Shortland residents have welcomed a number of major enhancements to the neighbourhood’s shopping precinct.
As part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, the suburb now boasts better footpaths, safety improvements and a vibrant community mural.
The latest upgrade will also reduce driver speeds and make it easier for people to securely navigate the area on foot following the installation of a pedestrian refuge and road cushions, as well as the introduction of a 40km/hr zone along the busy Sandgate Road.
A new light traffic thoroughfare is set to remove heavy vehicles over 10 tonnes between Wetlands Place and Vale Street, too.
On top of that, a community mural celebrating Shortland’s unique character has been installed on the side of My Community Pharmacy on Hansen Place, while landscaping and seating also makes the area a nicer place to visit and shop.
The design of the painting was developed by local artists UP&UP in collaboration with students from Shortland Public School, Margaret Jurd College and Our Lady of Victories.
My Community Pharmacy owner John Jones said the changes had been embraced by locals, who felt proud about where they live.
“The Shortland Local Centre upgrade consolidates a sense of pride within the Shortland community,” he explained.
“The mural, painted by UP&UP following consultation and workshops with local school children, reflects that sense of community, while changes in traffic conditions have helped people feel safer walking across the road and along the footpaths.
“It’s lovely to walk up the street and see all the improvements.”
The upgrade will be complemented by further work to shopfronts along the shopping precinct, with three businesses receiving funding under this year’s Façade Improvements Scheme.
The grants help fund repairs and building developments to create active frontages and enhance the city’s presentation.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the transformation delivered a safer and more appealing public space for the Shortland community.
“It’s wonderful to see this new space delivered for Shortland residents,” she stated.
“This project, which was proposed in a notice of motion by former Ward Four councillor Jason Dunn, has been well supported by the community, who told us that they wanted safer, easier access to support local businesses.
“In earlier consultation we heard concerns about access to parking, particularly on mornings when bins are put out for collection.
“And, the changes to parking delivered as part of this upgrade make it easier to get here and shop locally.”
The Local Centres program is delivering upgrades to suburban centres across the local government area (LGA) such as James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; and Joslin Street, Kotara.
Further work will take place at Mitchell Street, Stockton, later this year.
