Delays, setbacks, and do-overs have plagued the Yambil Street redevelopment, but nearby businesses are breathing a sigh of relief as Stage One nears completion.
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Fox and Co owner Richard Brewer has seen a "noticeable" decline in foot traffic coming into his store, but he said at this point he's just happy to see the north side of Yambil Street coming together.
"It's been trying at times, but a wise woman once said to me 'it is what it is'," Mr Brewer said.
"Hopefully lessons have been learnt throughout the last 12 months and we can look to the future."
His sentiment was echoed by Griffith City Council mayor John Dal Broi, who said Stage Two should go more smoothly than Stage One.
"Our principal contractor is much more experienced now, so we're hoping some of the issues we encountered with Stage One we can circumvent in Stage Two," Cr Dal Broi said.
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During Stage One whole sections of the road had to be re-done because the northern side of Yambil Street "did not meet specifications".
Cr Dal Broi said the problems were not the fault of the main contractor, and they should be able to finish Stage Two's middle section "well within the 12 month period".
Griffith City Council have also attributed the delays in Stage One to a range of unforseen factors, including the weather, the lack of private contractors, and the discovery of faulty power poles and underground fuel tanks on Yambil Street.
The delays have hit hard for Area Builders manager Denise Gale, who said it's been a tough year for her business's bottom line.
"I would be surprised if any business in Yambil Street in this block hasn't been affected financially," Ms Gale said.
"I talk to other business owners and they've said the same thing - they're down for the last financial year."
She said she's worried about the possible run-on effects even after the redevelopment is complete, with people "falling into the habit" of driving around Yambil Street during their commutes.
However she says she's pleased to see Yambil Street finally coming together, and she said she approves of the fresh new look of the design.
"I'm especially pleased with the trees that have gone in, because in a climate like Australia you really need trees and shade and it's madness not to have as many as you possibly can," she said.
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Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
