Frequently Asked Questions
What improvements are planned?
The project aims to upgrade the footpath, put in new kerb ramps, driveway crossings, replace some kerb and guttering, upgrade service pit lids, refurbish the existing seating and replace old rubbish bins. Some garden beds on the Council verge will be removed or reshaped, and some trees will be planted along the street. The upgrade will improve the appearance of the footpaths and sightlines, making it safer and more accessible for pedestrians and traffic. Works would be in line with Wollongong City Councils’ Business Centres Public Domain Technical Manual, which guides the design of business areas in the region.
How long will the work take and when will it start?
Works are proposed to take place in two stages:
How will I be affected?
Hours of construction will be 7am till 6pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays.
During each stage, some on-street parking may be temporarily unavailable, with any affected pedestrian routes safely detoured. Traffic management will also be in place.
The bus zone may be impacted by the works for a short time. Council will contact the bus company to arrange for a temporary bus stop to be in place nearby, if required.
Property occupants will be notified again prior to construction commencing, and we will work with affected businesses to minimise the impact of works as much as possible.
Will any driveways or car parks be closed to public access during the work?
Can people still access my business while the footpath is being upgraded?
Council understands that businesses require access to their premises to be maintained throughout the works. Temporary access, such as wooden ramps, will be in place so that customers can still access shops and deliveries can still take place.
Council staff are available to meet with affected business owners or tenants to discuss the proposed works and ways we can help to minimise possible disruption. Information about delivery times and business scheduling given to us by 28 November will help us to plan works around your needs. Please contact us by 5pm on Friday 4 November 2016 if you would like to arrange a meeting with Council staff.
Will the new asphalt on the footpath be dry before people can walk on it?
Freshly-laid asphalt takes 2 hours to dry. A barrier will be in place around the footpath to allow the asphalt to dry completely before people can walk on it. This will help to prevent any asphalt getting on people’s shoes and marking the floor of nearby residences or businesses.
Will any services be interrupted during construction? e.g. water, electricity, gas, phone, NBN
There will be no interruption to services during construction.
Why aren’t you doing the whole of Lake Ave? Are there plans to upgrade the rest of the footpath along the street at a later time?
The current program of works has budgeted for upgrades to the town centre, where a significant number of businesses are located. These are the busiest areas and the footpaths are in urgent need of upgrading in some sections, so Council has made it a priority to fix this section first. Council plans to apply for funding to do further upgrades to the rest of the street and will update the community about this if successful.
Does Council offer assistance for people who do not speak English and need help to understand these plans?
How can I comment on the planned work?