Spalding upgrades largely well-received, but concerns raised about road extension works

Spalding residents got their first glimpse of plans to revitalise the Mitchell Street Community Centre and surrounds, with some concerned about the works leading to a spike in anti-social behaviour. Featuring a new adventure playground, bush tucker garden, basketball court, and a cultural meeting space, the proposed project hopes to breathe new life into the precinct. The plan was developed by Bluff Point Primary School students, the Spalding Urban Renewal Team and local architects, with construction to begin once designs are finalised. One Spalding resident who attended a drop-in community consultation meeting on Saturday said the plan had “many positives”, but locals would also like to see more works to improve footpaths and lighting in the area. Another woman who has lived on Robinson Street for more than 30 years said she was excited about the reactivation of the precinct, but was concerned about some of the planned road extension works. As part of the proposal, the Department of Communities has already started removing several aging public houses on Bogle Way and Sullivan Court to create these new connections to Mitchell Street, and onto an extended Robinson Street between Mitchell and Broome Streets. But the woman said she was worried this extension of Robinson Street would lead to a spike in anti-social behaviour. “Opening up Robinson Street is scaring me,” she said. “We have lived here for decades and have had no problems. But I am worried this free access to the street is going to lead to more break-ins.” The tender process for the project is expected to begin before the end of the financial year, with staged construction planned for the coming financial year.