Have your say about Northbridge’s new public square

Last modified on 07 February 2023

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Willoughby City Council is seeking feedback on whether a trial new public square at Northbridge – created to activate and improve the suburb’s shopping district – should stay in place.

The 350 square metre public space was formed in November 2022 by closing Bellambi Street, at its intersection with Sailors Bay Road. The space is known as the Bellambi Street Square.

Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said the Council was now seeking feedback on whether the square should be ongoing. Feedback is open until 8 March 2023, with a community drop-in session to be held on-site on Saturday, 18 February 2023.

“Since its opening in November 2022, we know this space has been well-used by local residents, shoppers and visitors,” Mayor Taylor said. “There’s now the opportunity for people to give us their feedback as to whether the concept of a public square here should be ongoing.”

The NSW Government provided $442,200 to fully fund the initiative under its Streets as Shared Spaces Program Round 2, which is designed to activate local centres and help them recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 health orders.

The trial square’s creation was also consistent with the long-term proposal for the intersection which is included in the Council-adopted Local Centres Strategy and the Northbridge Public Domain Masterplan.

These documents have identified the need for a neighbourhood square at Northbridge to:

  • Allow for additional public activities and local events
  • Enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety at the road junction
  • Create a safer pedestrian link between the commercial areas of Northbridge

Since November 2022, the Northbridge Progress Association and local businesses have organised activation events, alongside informal community use, at the space. This has included a pop-up bar, a food van and finska games sessions.

The Council will be promoting the exhibition period by placing Have Your Say pavement stickers with QR code web links around Northbridge, a Have Your Say sign on a concrete barrier at the square itself, and letterbox drops and social media activity.

For more information or to participate in the consultation go to https://www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au/northbridge-bellambi-trial

 

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