Article: Streets as Shared Places

Streets as Shared Places

Lane Cove is one of 43 councils to have won funding from the State government to transform public space so that it allows for greater community connection. Other council trials have proved it to already be hugely successful. WORDS: NICOLA RICHES

Lane Cove has successfully obtained a $500k grant to transform public dining spaces as part of the NSW Government’s $20 million Streets as Shared Spacesprogram.

The funding will be used to create an adaptable space to accommodate outdoor dining and a recreation space via a mountable footpath, and the installation of movable bollards along Longueville Road.

In a recent poll, 70 per cent of people stated they were choosing to spend time with people in public spaces rather than in their homes. The Streets as Shared Spaces program provides funding for councils to test and pilot new and innovative ideas that temporarily adapt streets as safe, shared public spaces to support healthier, secure and resilient communities.

The award-winning $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program launched in May 2020 as a pilot to enable improvements across NSW during COVID-19 and into the future.

Piloting temporary interventions and pop-ups has allowed councils, the community and stakeholders to trial innovative ideas that test and build the case for more permanent changes. The NSW Government has funded 43 councils to deliver 51 temporary demonstration and pilot projects to support the community and test ideas for more permanent improvements to local streets, paths and public spaces. One of the successful early pilots was rolled out by Waverley Council, where temporary road closures, allowing for kids to play in the street, and for adults to gather too, were expanded due to popularity.

When COVID restrictions were lifted, Waverley Council adopted a new Street Play Policy that simplifies the processes involved in closing a local road so that residents and their children can get together and hold an event at minimum cost.

The street closures are classed as ‘events’ and the insurance fee is covered by the Council until the end of this financial year with a view to it continuing in the next fin year.

Several streets were nominated by Council including St James Road, Bondi Junction, Millers St, Waverley and Busby Parade, Bronte, however, the policy allows for any resident from any street to lodge an application.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said there were many benefits in expanding the use of quiet streets to become places of activity, such as games, sport and bike riding.

“With more and more kids growing up in apartments and houses being built on smaller blocks of land where there’s no yard or outdoor space at home for play, I think the capacity to be able to play on the street is a really important option and opportunity for kids and families,” Cr Masselos said. Meanwhile, Liverpool City Council gained strong community backing to quickly transform a graffiticovered alley off Liverpool station from being an unattractive laneway into a vibrant hub of community life. The council has developed plans to turn Railway Lane into a shared pedestrian zone with seating, trees and businesses such as cafés. Before finalising the vision, the council will trial measures such as movable stools instead of fixed benches, planter boxes instead of street trees, and coloured surface treatments instead of new curbs. Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the trial will allow the council to refine aspects of the project to deliver the best results for the community. “It’s very hard to move trees and street furniture once they’re installed,” Waller said.

“With this trial we might notice that people are gathering further up the street than we expected so we can change the position of the street furniture or the shading.

“It’s a great way to make changes quickly without a big capital investment up-front,” she said.

Aligning movement and place on streets can give users of all ages and abilities better, safer and healthier travel options while creating enjoyable urban environments for people.

The council will turn Railway Lane, which currently has no footpath, into a shared zone by colouring the asphalt and placing seats and planter boxes on the edge of the traffic lane to create a shared public space.

“This follows Transport for NSW guidelines for the shared use of space, because once you change the road surfaces and make the lane seem smaller, cars slow right down,” Waller said.

Railway Lane, which gets very little through traffic, will remain open including for delivery vehicles and earlymorning garbage trucks.

Changes to the lane are part of a larger $9 million council project that will also transform a 200-metre section of Railway Street.

There will be wider footpaths, garden beds, street trees, and guttering that will divert rainwater into small underground pits where it can seep into the soil to keep trees healthy during dry spells.

Liverpool City Council gained overwhelming public support to change Railway Lane and Railway Street when it exhibited its plans in December, with 96 per cent of respondents to an online survey saying they liked or loved the plan.

The council found similarly strong support in face-toface interviews with shopkeepers and building owners who were excited that the laneway, earmarked for revitalisation in the city’s masterplan, would soon provide improved opportunities for retailers.

Other councils that have won the round two funding, apart from Lane Cove, include North Sydney, which is trialling a new ‘pocket park’ along Blues Point Road with greenery, seating, and outdoor dining opportunities; Kuring-gai council that is spearheading a project that includes traffic calming measures, greenery, plus testing the removal of on-street parking to create outdoor dining areas and the closure of part of Lord Street for a series of pop-up evening activations.

Willoughby Council is trialling the closure of Bellambi Street at its junction with Sailors Bay Road to create a new temporary square between the two main centres, providing a central space for the community to meet, hold events and increase outdoor dining space.

City of Ryde, meanwhile, is trialling the closure of a small section of Linsley Street in Gladesville between Victoria Road and Western Crescent, reallocating road space for people and creating a new public space.

Eligible applications were assessed by an independent expert panel of NSW Government representatives as well as a representative from the Committee for Sydney against assessment criteria in the grant guidelines. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment endorsed a final recommendation. If successful, local councils can consider adopting the projects permanently

An assessment of street play in the United Kingdom found that children were outdoors more than 70% of the time during street play events. They also spent on average of 16 minutes per hour in moderate to vigorous physical activity. (source: Play England 2016)

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Proudly bought to you by Lane Cove Council

Celebrating The Canopy

Two years in the heart of Lane Cove

For two years the sounds of laughter, music and diners have been heard across The Canopy as this visionary space has come to life and cemented its place as an integral part of the social, economic and cultural fabric of the Lane Cove village. Since the opening of The Canopy in June 2020, the space has regularly welcomed shoppers, diners, playground enthusiasts and concert goers. The state of the art stage has welcomed special guests such as Diesel, James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Christine Anu and Australia’s favourite heelers, Bingo and Bluey. Locals have embraced free film screenings and the opportunity to cheer on green and gold in Beijing, the Australian Open and Cricket while the annual ANZAC Day Service continues to grow in popularity in its new home. More than 2.3 million visits have been made to The Canopy Car Park following its opening in December 2019. With a range of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers available on P3 of the car park, more than 4,000 vehicles utilised the free service during this time with an additional 700 vehicles using the two new Fast (pay as you go) EV Chargers since they were installed in December 2021. The extra car parking and associated activities at The Canopy has driven a boost in economic activity for the village. During the first full month of retail trade at The Canopy in July 2020, there was an increase in spending activity of $5.8million from the same time the previous year (July 2019). The spending categories include: retail; groceries, food and alcohol; dining and entertainment; services; and, light industry, trades and travel. (Source: Spendmapp by Geografia).  To celebrate the second anniversary there will be a range of specials at

The Canopy restaurants from

Friday 10 – Sunday 12 June.  Visit www.thecanopylanecove.com.au for full details.

P 0411 894 788 E azbik@lanecove.nsw.gov.au

JUNE 2022

Out and about in Lane Cove

This month includes Men’s Health Week celebrations and Council has planned a range of health and wellbeing activities for the men in our area. Activities you can get involved in include: Young Men’s Friday Night Gym Session for 16-24 years Yoga for Blokes for all adult men in the area Men’s Cooking and Health Promotion for those aged 55+ years I encourage our community to get on board with these local events – you can find out more about the dates and times by visiting www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events.

Latest News

Traffic Updates: Council recently completed works which are designed to deter U-turns in Central Avenue. The roll curb will require motorists to slow down to negotiate a U-turn to help improve safety as we are aware this is a common problem on this street. With the Central Avenue works finishing up, our contractors have moved to Sutherland Street to complete the permanent works on the road closure at Coxs Lane. The wet weather and other delays have made this a longer process than anticipated so thanks to the community for their patience. Following those works Council will be implementing its redesign of the bend on Mowbray Road between Roslyn and Ralston Streets under the NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program.

Be part of Lane Cove Festival:

Are you part of a local community group and want to be involved in Lane Cove’s longest running Festival this September? Expressions of interest are now open for local groups who would like to add their activity to this popular program – visit www.lanecove. nsw.gov.au/festivals for all the details on how to get involved. Friedlander Place now open: I had the pleasure of being joined by my fellow Councillors, Member of Lower North Shore Felicity Wilson MP and members of the Friedlander family to open an upgraded open space in St Leonards. Named after the longest serving Mayor of Lane Cove, Syd Friedlander, this impressive space features a large bespoke play feature in the shape of a curl leaf spider as well as a table tennis table, fitness equipment and seating for relaxation. Friedlander Place also has a pedestrian link which will connect to the new St Leonards Library at the JQZ development and St Leonards New Green Space which Council is currently constructing. NSW Single-Use Plastics Ban: A reminder that from 1 June, lightweight plastic bags have been banned across NSW and that from 1 November a range of other single-use plastic items will be banned. For more information on the items which are included in the ban, please visit the NSW Government’s website: www.dpie.nsw. gov.au/plastics.

Bob Campbell Oval Masterplan:

I recently hosted Council’s first community stakeholder workshop to develop the new Bob Campbell Oval Master Plan. It was a great opportunity to get all the stakeholders in the same room to hear the wide range of wants and needs for this shared space. The landscape architect is analysing the feedback and the history of the space to develop a draft Master Plan which will be presented to the group for further development.

Want to find out more about

Electric Vehicles? I encourage anyone curious about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) to come along to Council’s showcase on Saturday 18 June. You can come and chat to EV owners and learn what it’s like to live with, charge and drive an electric vehicle every day. Vehicles on display include a Tesla, Kia Nero, Mitsubishi plug in hybrid and a Nissan Leaf. The showcase will be held from 9:00am – 12:00pm at The Canopy Lane Cove. If you already own an EV and are looking for local charging points then visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/parking for details on options within Council’s car park network.

Did you know?

Lane Cove Library has a free app for members! Simply search ‘Lane Cove Libraries’ in the Apple or Google Play app stores and download it to your phone or tablet to search the catalogue and reserve items; find and book Library events; and check your Library account. You can also scan the ISBN of any book and check to see if it is held in the Library. Simply sign in by scanning your Library card barcode or type in your member number beginning with X020. Your pin is the password for your online account.

For more information and to book, please visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Live Music in the Village Saturday 11 June, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Plaza Sunday 26 June, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, The Canopy

 First Fridays – Yoga on the Green Friday 3 June, 3:30pm – 4:30pm, Lane Cove Plaza Bring the kids down to Lane Cove Plaza and join local instructor DeeDee Connors as she takes you through a children’s yoga class! No bookings required.  Bike Maintenance Workshop and Bike Drop Off Day Saturday 4 June, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Living and Learning Centre, 180 Longueville Road, Lane Cove Join this free event and learn basic maintenance and repair tips so you can prolong the life of your bike. Bring your bike along and have it assessed and tuned up. Got an old bike that could be reused or recycled? Register to drop it off between 9:00am – 12:00pm and Revolve Recycle will give it a new life or recycle it for parts and materials. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Street Art Cycle Tour Sunday 5 June, 9:30am -12:30pm, meet at Cameraygal Park, 69 Longueville Road, Lane Cove Complete a guided bike tour of Lane Cove’s Street Art while discovering the safest and smoothest ways to get around your neighbourhood. Update your knowledge of road rules, bike safety equipment and how to plan your route. All participants must be 16+ years and be able to confidently ride a bike. You will need to bring: - A road worthy bike - A correctly fitting Australian/NZ Standards helmet Contact Council’s Road Safety Officer on 9911 3576 or email: vstamper@lanecove.nsw.gov.au to book.

 Lane Cove Literary Awards 2021:

An Anthology Book Launch

Thursday 9 June, 6:15pm – 7:45pm, Terrace Function Room, lower ground floor, Lane Cove Community Hub, Pottery Lane, Lane Cove Council invites you to celebrate the book launch of the Lane Cove Literary Awards 2021: An Anthology. The Lane Cove Literary Awards is a prestigious national writing competition which recognises literary excellence and fosters Australian writing talent. This anthology showcases prize winning and shortlisted entries from the 2021 Awards. It is an engaging compilation of short stories, memoirs and poetry that reflects the creativity, thoughts and experiences of Australian writers. Join us to launch the publication and to congratulate the winning and shortlisted writers. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Military History Talk – Seaman Teddy Sheean VC Tuesday 14 June, 6:15pm – 7:45pm, Lane Cove Library In August 2020 Seaman Teddy Sheean was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions in 1942 during the sinking of HMAS Armidale. While under fire, he returned to his anti-aircraft gun, foregoing a place in a life raft. He continued firing to protect his fellow seamen in the water as they were attacked by Japanese bombers. He was wounded twice but continued firing as he and his ship disappeared beneath the waves. Sheean was the first member of the Royal Australian Navy to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Lieutenant Colonel Naida Isenberg (Retd) will discuss the sinking of the Armidale and the long campaign to recognise the bravery of Seaman Teddy Sheean VC. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Harbourcare Land Clean-up x World Oceans Day Wednesday 15 June, 9:30am - 11:30am, Tambourine Bay Park It is estimated that around 8 million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans every day - 80% of which is from land-based sources. Over 817 animal species are affected by ocean pollution around the world and many types of rubbish are easily mistaken as food by marine creatures. On World Oceans Day we can make a difference and prevent our local waterways from carrying these pollutants into the ocean, resulting in a cleaner, healthier environment. This land based event will see us clean up creeks, parks, mangroves and bushland, all while enjoying a beautiful bushwalk. Clean-ups are a great way to bring the community together, raise awareness, and start the conversation about reducing litter at the source. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Master your Mouse and Tame your Tablet Friday 17 June, 10:00am – 11:30am, Lane Cove Library Join either or both of these fun sessions and discover games to help improve your mouse skills and touch screen technique. You will also be introduced to websites where you can explore more resources and continue your learning at home. Please bring your own tablet or laptop (if available). Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Electric Vehicle Showcase Saturday 18 June, 9:00am – 12:00pm, The Canopy Lane Cove Thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), or just wanting to find out more about them? Come and chat to the car owners and learn what it’s like to live with, charge and drive an electric vehicle every day. Vehicles on display include a Tesla, Kia Nero, Mitsubishi plug in hybrid and a Nissan Leaf. No bookings required.

 Animals of the Dreaming Saturday 25 June, 10:00am – 11:00am, Lane Cove Plaza Meet amazing native animals, each with their own special character. Hear stories and songs about native animals and the Dreamtime as told by Brewarrina Aboriginal Elder, Col Hardy OAM. No bookings required.