Prinsep Street Streetscape

City of Bunbury is continuing work to beautify its CBD streets as part of the City Centre Action Plan.

The plan sets out a vision for a network of thriving, attractive streets and laneways that are engaging, inclusive, easily accessible, integrated in design, and celebrate Bunbury’s identity.

One exciting project is the recent upgrades to the roundabout and surrounding area at the Haley and Prinsep streets and Carmody Place intersection, which is a popular entrance into the CBD.

A new road layout and streetscape, including a new roundabout, street paving, 50 street trees, and grassed and seating areas have revamped this space.

The area looks fantastic and has improved safety for our community while also providing better access than ever to nearby businesses and the shopping precinct.

The City is now expanding this project and will continue the high-quality treatments along Prinsep Street between the upgraded intersection and Victoria Street to the west.

The aim of the project is to create a safe, functional and vibrant streetscape as part of the City’s work to beautify CBD streets through its City Centre Action Plan.

Upgrades have been supported by local businesses and retailers in the area with the project set to include improved alfresco areas and seating, lighting, a designated pedestrian crossing and new street trees and landscaping.

It will also see the planting of 14 new trees in line with the City’s Greening Plan target to increase canopy cover by 10 per cent by 2030.

The City undertook extensive targeted consultation with business and property owners in the area, resulting in an exciting and supported design. The City also engaged its Co-Design Access Panel which supports the design. Consultation will continue throughout the project.

Two car bays will be removed from the street to allow the improvements and following consultation in which business and property owners were comfortable with this decision. It’s important to note, the City is committed to continuing to monitor and improve car parking through its Smart Parking System and that its parking occupancy rate rarely goes above 70 per cent. Meaning, there is parking available throughout the CBD.

It is expected to cost about $1.15 million for detailed design and construction with Bunbury City Council set to consider funding this across both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years.

As discussed with the business and property owners, the City will do its best to minimise the impact on retailers during construction by implementing a timeline that is as forgiving to the key trading times as possible. Further, to the best of our ability, reasonable access to businesses will be maintained.

There will, however, be expected delays and inconveniences that occur throughout the construction period.

We will provide updates to our community as this project progresses.