Two major projects have reached their next stage after the City of Greater Geraldton voted in favour of progressing developments at Maitland Park and the Geraldton youth precinct.
The youth precinct has reached a milestone stage, as the council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to award the tender for construction to Crothers Construction for $4.7 million.
The area located at Stow Gardens, which includes play equipment and supports youth activity, is planned for a face lift after significant wear and deterioration.
Cr Jenna Denton said she was “really pleased that this project is progressing” and that she is often asked about the development by young people.
The council also received concept plans for a redeveloped Maitland Park, and voted unanimously to progress to the next steps with community consultation and another round of stakeholder workshops.
After receiving $3.4m from the Federal Government to undertake planning, detailed design and a business case to make Maitland Park a safer, more sustainable multi-use hub, the council agreed at Tuesday’s meeting that the proposed design would improve the area.
Cr Shane Van Styn put forward the motion, which was seconded by deputy mayor Natasha Colliver, with both speaking of the current unmanageable traffic in the area around school times, and the unique opportunity to develop the plan without additional cost on the ratepayer.
Cr Peter Fiorenza, who teaches at one of five nearby schools, spoke in support of the redevelopment and said it would improve child safety, and that he had personally witnessed near-misses with traffic accidents.
“For the last 23 years, I’ve been working in that precinct,” he said.
“This situation will slow down a precinct that needs to be slowed down.”
The two options for the Maitland Park redevelopment, which includes crossing with both two-way and one-way options, will now continue to further consultation and planning.
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