Rediscover Prince Street in Grafton

We’re aiming to make Prince Street and the Grafton CBD a more enjoyable and comfortable space for all people in the community.

Over the coming summer, Council will trial wider footpaths, colourful landscaping and more seating to encourage more people to spend more time in the CBD. We’re also delivering more lighting, artwork and activities spread over the whole summer. The project is fully funded by a grant from the State Government as part of the successful Streets as Shared Spaces program. This is an economic recovery initiative to bring more people Grafton’s CBD, to support local businesses and to re-connect our community. This trial is an important stepping-stone to implementing the Grafton Precinct Plan which was approved by Council in 2021. It offers the opportunity for Council, state government, local businesses and the community to work together and test out new ideas, develop plans together, hear feedback, and ensure long term permanent changes in Grafton will deliver the best outcomes for everyone.

What will you see?

From November there are a range of changes proposed for Prince Street. You will notice temporarily widening for parts of the footpath in Prince Street, together with planter boxes, landscaping, seating, shade and artwork throughout the street. Transport for NSW are assisting by funding the replacement of existing pedestrian crossings in Prince Street with new raised platform (wombat) crossings. These crossings will bookend temporary front to kerb parking for the core area of Prince Street. Improvements to mobility parking spaces and improved accessibility in the street will also be achieved, while retaining parking spaces. You will also notice decorative lighting along the street as well as a couple of buildings illuminated with local artworks to ‘light up’ Grafton as part of Christmas celebrations. There will be art in the streets and a gnome scavenger hunt for the kids to enjoy!

What will you do?

There will be activities to get involved in. Such as storytelling about our town. You can listen on your device as you walk around town. You can also listen to local Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr stories, Heritage stories and creative fiction – all offering different perspectives, inviting you to slow down as you walk the streets and notice things you may not have noticed before, and think about our town in a different way. You can follow the art trail and the gnome scavenger hunt. The project encourages shops to open later, so you might like to come out and see the streets lit up while you do some shopping. Keep your eyes peeled for more events over the summer or get involved yourself by contacting Council. Contribute your ideas to the project on the Rediscover Grafton Clarence Conversations page and keep up to date on the program on Council’s website.

Images: Various concepts for Prince Street and the Grafton CBD.

www.clarence.nsw.gov.au www.clarenceconversations.com.au/rediscover-grafton