By Dominique Tassell
Planter boxes are being installed in front of the Criterion Hotel, in time for the Jumpers and Jazz Festival.
A Southern Downs Regional Council spokesperson confirmed this, stating it was being done so that the establishment can “partake in the tree-dressing festivities”.
This comes after four trees were removed from outside the Criterion Hotel in September last year, prompting an outcry from the community.
At the time, A Council spokesperson stated they would replace the trees with planter boxes “to freshen up the streetscape”.
The spokesperson stated that they want to retain the CBD’s iconic tree-lined streetscape but did state that “if successful, the current trial could…possibly be rolled out further”.
The trees were removed in part due to the roots damaging footpaths and the street.
Southern Downs Chief Executive, Dave Burges, stated last year that “the trees were not in the best of health, they had some disease”.
“There has been damage to infrastructure such as footpaths and it was felt that would be a good trial section.”
He stated that damage caused by the trees to Warwick CBD streets is very evident.
“So we chose those four, we didn’t consult with community because we had to do it, and we tried to minimise the impact by doing just four at this stage.
Mr Burges stated at the time that the Council would engage with the community for feedback on the planter boxes before rolling out anything further.
He also stated the trees in planter boxes would be mature trees that could be used during the Jumpers and Jazz Festival.
At the time of print, work has been done outside the Criterion Hotel to close up the holes left behind after the trees were removed last year.
We will keep the community updated on any developments.
