no answers to the problem.”
Cr Taylor reiterated the need for a small set of lights at the pedestrian crossing near Woolworths.
clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au