Shared spaces to transform streets across NSW

Streets across NSW will be transformed into vibrant pedestrian-friendly public spaces with the NSW Government announcing the successful funding recipients under the $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funds will help 27 regional councils and 14 councils across Greater Sydney deliver temporary street transformations, such as cycleways, pop-up parklets and improved lighting.

“These projects will transform neighbourhoods across the State, making it easier for people to walk or ride to local shops and services by creating safe, attractive and accessible streets and public spaces,” Mr Stokes said.

Successful trial projects will provide new pedestrian and cycleway connections and  reclaim little-used carparks and roads across NSW, including:

•  creation of a ‘green spine’ on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour;

•  activation of an underutilised laneway in Parramatta;

•  a temporary road closure to create a public square in Griffith; and 

•  a pop-up park on Dunmore Street, Wentworthville. 

The Streets as Shared Spaces program provides funding for councils to support the delivery of short-term improvements to local streets and public spaces through pop-ups and pilots that encourage social distancing and improve the attractiveness of our neighbourhoods. 

There are two types of project grants under the program: Quick Response Demonstration Projects valued at up to $100,000 per project, to be delivered within three months of approval, and Pilot Projects valued at up to $1 million per project to be delivered within one year of approval.

Councils will need to obtain all of the relevant approvals and engage with their community in delivering the projects.