Talking to people from Canberra visiting with the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience this week, the streetscapes and heritage buildings are what they find most appealing about Orange.

Which is why Orange City Council should be commended for works starting on Sunday to beautify McNamara Street.

The street is set to receive a bike rack, park bench, landscaping and lighting to revitalise what used to be an industrial backway, but what is now a thriving area filled with food and coffee outlets and gyms.

If the council approves serviced apartments at the Central Western Daily’s former home in Kite Street, it is reasonable to expect McNamara Street will become a link to Summer Street for those staying there.

As the region focuses on building visitation, it is only right that tourists feel safe walking the streets and are given a pleasing environment to look upon.

There is, however, the continued question of the loading zone, which was a point of contention when councillors considered the proposal.

Some businesses wanted the loading zone to be on the northern side of the park features, on the western side of the street, but ultimately the eastern side was chosen.

The City of Orange Traffic Committee recommended the eastern location because the road was wider, the majority of businesses were on the eastern side and the two disabled parking spaces and the driveway in the vicinity created enough room for a larger rigid truck.

It dismissed the western location because it would cut up to five parking spaces, as opposed to three for the eastern side, the forklift would have to travel against the flow of traffic while loaded, the road was narrower and there would be more vehicle interaction.

One business contends the eastern location has not worked.

However, the reasons behind this need further examination – whether it’s because people are parking there illegally, whether truck drivers are using the western side out of habit, or whether there are serious logistical or safety factors.

In a busy one-way street such as this, managing the balance between customer and business needs is always going to be challenging, but rejuvenation should not be halted unless there is very good reason.