Media Release
2 November 2021
Official opening of Frances Town Square
The newly-completed Frances Town Square will be officially opened on Friday 19th November.
Everyone is welcome to attend the community opening, which will be held in the Town Square, opposite the Frances General Store, at 10am followed by morning tea.
The Town Square will be officially opened by the Federal Member for Barker Mr Tony Pasin MP and Naracoorte Lucindale Mayor Erika Vickery OAM.
The $212,000 project has been made possible by the Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Naracoorte Lucindale Council, in partnership with the Frances Progress Association.
Creating a shared recreational space for the Frances community and visitors to the township was a key recommendation from the Frances Masterplan 2019-2029. Council purchased additional land in Frances to facilitate an improved Town Square that is both usable and attractive.
The landscape design is based on environmental and nature-based themes, with low-maintenance gardens, native grasses and drought resilient plantings. The area also provides a walkway from Second and Fourth Street intersections, capturing the old Church pillars and leading to a gazebo with seating and a table.
Key new features of the design are:
- Timberwork throughout such as log seating and log steppers for children to play
- Stonework in the form of 'crazy pave', pebbles, boulders and recycled clay bricks
- Granulated sand pathways in a natural sand colour
- Garden beds and a dedicated central lawn area
- Street furniture such as picnic settings and benches
- Items for interest and attraction such as a nature play area, giant water hand pump, flagpole and information shelter
The Frances Masterplan was developed through significant engagement and input from the Frances community which began in 2017.
Laimiga Design Studio was engaged by Council to undertake collaboration of all elements in the Masterplan and Landscape It was appointed as the lead contractor for the Town Square project.
Mr Pasin said he was looking forward to officially opening the Frances Town Square this month.
“I am so pleased that Federal Government funding can support worthwhile projects like the Frances Town Square for the Naracoorte Lucindale Council region,” he said.
“I know how important these developments and upgrades are for our communities because I recognise the social and community benefits that come from increased activity as well as keeping our communities a safe place to live.”
Mayor Vickery said the Frances Town Square project had reactivated the town centre in the close-knit border community of Frances.
“The project has been driven by the community and embraced by the community, creating a fabulous nature-based space for locals and visitors alike,” she said.
“Many thanks to all involved in this significant community project, particularly the Federal Government, Naracoorte Lucindale Council and the Frances Progress Association.”
