City mall finally completed

WOLLONGONG City Council is inviting the community to join its official celebrations to mark the completion of the Crown Street Mall refurbishment project on Saturday.
Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said Saturday will be an opportunity to come together as a community to mark the completion of one of the biggest projects the city has seen in almost 30 years, and celebrate the start of the next phase in the life of the City Centre.
Official proceedings will begin at 12 noon, with the Lord Mayor joined by Federal Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and NSW Minister for the Illawarra, John Ajaka.
From 12.30pm, a Summer Party on Crown organised by Destination Wollongong will give people a chance to experience the refreshed Mall’s potential, with the Red Bull DJ, a volleyball court, fashion displays, cool summer food and drinks, roaming characters and one-day sales.
“This project was never just about pavers and concrete. From the start, our focus has been on how we can make the Mall a great space for people, and really activate the area, Cr Bradbury said.
“We may have reached ‘tools down’ as far as major construction goes, but we’ll keep working to bring great events and experiences to the City Centre, and support further growth through initiatives such as the Crown Street Façade Rejuvenation Program, our Cultural Plan, and the development of an evening economy, to name just a few.”
After years of planning, construction on the Crown Street Mall refurbishment began in February 2013, and paused briefly for the 2013 Christmas period before resuming in early 2014. As well as removing all old infrastructure and installing 52,000 new pavers, the project has included the addition of decorative lighting, free wi-fi, street furniture and a sustainable watering system for the new gum and flame trees.
The $19.4 million refurbishment of Crown Street Mall has been part-funded by a $5 million grant from the Australian Government.
For more information contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (02) 4227 7111.