Wauchope High Street transformed by continuing $2.7m upgrade

The southern side of High Street, between Cameron Street and Oxley Lane in the CBD is now complete.  The $2.7m upgrade is being jointly funded by the NSW government and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, and is expected to be finished in the second half of 2019, weather permitting.

Mayor Peta Pinson says there's still plenty of work to be done, but the work is breathing new life into one of our region's truly unique towns.

"Revitalising our local business and shopping precincts helps attract new visitors, creates a sense of community and provides us with experiences that you simply can't get in the big smoke," said the mayor. 

Ms Pinson said it's important to support local businesses, and thanked everyone for their ongoing patience as they continue to work on the northern side.

"We're open to the community's ideas on how to make this work, and have listened to recent feedback about footpath displays and how important they are in promoting and increasing business, enticing people into stores and encouraging us all to 'shop local'.

"As a result of this feedback we've waived a-frame and footpath trading fees in our regions towns and villages whilst we review our current policy, which will take place in the coming months," she said. 

"This adds to the current waiving of fees on using footpaths for outdoor dining in our towns and villages."

We asked you, our readers, for your thoughts on the upgrade and here's what you've been saying on the Wauchope Gazette Facebook page.

John Ingram said that no matter how much money is spent, no-one will be happy.

"I'm not taking sides but we really need to look at a bypass.  Wauchope cannot keep up with the traffic volumes brought about by increased populations and subdivisions," said Mr Ingram.

Patricia Coombes agreed, and Joy Stennett said it looks good, but thinks the money would have been better spent diverting heavy traffic around town.  

"What are gardens going to look like in 12 months' time? I hope council looks after the gardens," added Mrs Stennett. 

Marissa Gilbert and Marianne Kilmurray agreed that it looks great, but felt traffic should be diverted, and business overheads should somehow be lowered.

Kaitlin Maree said it was hard enough with the limited car parks, and yet they've removed more.  Michelle Anderson said it looks amazing, but asked what is the point if there are so many businesses closing down, and that maybe council should focus on the local economy, and not dress up 'a dead duck'.

Mark Ennor wasn't worried by fewer car spots, and having to park in a side street and walk 30 to 50 metres.  He said people could drive around the block and wait for a spot, if they have to.  Nancy Griffin said it was not a good idea to remove spaces, if elderly people can't walk any great distance.

Liz Wagner, Todd Davey and Lyn Williams were worried that the trees would impair the visibility of the pedestrian crossings, but Kristy Newcastle thought that problem would solve itself once the trees grow taller.

Peter Robinson fears that if motorists can't park, they won't stop and it's a nail in the coffin for businesses on that stretch of the High Street.  Grant O'Brien and Summer Langbien said Wauchope needs more parking, not less. 

Robert Clark said if you can't park, people don't stop; it's that simple.  But Jason Brooks disagreed.

"We lost a couple of car parks - get over it, move on.  They do stop. That's why the car parks are taken, and most normal people don't mind doing a couple of laps of the block until one appears. Looks fantastic, great job," he said.

"It really looks fantastic now; putting a zing in our town," commented Carol Helliwell.

"I think it all looks great.  Now for the owners of the buildings to paint and upgrade the facades of their buildings," said Trish Johnstone.

"Agreed.  A lot of places need a face lift within Wauchope CBD," said Clio Martusciello.

Joe Mouque said he was cynical about the upgrade at first because Wauchope's only getting bigger, and fewer parking spaces seemed like a bad long-term move, but, he says, the changes look rather lovely.

Alisha Holmes said it's good to see some money being spent making our main street look great.  Jennifer Underwood agreed, saying Wauchope is already a cute town and the street-scaping adds to the appeal.

"There is plenty of parking in surrounding streets, and cars should be going very slowly through the highly pedestrianised part of High Street anyway," added Ms Underwood.

Ian Coerced said it is a highway, and Troy Nicholas is not a fan either.

"We have just spent dollars on creating more problems, losing car park spaces, and in the future, when the novelty wears off, and the gardens are overgrown, its going to be very hard to spot the public that will be using the crossing, especially children.

"Although it looks great, like a newly painted house, I just would have liked to see the money spent on things we need, not on things that politicians want.There was supposed to be a basketball court in Lasiandra Park on Cameron street, so when is that going to happen?" asked Mr Nicholas.

William Ferrett said wait till it's raining, and see how you like the slippery footpaths then.

Lorna Potts said it looks good now and let's hope it stays that way.  Jon van Beest agreed.

"Great workmanship and done quickly.  Looks nice.  It'll probably be another 30 or 40 years until it's done again, so I think it's money well spent," said Mr van Beest.

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