The two town centres located in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder have received a facelift in the form of a streetscape redevelopment. The scope of the project covered seven city blocks including the main streets of Hannan Street and Burt Street. At a total cost of $4 million the project incorporated new flagstone paving throughout, unique street furniture for Boulder and Kalgoorlie precincts and the introduction of landscaped gardens and lawn areas.
Saint Barbara Square, named after the patron Saint of Miners, in Kalgoorlie has a new appearance with a new water feature, green grass, more functional seating and tables and improved lighting. Cabling for below ground power was also included in the Burt Street works at Boulder.
Vandal resistant elements have been incorporated into the street furniture particularly in relation to seating.
The paving and furniture include features that reflect the significance of gold in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and there are numerous opportunities that have been created for the introduction of public art. One such mosaic piece has already been installed into Saint Barbara Square.
The paving along the main streets incorporates a meandering trail depicting the gold bearing rock strata found in the gold mines upon which the City is founded. The trail also provides the opportunity for the incorporation of plaques telling the story of gold exploration and extraction. Granite plaques depicting historical buildings and people have initially been included in the Burt Street pavement.
The concept design also recognised the historical significance of water to the Goldfields by incorporating a new water feature with bubblers and lighting around the existing rotunda in Saint Barbara Square. The 600 kilometre long Goldfields water pipeline is now recognised in the City’s streetscape.
The project had a 14 week construction period. Completion of the project on time and within a few percentage points of initial budget has deemed the project to be highly successful. Community leaders and the public have responded with many positive comments on the outcome of the project that was a Council initiative. The challenge now lies with the City Council and its residents to work together to ensure the effective use of the streetscape and to maintain the improvements for the use of locals and tourists alike.
