Community invited to activate exciting new Northbridge public space

Last modified on 10 May 2022

Bellambi St.jpg

Alfresco dining, new street furniture and enhanced lighting are among some of the ideas expected to be raised at a community workshop to help plan the design of a trial new public space at the Northbridge town centre.

A section of Bellambi Street, near its intersection with Sailors Bay Rd, will be closed as part of a six-month trial to create a pedestrian-only public space.

The NSW Government has announced $442,200 to fully fund the initiative under its Streets as Shared Spaces Program Round 2.

The NSW Government has stated that this program was created to help trial changes that strengthen the amenity, accessibility and economic vitality of high streets, given these streets have become a focal point during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bellambi Street will be closed at the junction of Sailor’s Bay from 30 September 2022 to 28 March 2023 to repurpose the area into Bellambi Street Square.

Residents and businesses are invited to a community co-design workshop on Wednesday 11 May 6pm-8pm at Sailor’s Bar to share thoughts on what to include in the area and how the space should look.

In addition, the Northbridge community can undertake a survey on the project at https://www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au/northbridge-bellambi-trial

Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said this was an opportunity for the Northbridge community to discover enhanced social and community experiences.

“This project will make Bellambi Street Square a more attractive place for the community to spend time in a relaxed and user-friendly space,” Mayor Taylor said.

“Developing a more liveable and community-friendly environment is a priority for Willoughby City Council and we welcome any feedback on how this project can be rolled out in line with previous consultation and council approved plans.”

Kiersten Fishburn, Deputy Secretary of Cities and Active Transport said the Streets as Shared Spaces program is part of the NSW Government’s focused efforts to help residents and the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These projects provide improvements to how we use our public spaces, and will create employment opportunities and make our streets more attractive and welcoming for people. This project is one of many that will activate and re-imagine an under-utilised space and provide social, health and economic benefits for the local community," Ms Fishburn said.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces Program. It will help implement the Local Centres Strategy adopted by Council on 9 December 2019, and the Northbridge Public Domain Masterplan approved by Council on 12 April 2021.

 

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