IT may be divisive, but the Fitzroy St pedestrian could bring people together for a new Valentine’s Day event giving people a chance to fall in love with the new CBD feature.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Debate has bubbled along about the $4.5 million project, as businesses hope to make a few bucks following months of disruption, while council’s general manager touted it as one of the top achievements in 2017.
Tamworth Regional Council has already flagged a range of events for Fitzroy St in 2018.
Permission was sought from the traffic committee to close off the street for at least three major events and regular weekend entertainment throughout the year.
Fiesta La Peel organisers have already expressed their desire to expand the annual multicultural food festival from Peel St and around the corner into Fitzroy.
Closures have also been requested for an event on February 14, for “Valentines Day evening outdoor dining and entertainment”, as well as April 6 “for the launch of the Tamworth Taste Festival”.
There was also a request for approval to shut the street off to traffic “every Friday 6:00pm to Sunday 12:00am” from February 1 for various entertainment and events.
While it remains to be seen whether the events will go ahead, opinion on the revamp remains divided.
An online poll conducted by The Leader since the street reopened to traffic and pedestrians two weeks has drawn a range of response to the project.
With more than 570 votes, 43 per cent of respondents said they didn’t like it.
Almost one quarter of voters said they loved the new look and it was “definitely worth it”.
While 19 per cent of respondents sat on the fence and said it “needs more work”. The need for shade a recurring theme among the comments.
Many have taken to The Leader’s Facebook page to make their feelings known on the project, one follower said a bit of perspective was needed.
“The main street and the new Fitzroy st is a credit to all Tamworth residents,” Brad Costigan said. “Go to other regional towns and realise how beautiful ours is.”