BUSINESSES have heaped praise on this week’s Kincaid Street redesign, which created 26 new parking spaces.
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Eighteen parallel parks between Trail and Fitzmaurice streets were removed to make space for 40 90-degree spaces in the middle of the road.
Pavillion front of house leader Laura Harley said the new parking would boost businesses at the “bottom end” of the main street.
“I love it, it’s very helpful for us,” Ms Harley said.
“People coming for dinner down this end of town have long worried about where they would park, well now they have a good option.
“I live on this block, so I am certainly aware of how problematic the lack of parking has been.”
Ms Harley praised council for “encouraging the boom at this end of town”, but suggested time limits during the day would encourage more trade.
Prince of Wales motel owner Justin Quinton said Fitzmaurice Street businesses had been crying out for more parking since the Thirsty Crow Brewery’s renaissance.
“The new parks have been full ever since they built them, which shows how great the demand for parking is,” Mr Quinton said.
“Since we took over a year-and-a-half ago, Fitzmaurice Street has been increasingly busy.”
Riverina Framing owner Wendy Turner called the parking initiative “an excellent idea”, as her long-suffering customers had regularly complained parking.
“It’s only the second day, but it will means extra convenience for my customers,” Ms Turner said.
“It also seems to have slowed traffic down, which increases safety and has the added bonus of increased shopfront visibility.”
The Daily Advertiser understands Carpet Court and Elders have reported difficulty turning trucks into their driveways.
Council refused an interview, but in a written statement said staff were already tinkering with the design to accommodate trucks.
“To accommodate heavy vehicle access, a loading zone will be introduced during trading hours, outside of that time the spaces will be available for parking,” a council spokesman said.