Published 07 May 2024, updated 07 August 2026
The City is continuing work to beautify its City Centre streets as part of the City Centre Action Plan. A new-look Prinsep Street has been supported by local businesses and retailers in the area, with upgrades set to include improved seating areas, lighting, a designated pedestrian crossing, and new street trees and landscaping.
The City Centre Action Plan sets out a vision for a network of thriving, attractive streets and laneways that are engaging, inclusive, easily accessible, integrated in design, and celebrate Bunbury's identity.
Building on the recent transformation of the Haley Street, Prinsep Street and Carmody Place intersection, the City is now extending these high-quality treatments along Prinsep Street, between the upgraded intersection and Victoria Street to the west.
The aim is to create a safe, functional and vibrant streetscape that improves safety and amenity for the community while providing better access to nearby businesses and the shopping precinct.
What's changing
The upgrade will include:
- Improved seating areas
- New lighting
- A designated pedestrian crossing
- New street trees and landscaping
The project will see the planting of new trees, in line with the City's Greening Plan target to increase canopy cover by 10 per cent by 2030. Alongside their visual appeal, the new trees will provide shade, cooling and greater amenity for people spending time in the City Centre.
Stage 1: The completed intersection upgrade
The first stage of this work - the upgrade of the Haley Street, Prinsep Street and Carmody Place roundabout and surrounding area - is now complete. A popular entrance to the City Centre, this space has been revamped with a new road layout and streetscape, including a new roundabout, street paving, 50 street trees, and grassed and seating areas.
The area looks fantastic and has improved safety for the community, while providing better access than ever to nearby businesses and the shopping precinct.
Consultation
The City undertook extensive targeted consultation with business and property owners in the area, resulting in an exciting and supported design. The City also engaged its Co-Design Access Panel, which supports the design. Consultation will continue throughout the project.
Parking
Two car bays will be removed from the street to allow for the improvements, following consultation in which business and property owners indicated they were comfortable with this change.
The City is committed to monitoring and improving parking through its Smart Parking System. With occupancy rarely exceeding 70 per cent, parking generally remains available throughout the City Centre.
A contract for the detailed design has been awarded, and this work is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. The final design will then be presented to Council for endorsement, and - subject to that endorsement and funding approval - construction is programmed to begin in the 2027-28 financial year.
Construction and business access
As discussed with business and property owners, the City will do its best to minimise the impact on retailers during construction by implementing a timeline that minimises disruption during key trading periods. To the best of our ability, reasonable access to businesses will be maintained.
There will, however, be some expected delays and inconveniences throughout the construction period. The City will provide updates to the community as the project progresses.