The aim of the project is to improve the function and visual amenity of the Maude Street Mall in maintaining its primacy as the heart of the Shepparton CBD. Spiire has been charged with exploring the feasibility of four options to potentially redevelop and revitalise the Maude Street Mall:
- Concept option 1 – Full re-opening:
Re-introduction of two-way traffic along Maude Street (from Fryers Street to High Street).
- Concept option 2 – Partial re-opening:
Incorporates development of additional car parking facilities with connecting one-way access along Maude Street from High Street and from Fryers Street, exiting at Stewart Street.
- Concept option 3 – Public space refurbishment:
Retention of the Mall as a pedestrianised public open space and the introduction of urban design measures to increase amenity and usability of the precinct.
- Concept and Detailed design option 4 – Partial re-opening, traffic and parking trial:
Development of additional parking facilities with connecting one-way traffic entering from Fryers Street and exiting into Stewart Street. This option shall be designed and costed as a trial with minimal infrastructure changes.
As of Tuesday 10 October traffic video counters will be temporarily installed in and around the Mall to capture vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist movements to gauge how the Mall is currently used.
Traffic data is produced with computer vision by successfully detecting cars, pedestrians and bikes, these detections are then converted into traffic observations. The video resolution is insufficient for facial recognition.
The information will be utilised by Traffic Engineers, to better understand the workings of the Mall as a pedestrian space and the flow of traffic in the surrounding streets. This information will provide a better understanding of the impacts of any change to the traffic configuration of the Mall area.
“While the work being undertaken for the Maude Street Mall redevelopment may not be highly visible at this stage, I can verify that a significant amount of work has already been completed”, explains Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Dinny Adem.
“This project is about thoroughly exploring the feasibility of several options currently on the table, and data gathering is critical to informing any potential recommendations. The pedestrian and cycling counts will provide an indication of how the Mall currently works, identifying areas that may need to be enhanced, re-purposed or reconfigured.”
The cameras will be initially in place on Tuesday October 10 for a period of 24 hours. Future additional counts will be undertaken for comparison.
For more information please go to www.greatershepparton.com.au/council/major-projects/maude-street-mall-redevelopment
