Years of work has culminated in sweeping street upgrades for the City of Victor Harbor’s Mainstreet Precinct, now providing the community with a vibrant and adaptive public space.
Stage four of the council’s Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade aimed to address issues relating to movement and accessibility, stormwater infrastructure, extensive hard surfacing, lighting, outdoor dining limitations and a sea of bollards.
The $8.8 million Stage Four project was achieved with funding support through the SA Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program and was delivered by commercial landscaping and civil engineering firm, Outside Ideas.
City of Victor Harbor chief executive officer, Victoria MacKirdy, said the upgrade had a focus on functionality, accessibility, place making and innovation.
“Stage four of the Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct revitalisation project has been more than a streetscape upgrade,” said Ms MacKirdy.
“It has provided for the much-needed replacement of ageing underground services, accessibility improvements that have been widely praised, and a positive and direct impact on the long-term sustainability of around 60 retail and tourism businesses.”
To achieve the vision, median kerbs and bollards needed to be removed, the road’s cross-section levelled and narrowed, a disability access audit undertaken, the stormwater system upgraded, furniture replaced, landscaping increased, public art included, wayfinding incorporated and landmark features introduced.
The sheer size and significance of the project required diligence and determination from all stakeholders to ensure successful delivery. Despite extensive planning, the project team was forced to be flexible.
“This was our largest civil construction project in two decades, and it didn’t come without its challenges. In fact, from the minute the shovel hit the ground, our team was required to think outside the box,” said Ms MacKirdy.
“Our first challenge was complexities relating to the underground services, specifically electricity cabling and the stormwater network.
“We were then met with the discovery of contaminated soil. Significant work was required to understand the extent of contamination, and the consequent removal and remediation processes.”
Other complexities that emerged throughout the project included limited material availability, inflated material prices, relentlessly harsh weather, and the spread of illness among staff and contractors.
Despite the delayed start and inclement weather, along with other logistical difficulties, the project was remarkably completed within the endorsed budget and ahead of schedule.
“I believe the challenges magnified the determination of the project team to achieve what was considered unachievable by some,” said Ms MacKirdy.
“Completing an upgrade of this size and nature on schedule and on budget is always challenging – but given the difficulties faced, it’s a true testament to the hard work of our team and the collaboration with lead contractor, Outside Ideas.”
To celebrate completion of the project, the City of Victor Harbor hosted a community street party. Mayor Jenkins said the street party was the icing on top of the cake, and a chance to reflect on Victor Harbor’s transformation.
“This project has raised Victor Harbor’s profile, positioning our city to visitors and investors. We now have a vibrant community space and the biggest congregation of outdoor dining in the Southern Fleurieu region,” said Mayor Jenkins.
“It’s given us an adaptive space, safer pedestrian movement, improved access for local business, and a higher level of public amenity.”
