Even more parking spots on Lords Place could disappear after design error

November 19, 2022

Lords Place this week. Copyright: Orange News Examiner.

By Peter Holmes

More parking spaces in Lords Place could be lost as part of the controversial $1.4 million makeover, after Orange City Council told businesses this week the original concept plan had parking spaces “placed in areas where car could not park”.

Council originally told businesses and the community at large that the redesign would see parking spaces cut from 67 to 44.

The loss of 23 spaces sparked a backlash. And at a meeting this week businesses were told of the “Change from 44 in concept to 42 in detailed design”.

“Investigating if the two spaces can be implemented to deliver 44 car parking spaces noting that two car parking spaces were placed in areas where car could not park in the concept plan,” council papers stated.

“Looking at areas where these car parks could go as identified by businesses.”

It said it was “also investigating motorcycle parking”.

Meanwhile, council said it had responded to a request from business “to eliminate Astroturf from the plan … Astroturf has been removed from the plan and another treatment will be used to reduce heat trap”.

The papers also stated that council would “investigate” amending parking times in the McNamara Lane car park and reinstating paid parking in the Ophir Car Park prior to Christmas.

It will also reinstate parking on Lords Place on the other side of Summer Street outside Games n More.

The bedlam on Lords Place during the renovation has caused businesses to speak out about loss of trade.

Lords Place. Copyright: Orange News Examiner.

Elwood’s barbecue restaurant had its worst day ever recently, blaming the crash on the lack of parking.

Salvo Sciuto from Alfio’s pizza restaurant told The Orange News Examiner trade was way down, and that on Tuesday night this week he had four diners, when usually the room would have about 25 covers. He said the situation was stressful.

It is believed a group of businesses that have suffered losses approached the council about financial compensation, to no avail.

Council has told businesses that a “Retail Activation campaign [is] being developed for early December following the completion of Stage 1”.

Read The Orange News Examiner’s in-depth coverage of the Lords Place makeover here.

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