CONVERTING Forsyth Street between the Sturt Mall and Wagga Marketplace into a pedestrian mall is an idea worth considering, according to mayor Rod Kendall.
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This week the idea of blocking off the street to vehicle traffic was floated in light of major redevelopments either under way or in planning stages at the CBD’s two major shopping centres.
Cr Kendall said the idea of either a pedestrian mall or a shared zone – which would see the speed limit drastically reduced and cars obliged to give way to pedestrians – is worth looking at with significant benefits on offer to the city if done right.
“You’d need to very carefully consider what the best location is and what you’re trying to achieve,” he said.
“It’s certainly worth exploring but I wouldn’t be convinced yet what the right location is for a mall.”
The other major concern for Cr Kendall is what would happen to a potential pedestrian mall once trading hours have finished.
He suggested either traffic could be allowed through the mall at night, or it could be a set up as a shared zone where pedestrians still have priority but cars can continue to travel through, albeit slowly.
“In the past I know some very successful malls have been set up so they’re part-time malls that allow traffic after business hours,” Cr Kendall said.
He said it was important to ensure the location of a pedestrian mall wouldn’t detract from foot traffic in Baylis and Fitzmaurice streets.
Fellow councillor Julian McLaren believes Wagga needs a pedestrian mall somewhere in the CBD and has urged his council colleagues to explore the idea.
During his time as president of the Business Chamber, Cr McLaren advocated for the idea as part of the organisation’s “Ten Big Ideas” a few years ago.
“We definitely need a pedestrian mall somewhere and whether it be (on Forsyth Street) or where Committee4Wagga suggests, it would be a fantastic addition to the city,” he said. “I think it’s a long-term goal that should be locked in, you’ve just got to find the right place.”
Cr McLaren said a pedestrian mall lined with retailers, coffee shops and food outlets would be the CBD a more community-focused vibe and differentiate Wagga from other regional centres.
“It’d be great for the shops and it would get us out of the malls,” he said.
As part of its redevelopment, the Marketplace is aiming to enhance its Forsyth Street precinct.