Engadine Shopping Centre Upgrade
Updated 13th March 2009
Work on the refurbishment of Engadine Shopping Centre recommenced on Wednesday 11 March with the return of council's construction crew to prepare for the planting of street trees and begin preparations for the installation of a roof water drainage system which will reuse rainwater to water the street trees.
The upgrade of Engadine Shopping Centre began in mid 2007 following an extensive community consultation process. The project is part of council's ongoing shopping centre upgrade program and is aimed at encouraging residents to shop locally.
Work includes new footpath paving, an innovative water reuse system to direct roof water to street trees, new garden beds and street trees, new seating, lighting and waste bins and a tiled sculptural seat at the intersection of Old Prices Highway and Waratah Rd.
Another significant part of the project included work to underground the overhead power cables. The electrical contractor has completed the necessary trenching works in Old Princes Highway and as little further disturbance of the footpath area will be required, council's construction crew and Council's paving contractor are able to return to complete refurbishment of the western footpath along Old Princes Highway.
The work to underground the electrical cabling has caused a considerable delay in the project as a lengthy approval process is required. This was further compounded by the late withdrawal of the contractor selected and council was forced to undergo the tender process again.
The next step in the upgrade of the footpath area will be the removal of existing concrete paving and the laying of a concrete base slab to prepare for the modular concrete to be installed.
The paving contractor will work in tandem with council's crew laying the concrete base slab and paving work is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2009.
Some disruptions will be inevitable during this phase of construction, however council's construction staff will endeavour to minimise this by pouring concrete before opening hours, laying carpet over concrete so that areas can be opened to pedestrian traffic as soon as possible following concreting works and by providing bridges to businesses where necessary.
In addition to this work, council recently opened a new park at the corner of Old Princes Highway and Geebung Lane – Engadine Town Park with new lighting, seating and swings.
The informal car park at the western end of Old Princes Highway has also been fully sealed with line markings to improve parking in the area.
For more information on the current shopping centre upgrade program call 9710 0387.
Works are also well underway on the construction of the sculptural mosaic seat. The seat will be located at the western junction of Waratah Road and Old Princes Highway in the area near the Engadine Centre sign.
The seat has been cast and the artist is preparing the tile mosaics for application. This piece of functional art will reflect the unique character of the Engadine area.
Work in progress on the sculptural mosaic seat.
Council acknowledges the continued support of local business proprietors and expresses it thanks to them for their on-going cooperation with the upgrade works.
What's been done so far
In 2007, council began work to upgrade the heart of Engadine's retail precinct and enhance the existing shared zone along Old Princes Highway to encourage the community to continue to shop locally.
Stage three of the project involved refurbishment of the streetscape along Old Princes Highway between the water tower and the junction with Waratah Road.
The existing informal car park was improved and a brand new park and playground at the corner of Old Princes Highway and Geebung Lane has also been opened.
The design process for the upgrade has taken into account feedback from the community and the Engadine Chamber of Commerce. The aim was also to improve safety and visibility for pedestrians and drivers as well as enhancing the overall appearance of the streetscape.