Central Coast Council has produced a framework designed to transform the design and development of streets and civic spaces across the region’s towns and neighbourhoods.
The draft Street Design Guideline and Landscape Works Specifications, which was on exhibition for community feedback, was adopted at Council’s May 28 meeting, and lays out both the visionary and technical criteria necessary to create greener, safer, and healthier streets throughout the Central Coast.
Acting Director Environment and Planning Luke Sulkowski said well-designed streets could create a strong sense of place and strengthen the bonds within neighbourhoods and towns.
“Community feedback on the draft Guideline indicated support for vegetated, shaded streetscapes, more seating and designs that safely cater for the rise in alternative modes of transport,” he said.
“Streets form a significant part of urban public spaces and play multiple roles beyond providing transportation routes.
“Good street design is vital for improving our quality of life, making streets that are safe, comfortable, attractive, and accessible to everyone.
“The Guideline aims to foster inviting spaces where people feel encouraged to linger, socialise and connect with their community.
“Our One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028 reflects both Council’s commitment, and the community’s desire, to develop town centres and neighbourhoods known for their liveability, sustainability and distinctive character.
“The new Street Design Guideline is a pivotal step towards fulfilling this goal.”
The Guideline includes minimum design standards for different street types, a list of approved street tree species and a materials and finishes schedule specifically for Gosford CBD.
“Additionally, it provides guidelines and advice for residents who wish to plant within the street verge.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said creating vibrant, accessible, sustainable and eco-friendly hubs in growth areas and major centres would boost the local economy.
“Revitalising our town centres will not only attract new businesses but also enhance the experience for residents and visitors, making the Central Coast a premier destination,” he said.
In addition to the Guideline, Council is further enhancing connectivity in key visitor hubs of the Central Coast through the Town Centre Wayfinding Signage project.
Designed to enhance navigation and improve the local and visitor experience with updated signage across town centres, such as Ettalong Beach and The Entrance, the improved wayfinding system will encourage a greater sense of place.
As the Street Design Guideline evolves in parallel, it will include more information on paving materials, furnishings and street tree species for all town centres.
For more information about the Street Design Guideline and Landscape Works Specifications, visit Council’s website Your Voice Our Coast
The entrance, long jetty and Terrigal need immediate remedial works as they are tired, run down and dilapidated street precincts that provide no public value or tourist aesthetic
How about less money spent on costly planning and more money spent on actually planting shading street trees. At the rate trees are being removed from the streets of Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina you’re going to have an enormous amount of work to do. Talk about a heat bank. I notice that Patonga has had very expensive works completed over the past 4 years and yet they have a small population. Does the demographic of Patonga carry more importance to the local council than others in the community. Has the project at Patonga been cost effective in a cost of living crisis and Council and Water Rates increasing 15% upon 15% each year?
Absolutely support the planting of more trees! people on the peninsula just cut them down with no care at all!.. but also The streets in Umina need urgent attention. They are some of the worst roads on the coast with pot holes everywhere! rather then being properly resurfaced, they are simply filled quickly and break apart within days in some cases. My teeth rattle driving throughout the southern side of Umina. that is aside from flooding due to poor/nonexistent gutters. it’s a disgrace given what we pay in rates!
use the missing millions from council to spend on improving livability for all who live here.