The Whyalla City Plaza is known as “the People’s Place”, but it is fast becoming more than that with the introduction of two-way traffic, its newly paved and re-vamped footpaths and road, new-look civic centre, café style outdoor eating areas and boutique shopping.

All it needs now is a concerted effort in enhancing the Art Deco architecture with that style’s use of distinctive colour on their facades, which will delight tourists and visitors on their way to Ada Ryan Gardens, the foreshore and marina and encourage them to stop and experience the impact.

Whyalla’s City Plaza is one of the city’s unique attractions and needs to encourage both visitors and locals to enjoy the diverse shopping available, take a break and savour the fare at cafes, visit the diverse shops and to experience the historical atmosphere the area has to offer.

Over time the City Plaza has experienced a period of neglect but that is fast becoming an attitude of the past.

The introduction of signs showing various walks and sites, colourful flags and the proposal to establish public art along the main thoroughfare pathways the City Plaza has a great potential to be a definite stop-over for travellers.

Future plans include a village square in Whitehead Street, which is an exciting concept that could become a major focus for both residents and visitors to stroll or just enjoy the wonderful weather that Whyalla offers.

The City of Whyalla has accepted designs and works have commenced to restore and renovate the historical band hall (formerly a pay office) and Guide Hall.

Restoration of the heritage water tank is also planned to enable water re-use, which would allow for the possibility of a well-designed water fountain, to receive storm-water from Darling Terrace.

Construction of a pipeline and pump to create a continuously flowing creek bed is also proposed.

Plans have also been put forth to construct a replica of the Gay Street bandstand as a feature of a lawned park at the entry to Hummock Hill.

Barbecue and shade areas, pathways, garden beds and enhanced shrub and tree landscaping is also being implemented with the assistance of grant funds.

With the Bayview and Spencer Hotels presently planning upgrades to their premises, which include both indoor and outdoor expansions to better serve patrons, we can expect to see the City Plaza become an active, attractive area.

It is essential to improve the “first impressions” of new residents and visitors to Whyalla that encompasses planning and implementing upgrades for the general appearance of the city.

It also includes the presentation and upkeep of all areas and aspects, such as shops, homes, reserves, buildings, roads and signage, schools, businesses, sports and recreation areas.

For this to happen, it will require not only action from the council but also the involvement of the community with participation in relevant clean up, beautification and development works by groups, clubs, the public, businesses and schools.

The council will need to anticipate various works programs that cover a full range of relevant services, special environmental activities both physical and educational, and play a pro-active role in waste management for both households and the city’s public spaces.

If this can be achieved, and there is no reason why it cannot, then Whyalla is well on its way to becoming a tourist attraction to rival any other on the Eyre Peninsula.