Brewarrina’s extensive multimillion-dollar main street reactivation begins to take shape

An expansive, more than $6.2 million dollar reactivation of Brewarrina’s main street and town centre is beginning to shape, with the installation of signage showcasing the plans for the community.  

Extensive planning and community consultation has taken place over the past 12 months, since the funding was first secured, with the heart of the town to be transformed into a modern, inviting and vibrant hub for locals and visitors.  

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said the significant upgrades are one of the most important public projects in more than three decades and will include a host of beatification elements to enhance the space for decades to come.

“We have faced some challenges in the planning to reshape the beating heart of our community, in that our main street is also a busy highway. But our project team, Projence, and internationally acclaimed architect, Hassell Studio, have done some incredible work, collaborating with all stakeholders including Transport for NSW, and I’m thrilled to see the first of a host of works planned for the Brewarrina Shire kicking off soon,” Mr Kirby enthused.      

The project is set to create a vibrant and inviting streetscape that connects to Brewarrina’s deep history, supports local businesses and enhances the experience for both residents and visitors alike.

“The improvements will focus on pedestrian-friendly design elements, such as footpath upgrades, trees, shade and street furniture, to offer cool and comfortable places to gather, relax and move throughout the town’s main centre,” added Mr Kirby.

The full scope of work is still being finalised, but the reactivation is set to include:

• Vast greenery and tree planting to not only significantly improve on the look of the area, but also naturally cool and shade the town centre, while also enhancing the natural biodiversity.
• Pavement and pathway developments drawing inspiration from the local landscapes, to improve moving through the main centre for both pedestrians and cyclists.  
• Upgrades to parking and carriageways allowing for simpler, safer and more inviting places to stop along the main street, including a dedicated ‘slow lane’ which can be closed off and utilised for events and activations.
• New street furniture that offers cool and comfortable places to gather and relax.
• Improved street lighting and light activation to make the town centre welcoming and light-filled at night.

Phase one of the project is already underway, with signage installed across the community, surveying work undertaken recently using a state-of-the-art lidar drone, and plans for the greening strategy nearing completion.

Construction is anticipated to begin later in the year, with the entire project expected to be completed in late 2025.