Wollongong City Council has welcomed news that Transport for NSW is moving forward on plans to relocate the city's bus layover.
Currently the layover is on Marine Drive in the popular foreshore precinct next to City Beach and the WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres. Transport for NSW are investigating moving it to Atchinson Street in Wollongong, a location near Wollongong Train Station.
The investigative works by Transport for NSW follows community consultation in 2023 about an alternative location for the bus layover that moved it away from the busy beachside location.
"We're really pleased to be working with Transport for NSW on this opportunity to establish a new layover location that meets the needs of bus companies and their drivers, and also allows Council to move forward on long term plans to improve Lang Park for our community.
"Bordering the beach and being a large, open space for recreation, exercise and social activities, Lang Park is a key piece of our broader foreshore area. We have a long-term vision that'll see this space opened up for community to use and enjoy just as they do other areas of our city centre foreshore precinct that runs as far north as Stuart Park.''
The investigations being carried out by Transport for NSW between 30 September and 3 October will determine the detailed design for the project. According to Transport for NSW, following the development of a detailed design, environmental and constitutionality assessments will be reviewed and determined with construction set to begin in mid-2025.
"People may remember that when the UCI Road World Championships were on in Wollongong in 2022, the bus layover was moved to alternative temporary locations,'' Cr Bradbery said.
"We worked with Transport for NSW to extend the timeframe for buses to use alternative locations across that summer peak, which allowed for a significant short-term boost of more than 70 spaces to foreshore parking spaces for beachgoers and those attending events at the WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres.
"This was a taster for Council's long-term plans for Lang Park which would see the site undergo a master planning process to ensure we're meeting community needs and expectations and so that plans can be put in place for improvements to his vital community hub.''
