A proposal to create a shared space to extend cafe and restaurant operations on footpaths along Coogee Bay Road has been lodged and Randwick City Council needs your feedback on it.
The shared space is in support of local businesses that want to open outdoor dining areas on their premises. The move will help these eateries implement social distancing measures properly, amidst the COVID-19 restrictions.
The Council plans to introduce the Coogee Bay Road shared space by October 2020 and trial the scheme for three months. Under this plan, Arden and Brook Streets will be open to one-way access online, whilst parking on both sides of the streets will still be allowed.
“With parking remaining on both sides, I think this is a good compromise,” Gavin Field, a local, said on Facebook. “As spring and summer ramps up there will be many more people on the streets so for safer social distancing this is a good idea. Be good to have a safe queue system for popular takeaways amongst seated diners and people walking by often with prams, sometimes wheelchairs, etc. (ie businesses not just taking up the entire space for seating).”
“Randwick Council, please don’t make Coogee Bay Rd one way. For locals that regularly duck down to the shops, it becomes very inconvenient and acts as a deterrent! It forces drivers onto Arden St and increases the congestion there,” Deborah Laurence said.
The public consultation will run until 22 Sept 2020 and has so far generated over 300 feedback. You can add yours by sharing your opinion on the official feedback form.
On 29 Sept 2020, the Council will deliberate on the shared space. Once implemented, the guidelines set will be reviewed in November.
The proposal comes as Coogee Bay Road underwent a massive streetscape upgrade that was completed in March 2020.
