Two of Singleton’s major entry points and town centre are set to undergo a major transformation this autumn.
The corner of Kelso Street and the New England Highway will be the first of three sites to receive extensive landscaping works as part of Singleton Council’s $330,000 streetscapes improvement project, funded by round eight of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions.
Attention then turns to the southern entrance into town at John Street and Ryan Avenue with new signature trees to be planted on both sides of the traffic lights.
The garden beds in John Street, stretching from Pritchard Park to Baileys Union Park, will also receive attention.
All works are expected to be completed by June, weather permitting.
It reinforces council’s commitment to enhancing streetscapes and connectivity throughout the township.
Director infrastructure and planning services Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr explained the project extended the modernisation of the town centre ahead of construction of the bypass.
“It’ll ensure Singleton continues to be a destination for shopping, dining and business,” he said.
“More than 120 new trees will be planted across the three sites alongside hundreds more small plants and flowers, which will not only improve the overall vibrancy of our town but will make it feel more connected and cohesive.
“It will mean that no matter which way you enter Singleton, you will be welcomed by beautiful and uniform streetscapes, helping to entice motorists travelling on the New England Highway and Putty Road to come into the Singleton Town Centre and encouraging greater pedestrian activity along John Street from both ends.”
Mr Fitzpatrick-Barr said the Kelso Street entrance into Singleton would undergo the greatest makeover.
“The project has been designed in consultation with neighbouring residents and means dozens of invasive trees, plants, weeds and tree stumps lining the New England Highway and Kelso Street will be removed and replaced with more than 100 signature trees,” he added.
“Then, once grown, they will better screen houses from the road, reduce noise pollution and not obstruct powerlines or underground services.
“We are working as hard as we can to minimise the impact on traffic.
“But, motorists are advised to follow traffic signage while the works are in progress.
“We’re extremely passionate about our green spaces here in Singleton.
“So, we can’t wait to see the results of this project to make our Town Centre even more to be proud of.”
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