The Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently got the ball rolling again by releasing a draft plan/survey about improving Market, Bridge and Brook streets.

The survey covers issues including safety, business development and streetscape design.

“We want to revitalise the CBD,” chamber president Mike Kelly said.

“It’s more than a facelift, it’s about revitalising business and the community. The main intention is to recreate the CBD as what it’s supposed to be - a central business district.”

Mr Kelly said the deferral of the town bypass meant the need for works in the CBD could be addressed.

“It takes away the reason for not doing anything at all,” he said.

The survey has been sent out to the chamber’s 125 members, as well as 300 additional businesses.

“We have received 25 written responses and numerous verbal responses and discussions,” Mr Kelly said.

“There has been huge support for it and no negative feedback.”

Mr Kelly said revitalising the CBD would give the community a sense of ownership and also had the potential to foster greater civic pride.

“It will be difficult without a bypass, and a bypass is still possible in the long term, but we need to make the most of what we have now,” Mr Kelly said.

And on Wednesday chamber board members, the mayor and senior council staff will meet to discuss the project and review those responses.

Muswellbrook Shire Council mayor Martin Rush said there was $500,000 available for the main street upgrade over the next two financial years.

“Council has not adopted a position yet, but I am of the view that council and the chamber need to enter into a concordat about the CBD,” Mr Rush said.

“I anticipate the chamber’s consultation process will be completed by the end of the year.

“Then the ball will be in council’s court to make a contribution to that agreement and resolve a joint way forward.”

He listed the street’s design, zoning, lighting, security, graffiti removal and colour schemes as issues to be included in the agreement.

Cr Rush believes work will start before the end of the financial year and was hopeful that after council’s strategic meeting it would be committed to redeveloping the main street within its four-year term.

“It will most likely be done project-by-project, which is more feasible,” Cr Rush said.

“In the past council has consulted the Chamber of Commerce, but not worked in partnership with it.”