Neutral Bay village is test driving a new plaza on Young Street which will enhance the vibrant shopping and restaurant precinct and add much needed public open space.
Neutral Bay village’s temporary plaza, which will be suitable for a range of recreational uses, will be built from hired fixtures and elements that can be re-used elsewhere.
The temporary plaza will be constructed on Young Street between Military Road and Grosvenor Lane from Monday 2 November. Construction is estimated to take eight weeks and the completed plaza will then be trialled for three months. The community is invited to give feedback on both the road closure and the plaza.
This temporary plaza will provide open space for the entertainment of residents and visitors
North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson said the initial community consultation had revealed mixed attitudes within the community to the proposal.
“Many people could see the plaza becoming a central community hub as Ernest Place in Crows Nest is – a place where you can meet friends for a coffee, listen to a busker or just sit in the sun to read a book. Others were concerned that the road closure would create delays or make traffic heavier on nearby streets.
“Council decided to trial the closure to give the community an opportunity to see the impact and benefits of the plaza before making a final decision.”
Mayor Gibson said that in recent years Neutral Bay had emerged as a popular destination with high quality restaurants drawing in residents and people from further afield.
“I believe the contemporary design of the plaza will add to the vibrancy of the village and provide a creative recreation place. I encourage everyone to visit Neutral Bay early in 2021 to judge for themselves.”
The works are fully funded by Transport for NSW as part of the funding deed with Council for the streetscape upgrade works that complement the Northern Beaches B-Line Bus Service. The project is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to make Military Road and the villages more appealing as a shopping destination for residents and visitors.
