14 May 2009
Harris Street Upgrade
Following a lull for the Pyrmont Art Festival the Harris Street the Harris Street upgrade is now in full swing between Miller Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road.
Work is being done in sections along the strip being made over so that pedestrians can still access premises and so businesses can continue operating during the upgrade. While this extends the duration of the project it will avoid the costly disruption and potential damage to business of a complete shutdown of the area.
It is not possible for the much needed vitalisation of Harris Street to be done without some disruption. In addition to staging the work, the City of Sydney, and the contractor, Ford Civil, have adopted other measures to minimise impact on local businesses:
- Temporary bridges are being placed across work areas to allow pedestrian access to businesses;
- Large advertising signs prepared by a chalkboard artist are being hung on temporary fencing to encourage people to continue patronise local businesses
- Parking meter rates in the area(including proposed increases from 1 July) are being discounted to a flat hourly rate of $1.50 until the end of the project in November
- Council levies on outdoor seating are being waived during the construction period
- Outdoor seating will be allowed in the construction area, where it can be done safely
- Work near individual businesses is being scheduled to minimise disruption during peak business periods.
The City of Sydney and the contractor, Ford Civil, are holding fortnightly meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to keep them up to date and work through any problems.