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Wet Weather Delays Cowes Town Square Works

Wet weather has delayed works on the Cowes Town Square project.

By Bass Coast - 17th July 2012 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Economic and Community Development Director, Steven Piasente, said the Town Square was one of many projects affected by the recent wet weather.

"Unfortunately the rain has made it impossible to continue with the redevelopment of the Town Square," said Mr Piasente. "We have negotiated with the contractor to delay preparation works for laying the pavement to ensure its stability."

Mr Piasente said the wet weather means the planned July completion date has had to be extended. "The original plan was to complete the works in July, before what is usually the wetter months.

"The wet weather has made it hard for the contractor to prepare for paving which is a major component of the square. The only way to ensure the integrity of the pavement is to put it on hold until the warmer months arrive," Mr Piasente continued.

"Our staff briefed the Council last week, and it was agreed the delay was necessary to ensure the paving was not compromised."

Utilities and under ground works have been completed, and work continues on the rock wall, seating, feature lighting and other installations.

State of the art
While the on ground work has been hampered by the elements, the Town Square artwork has been delivered on schedule.

"Dr Anton Hassell has completed the Harmony Bells and they are ready to be installed," said Mr Piasente."Until work on the Square has been completed, two of the Harmony Bells will be on display at the Heritage Centre for the community to inspect and enjoy.

"There will be a drinking fountain in the redeveloped Town Square decorated with two pieces of artwork by aboriginal artist Patrice "Muthaymiles" Mahoney. The original paintings, Cowes Jetty – Gathering Circle and Constellation – Southern Cross, will be displayed in the Cowes Cultural Centre."

Two carved seats by local artist David Fincher will also be installed in the Town Square.

Mr Piasente said there was a formal process for selecting and commissioning the public art for the Town Square project.

"The process was overseen by the Public Art Reference Committee (PARC), made up of members of the community, Councillors and Council Staff," explained Mr Piasente.

"We called for expressions of interest and this was advertised in local papers, on our website and in our arts newsletter.

"We are very lucky to have artists from Bass Coast and an internationally renowned artist like Dr Hassell as part of the project."

Minutes of all the PARC committee meetings are tabled at Council meetings as part of the Council Meeting agenda.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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