A prominent feature of the CBD streetscape is being refreshed, but heritage buffs can rest assured that it will be a respectful rejuvenation.

Starting in April and continuing in stages, the façade of the shop built in 1859 as Dabb and Co Merchants and which now houses the IGA supermarket, is being painted in familiar shades of cream, brown and green. Asked whether heritage aesthetics had been a concern, owner Jay Lu said that the colours would not be changed and that new signage will be appropriate for the town.

“IGA is doing the signage,” he said. “Once the design is approved by council, IGA will make it and put it up.”

Jay said he didn’t expect that the works would cause any disruption to pedestrians and noted that the painters paused for shoppers to pass.

The temporary removal of the noticeboard, with its focus on local events, activities and services, has been keenly felt by some however. Jay said he expected it to return but perhaps in a different form.

“It’s good for the town,” he acknowledged. “But we need to make it look neat. We might put it inside, or we might have a rule that the notices should be dated.”

(In the meantime, there’s another way to promote to Maldon locals: advertise in the Tarrangower Times!) 

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 21 June 2024.