After consultation with the Three Springs community in 2013, it was determined that there was a need to enhance the Three Springs townsite, with the principal objectives of the project being to revitalise Three Springs, providing a dynamic and inviting street presence and to establish it as a preferred visitor stopover point. Other aspects of the plan include dual use paths, extension of the heritage trail, restoration of Duffy’s Store and various recycling projects to reduce litter.
The Shire Vision “Three Springs becomes a healthy and unified community with a bright future” is a driving force behind the revitalisation project. The revitalisation project aligns with the Strategic Community Plan 2018-2028:
- Provide and maintain good quality tourism infrastructure and facilities - Develop tourism infrastructure
- Continue to implement main street revitalisation plan - Attractive, inviting and functional main street.
It also links to the Corporate Business Plan 2017-2021:
- Economy - New Business Attraction.
In 2013 Chris Antill Planning, Urban Design and Sally Malone Design were commissioned to develop a concept plan to revitalise the main street (Railway Road). The final plans were accepted by Council in February 2014. While some of the projects commenced, such as the dual use paths, others were deferred.
In April 2020 it was recommended to Council that the project be formally recommenced, with the aim of completing it by 2023/24. Council endorsed the project, and work has started on various aspects, including the installation of a three rail fence on the eastern side of Railway Road between Thomas and Maley St.
Future aspects include upgrades to the Tourism Parking area, as well as upgrades to the War Memorial area, benches, planters and bins along Railway Road, upgrades to the Information Bay and Truck Bay, along with tree plantings, fencing and kerbing, renovation of the public toilets and work at the Eco Caravan Park.
Additional work is also being carried out at the entry statement to the north side of town at the corner of Railway and Glyde Streets. Planting of the area will commence soon.
Another aspect to the revitalisation of Three Springs is the development of Dominican Park, located on the corner of Glyde and Touché Streets. The development of the park will provide a welcome recreational space in the main residential area of town, as well as an inviting entry statement and tourism information for visitors. Consultation with the community was carried out in 2019, and formal plans for the park are being developed.
These projects will help to embed the image of Three Springs being a prosperous, thriving and innovative Shire, and will show confidence in the future to current and potential residents and businesses.
Three Springs Revitalisation Project Streetscape
16 December 2020 has seen the completion of the civil works, including drainage, construction, sealing and kerbing of the road, street parking, visitors information bays and truck bay.
Hard and soft landscaping will be carried out in January 2021, including banner poles, lawn, limestone edging and plantings.
For more photos of the work being carried out, check out the Main Street Revitalisation Project gallery.