Olive Street improvements to create a safer, more welcoming city centre
A series of improvements to Olive Street will begin in August, delivering enhanced parking, safer pedestrian access and targeted streetscape upgrades in one of Albury's busiest city streets.
The project will upgrade Olive Street between Smollett and Dean Streets, with improvements including clearer parking arrangements, safer facilities for people walking, new street trees and the relocation of the taxi rank to David Street. The changes will create a more welcoming public space while supporting outdoor dining and increased activity in the CBD.
Works will include:
- Line marking to clearly define all angle parking spaces
- Construction of kerb extensions on the eastern side of Olive Street to improve safety and visibility for people crossing the road
- New street trees and streetscape improvements
One-hour parking in Olive Street will be retained, with the exception of three 15-minute parking spaces alongside Chemist Warehouse. A single-space dedicated taxi zone will remain at this location to allow for quick passenger pick-up and drop-off.
Importantly, these works are being delivered through Council's existing road maintenance and renewal programs. This investment in the CBD focuses on practical, cost-effective enhancements that improve safety for all road users, uplift amenity of the street and make better use of existing parking and public spaces.
The renewal of the streetscape provides alignment with other CBD streets and ensures the city centre remains safe, functional and attractive for residents, businesses and visitors.
The first stage of the project will relocate the existing taxi rank from Olive Street to David Street on Wednesday 26 August. The new location beside the car park behind Regent Cinemas will provide better access to the eastern end of the CBD, while creating space for additional parking and outdoor dining on Olive Street.
The second stage of the project will include the remainder of the streetscape improvements, commencing on Tuesday 6 October. These works will begin at the southern end of Olive Street next to Albury Public School during the school holidays and are expected to be completed by the end of October.
Access for people walking will be maintained throughout construction. Temporary reductions in parking availability will apply while works are underway.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the project would improve how people move through and experience the city centre.
"Our community expects Council to look after the assets we already have, and that's exactly what this project does," Mayor Mack said.
"These are practical initiatives that will improve safety, make parking clearer and help ensure Olive Street remains a vibrant and functional part of the city centre.
"Council is focused on making prudent investments that deliver long-term value. Looking after key infrastructure before it deteriorates further is often the most cost-effective approach for ratepayers."
The project supports the objectives of Council's CBD Parking Strategy and MOVE: Albury Wodonga Integrated Transport Strategy by improving parking efficiency, enhancing pedestrian safety and strengthening transport connections across the CBD.
For more information and project updates, visit the AlburyCity website.
