The City of Unley will roll out a number of initiatives to help support King William Road traders during construction work to upgrade the much-loved main street.
At a meeting last night, Council endorsed a move to withhold fines for non-payment of rates in the first three quarters of next financial year.
Businesses and landlords on King William Road between Park/Mitchell and Union streets, will be able to seek support from Council to delay next year’s Council rates until 30 June 2020.
City of Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson said Council hoped the move would provide some financial flexibility for businesses affected by the upgrade works.
“While businesses and landlords are generally supportive of the upgrade and the benefits it will bring to the street in the medium to longer term, Council understands there is some concern about the short-term disruption,” Mayor Hewitson said.
“We have been working closely with traders to determine ways in which Council can support them during construction and minimise disruption, and we will continue to do so throughout the entire project.”
The City of Unley is also rolling out other goodwill initiatives to assist traders, including the installation of ‘business as usual’ signage, window cleaning, door mats and off-street parking for traders and employees.
“These measures will help traders deal with dust from the works and encourage locals to continue to support businesses during the construction period,” Mayor Hewitson said.
Work to demolish and reinstate new kerb on the western side of King William Road is currently underway by contractor BMD Constructions.
The next stage of work to replace the road’s pavers is expected to start on 8 July and be completed by 5 August. During this time pedestrian movement along King William Road and access to businesses will be maintained, however the road will be closed to vehicle traffic between the Park/Mitchell St intersection and Arthur St.
The King William Road upgrade project includes repaving the much-loved mainstreet, creating a more aesthetically pleasing precinct through streetscaping, and improving accessibility through new pedestrian crossings and lighting. It will also provide more shade, trees and infrastructure to support flexible outdoor dining and community events and activations.
