BETTER connection between Bank Street and other key areas of Molong are set to define a plan for the town centre for the next decade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cabonne Council gave the green light to seek an urban designer to come up with a design for the main shopping area, needing no debate last week.
General manager Brad Byrnes will start preliminary enquiries with private landowners to activate the rear parking space behind commercial premises north of Bank Street and investigate connection opportunities to the main shopping area and attractions in the Molong town centre.
Early research indicated discount shopping options in nearby Orange affected Molong's economy, but the township had a strong visitor economy and was starting to benefit from driving tourism.
"Visitors provide a boost to the local economy, with direct revenue to service stations, food shops, hotels, motels, caravan parks and the like," a report to councillors said.
"There is potential demand for serviced apartments and conference facilities."
During public consultation on issues surrounding the township, residents suggested a 40km/h speed limit along Bank Street between Gidley and Watson streets, with the addition of traffic-calming measures including a central median.
A public car park behind the Spar Supermarket was suggested, as well as paths leading to Dr Ross Memorial Recreation Ground.
The existing metal street furniture was raised, with residents suggesting it was hot in summer, cold in winter and the positioning did not encourage interaction and it was also suggested to use empty shops as pop-up stores.
Heritage aspects were also raised - some residents said heritage requirements were too onerous, while the growMOLONG group felt the town centre did not have many existing well-kept features with "a great deal of appeal" and suggested heritage grants to assist businesses improve the historical streetscape.
As part of the planning, the council will form a flood committee to investigate ways to mitigate the flooding impacts from Molong Creek.
Workshops have been earmarked, but with COVID-19 restrictions set to make holding them difficult, council staff said the urban designer would be required to come up with a contingency to ensure interested members of the community had input.
A similar program will be undertaken for Gaskill Street in Canowindra.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below: