Now the central section of our main street has received a facelift, the contrast between the empty blocks and buildings that dominate the northern end is stark.
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Sites, like the empty former Sutton Ford showroom and workshop, as well as the adjacent overgrown blocks are looking shabby.
So locals will be pleased to hear Council’s plans for the blocks they have purchased in this area are progressing.
Riverside Park will fill up the empty space between Mid-city Motor Inn and the Parsons Brinkerhoff building.
And, expressions of interest for a feasibility and options report for possible uses for the former Sutton building on the eastern side of John Street closed on Monday.
Singleton Council general manager Jason Linnane says Riverside Park will be set on a double block, being both parcels of land on the river side of John Street.
“Singleton Council has allocated $1.33 million for construction of Riverside Park in the 2016/17 draft budget currently on exhibition,” he says.
“The detailed design is being undertaken by Terras Landscape Architects based on concept designs endorsed by Council late last year.
“Community feedback received during exhibition of the concept designs included suggestions regarding fencing, shading, provision of a water play area, and play equipment for small children.
“The detailed designs incorporate some of these suggestions including the provision of a water play area and additional equipment for young children. We will be using safer by design principles to ensure the safety of users in lieu of fencing.”
Mr Linnane says it’s anticipated construction will begin before the end of the year but the park is not expected to open until Autumn 2017.
“Council will call for tenders for construction as the project is valued at more than $150,000,” he says.
“Expressions of interest for a feasibility and options report for possible uses for the former Sutton building on the eastern side of John St closed on Monday and a report on submissions received will be prepared and considered by Council in the near future.”
However, changes to the intersection of John and Elizabeth Streets to make it easier for buses to access are not included in the Riverside Park project.
“They are being explored as part of stage two of the Town Centre Revitalisation, which will extend from Hunter to Campbell Streets, and is the subject of an expression of interest for funding under Resources for Regions,” he explains.
