Oxford Terrace 'Strip' to be extended north

A sum of $500,000 has been set aside in the draft annual plan to extend the "alfresco" area north to the Gloucester Street intersection.

The work from Hereford Street to Gloucester Street will be completed as soon as possible, in one contract.

The plan is to widen the footpath by more than 2m and to reduce the road to 6m. However, two-way traffic will remain but it is expected that traffic volumes will be reduced by slower speeds. Traffic lights will be removed from the Worcester Street intersection.

The street is lined with restaurants and bars and Rydges Hotel is also considering extending on to the footpath. The Council will obtain rents from the use of the footpath, estimated at $45,000.

Businesspeople along the strip have welcomed the moves and have urged the Council to complete the development as quickly as possible to capture tourists.