Fresh start for South Hedland

South Hedland’s new main street and town square was still just dirt piles and fresh cement as State and local government leaders became the first to walk down them last Tuesday.

But Lands Minister Brendon Grylls, Member for the North West Vince Catania, Pilbara Cities general manager Chris Adams, Mayor Kelly Howlett and town councillors donned steel capped boots and stepped forward into the South Hedland of early October, when the street is due to open.

A new roundabout, completed this week, will mark the fresh entrance to town at Murdoch Drive extension.

The new roads are all laid and due to commence asphalting, while the main street will be brick paved.

According to LandCorp’s Aaron Grant, 104 apartments and 17 ground floor commercial units will commence construction in September of this year.

“WA Country Health maximum density nurses accommodation will deliver approximately 60 apartments along the street, starting in the second half of this year,” he said.

“There is another lot - lot 23 - which is going to be released to the market in about (three) weeks time which will house about 42 apartments as well,” Mr Grant said.

LandCorp are currently seeking a temporary solution for Gemini Medical Services, the South Hedland Library and Well Women’s Centre.

“Over the next three to six months we need to free up the land for more permanent built opportunities.

“It will cost roughly $2M for two years so we’ve got to look at what other temporary building solutions there might be,” Mr Grant said.

Amongst developments proposed for the future town square, Mr Grant detailed the planned skate park, aquatic centre and short stay accommodation projects.