SINGLETON Council’s general manager Lindy Hyam says despite having to recall for tenders the successful contractor is expected to complete the Town Centre Revitalisation Project by the original finishing date of September 2015.
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Council’s largest ever construction contract has been awarded to Civil engineering contractors Diona Pty Ltd and they will begin stage one of the project in January.
The project has an overall budget of $10 million after the NSW Government awarded a $9 million grant to the council under the Resources for Regions Program in October 2013.
Council put forward the $1 million shortfall when it came to the works and another $1million for the planning.
During the nine-month construction phase there will obviously be some inconvenience to businesses and the community when it comes to the use of John Street.
However, Mrs Hyam says no businesses will need to close during construction phase of the project.
“The contractor has been instructed to structure work that maximises access to businesses during normal hours (with minimal delays during selected activities),” she says.
“In early December, council’s project team will start delivering information packs to businesses in John Street detailing the construction schedule, applications for our Shopfront Rebate Program, frequently asked questions and contact details for the project.
“We have also made a commitment to produce monthly newsletter updates in addition to our weekly website and social media updates.
“We will also be establishing a drop-in centre in John Street in mid-December that will be open to the community and will display plans and schedules for construction.
“Members of the project team will also be on hand to assist with enquiries.”
Mrs Hyam added the long-term benefits will outweigh any negatives ssociated with the upgrade.
“Singleton Council is very excited to be moving into the construction phase of the $10 million Singleton Town Centre Revitalisation Project,” she told The Argus.
“This project is the largest construction contract ever let by Singleton Council and, as a result of our rigorous evaluation process, we’re confident we are getting the best economic return on investment we can.
“Like most projects of this nature, there will be some short-term inconvenience.
“However, there will be long-term benefits for our retailers, our economy and our community as a whole.
“The rewards will only be as good as what people are willing to put in.”
Upper Hunter MP George Souris says the new CBD will be an asset for the shire and will make the town centre more attractive for business and customers alike.
“This is an important project to revitalise Singleton CBD and I am delighted the NSW Government has provided a significant funding boost with $9 million from Resources for Regions,” he says.
“This program aims to support regional and rural NSW communities affected by mining, and Singleton was one of six projects to share $41.9 million in the first round of Resources for Regions funding in 2013-14.”
