The redevelopment of the street provoked much community debate, particularly regarding the introduction of nose-in parking in Neill Street when the project was first proposed, however Harden mayor Chris Manchester said this week that many of the earlier critics of the project had now changed their minds.

The council has spent about $1.5million on the first stage of the project.

The second stage of the project would see a roundabout installed at the intersection of Albury and Station streets.

Cr Manchester said Roads and Maritime Services had now approved placing a roundabout at the intersection and final design works were now underway ahead of placing the project out to tender. The second stage would also involve upgrades to Albury Street in front of Murrumburrah Public School.

Stage three of the project would involve beautification works to Neill Street between East and Stair streets.

He said the six-month trial of nose-in parking would end at the end of April and that a planned community survey on whether to continue with nose-in parking would be held in May.

“The community reaction has been very very positive,” he said.

“Actually, even some of the people who opposed it early on have made their approval known to me.”

He also said the streetscape work had attracted many positive comments from visitors to town which was very pleasing as the project had been designed to help encourage more people into Harden’s business centre.

The streetscape works will be officially opened by the Member for Hume Angus Taylor at about 11.30am during the Spanish Food and Wine Festival. 

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NEILL Street will be the scene for a fun family-oriented Spanish Food and Wine Festival in Harden this Sunday, April 13.

The festival is being organised by Hilltops Harvest NSW Inc, which is based around and between Harden, Young and Boorowa.

The event will honour the opening of the newly-upgraded main street of Harden, Neill Street, which was constructed by the staff of Harden Shire Council and is now the marvel of many neighbouring towns.

Member for Hume Angus Taylor will officially open the street at about 11.30am.

The festival runs from 11am to 3pm. 

The festival is aimed at showcasing the region’s fantastic produce and residents are being encouraged to soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a glass of sangria, a bowl of home cooked paella and a delicious Portuguese tart (or two).

 There will be a number of producers selling both food and wine to consume on the day, along with the option to take away bottles of wine and jars of homemade preserves, jams, olives and other delightful treats.

The Festival offers a day jam-packed with fun family entertainment, from dancers, to bands and food and wine producers, who are passionate about their ability to excite the taste buds and melt the heart of anyone lucky enough to score a mouthful of their produce.

The festival will feature a celebrity chef, who will doing a hog roast as well as a paella.

Pastor’s Pleasures, Zouch Catering and Pitstone Olives will also be catering to tastes on the day. The festival will feature wines from Grove Estate, Lockwood and Moppity Vineyards.  

Entry to the Festival is free and tickets for food and wine will be available from the entry gate. Bottled wine and food for later consumption will be available for cash prices at the discretion of the producer.

The Festival is looking to be a fantastic family day and will be held on the first Sunday of the school holidays.