Artist impressions supplied by KI Council.
Kangaroo Island’s town precincts are set to undergo construction from March onwards, with the Town Centres Project slated to kick off in the coming weeks after Axiom Projects SA were awarded the contract for Phase 1.
The four townships undergoing construction include Kingscote, Penneshaw, American River and Parndana.
The four key projects have received a strong level of support during considerable community consultation last year. The vision and plans for this project have been shaped and influenced by the representative township progress associations.
“Revitalising these townships is critical to attracting tourists and local consumers, supporting our tourism and hospitality sectors that have suffered a significant downturn in international tourist visitation due to COVID-19,” Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly said.
“The beautification of these townships will assist Council in attracting new investment, stimulate economic development, support existing business and encourage new businesses to set up Kangaroo Island.
“It will create new job opportunities for residents and career pathways for our young people.”
The March construction will begin with Kingscote, which will see the development of improved pedestrian access through flushed kerbs and raised crossings, widen and resurfaced footpaths, street planting and furniture. The Council has further stated that no works will be undertaken during the Easter holiday period.
During June and July, the next township to undergo construction will be American River, which will see the town’s appearance have better-defined pedestrian and vehicle areas, as well as coastal-tolerant native street and tree planting and furnishings.
The proposed works will enable safer pedestrian movement and an overall tidier and better defined American River town centre.
The Parndana Works are scheduled for August. Works include the creation of a town square in Cook Street helping create a destination for locals and visitors. Vibrant artwork, furniture, reclaimed materials and street planting in this space will improve the appeal of the town centre.
In July, Penneshaw’s North Terrace and Middle Terrace will undergo work to cultivate a greener and more attractive main street while enabling pedestrians and vehicles to move more safely in the precinct.
KI’s Council will be working closely with traders and progress associations throughout the project.
“Covid19 has created delays in securing an appropriate contractor to deliver the project. Council wishes to thank the community for their patience during construction,” Mr Pengilly said.
Phase 1 of the Town Centres Project has been funded by the SA Government’s Open Spaces and Places for People grant and the Commonwealth Drought Communities Program.
The Council has applied for funding for Phase 2 of the Town Centres Project through the Building Better Regions Fund – Round 6 which will create approximately 68 new jobs over the lifetime of the project.
Phase 1 of the Town Centres Project has been funded by the SA Government’s Open Spaces and Places for People grant and the Commonwealth Drought Communities Program.
Council has applied for funding for Phase 2 of the Town Centres Project through the Building Better Regions Fund – Round 6 which will create approximately 68 new jobs over the lifetime of the project.
For more information about the Town Centre’s Project, visit the Kangaroo Island Council’s website here.
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