The next stage of Bankstown City Council’s $18 million Town Centre Improvement Program is expected to begin shortly.

Mayor Khal Asfour said, to date, Council has completed work in 13 suburbs.

“Town Centre Improvement Projects have been undertaken at Yagoona, Chester Hill, Bankstown’s CBD, Villawood, Sefton,

Revesby, Greenacre, Padstow, Georges Hall and Punchbowl,” Mayor Asfour said.

“Stage one of the $2 million Panania town centre improvement program will be finished this week, with stage two scheduled to start next month.”

Some of the improvements completed in stage 1 include:

Panania North -

• Creation of 40km/h zone through shopping strip for pedestrian safety;
• Road resurfacing and re-alignment of traffic control medians and kerb line;
• Footpath replacement on western side of Anderson Avenue, extending from Braesmere Avenue to Marco Avenue;
• New street furniture on both sides of Anderson Avenue; and
• Construction of two stormwater run-off and treatment raingardens.

Panania (top of the hill) -

• Installation of a raised threshold crossing at location of existing crossing to aid pedestrian sightline and slow traffic along Tower Street. The narrowed crossing also means pedestrians are on carriageway for half the distance/time;
• Installation of four new advanced flowering trees on northern side of Tower Street;
• Installation of garden beds along southern side of Tower Street but only where there is no parking; and
• New street furniture.

Some of the improvements to be undertaken under stage 2 include:

Panania (main centre) –

• Footpath widening to better accommodate existing outdoor dining on Tower Street;
• New pedestrian refuge to accommodate convenience crossing to shops;
• Anderson Avenue threshold crossing re-aligned away from Tower Street to better assist pedestrians and traffic;
• Improved safety with raised threshold crossings replacing existing, and minor relocation of crossing at St Christopher’s Primary School and Anderson Avenue;
• New feature pergola with seating at corner of Anderson Avenue and Tower Street;
• 90 degree parking along library frontage to create additional spaces at heart of centre and two spots for people with disabilities close to shops and library;
• Replacement of the existing street trees under wires along Weston Street;
• New street furniture throughout; and
• New pavement on Tower Street from Lambeth Street to the carpark, and on Anderson Avenue from Tower Street to Sherlock Avenue.

Mayor Asfour said stage two is expected to be completed next year.

“With any work of this scale there is some disruption but the final product will be something to be proud of,” Mayor Asfour said.

“We strive to make any disruption minimal and work hard to maintain access to shops during construction.

“The Town Centre Improvement Program has been a massive commitment on behalf of Council, to address resident safety, assist businesses attract more customers with better access and provide a more modern and comfortable environment for residents and shoppers.”