Following Georges River Council's successful application for grant funding from the NSW Government's Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for the Streets as Shared Spaces program, Council has continued the delivery of the next stage of funding in the CBD. Stage one of the Streets as Shared Spaces project saw the creation of space for people, achieved by reclaiming 150sqm of land reserved for cars along a stretch of Forest Road in December 2020, replacing the area with a parklet containing seating, greenery and tables.
Stage two of the project was recently completed at the interchange ramp site and Memorial Square. The area includes a Neon Garden art installation by artist Carla O'Brien to brighten the area throughout the day and into the evening, in addition to seating, tables, large tree planters, increased lighting and a turf area. The upgrade has proved extremely popular with local children and their families.
The funding will continue to be used to improve the functionality, safety and placemaking potential for the Hurstville CBD by adapting its design in order to increase space for safe movement of pedestrians. Council will improve the look and feel of the centre with more trees, seating and reduce the dominance of vehicles.
"The Hurstville community want a safer, greener and more comfortable city with more generous and better-quality public spaces that put people first. More than 40,000 people move through the Hurstville city centre on public transport every day.
"This project will improve their experience by helping slow down traffic, reclaiming public space for pedestrians, providing places of respite and increasing the tree canopy. We're creating a 'green spine' that traverses the centre and encourages the public to linger and engage along the street," added Mayor Greene.
Councils were encouraged to apply for the Streets as Shared Spaces grants to deliver temporary projects for short-term improvements to streets and public spaces, to make them safer and more attractive during COVID restrictions and into the future.
In addition, Council is continuing to roll out key initiatives to support the health and safety of our community. In Hurstville, the number one thing people said they care about is the cleanliness of public spaces. Commencing 12 April through to 3 May 2021, Council will be undertaking our annual deep cleanse of the footpaths and plaza areas in Hurstville. This is additional to our existing cleaning schedule for the centre.
