Pedestrian accessibility and safety are the focus of upcoming works in Helensburgh which form the first stage of works under the newly-approved Helensburgh Town Centre Plan 2020-2045.
The works are set to begin in February 2021 and will focus primarily on Parkes Street with the installation of upgraded accessible road crossings, wider refuge islands, and improved pedestrian crossing.
The plan for these improvements was developed from the Helensburgh Town Centre Plan 2020–2045 and the Helensburgh Streetscape Masterplan, which was adopted earlier this week after extensive community engagement in early 2019 and this year.
Acting Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown said that the Plan established a community-supported approach for the future of Helensburgh.
"Helensburgh is a unique and vibrant community within a bushland setting,'' she said.
"Our plans outline the ways we will continue to improve community access to the town, but also deliver on comfort and safety for the area. It's important that the work we do keeps creativity and sustainability at its core in order to align with the expectations of the community,"
Together these plans provide strategic guidance for the future of Helensburgh Town Centre, with a focus placed on wayfinding and ensuring the area is accessible by foot, bicycle and car, and strengthening the town's connection to its natural surroundings. The Plan also includes a proposal for an integrated community centre and library facility.
"Helensburgh is our northern gateway to Wollongong and the Town Centre Plan has a range of projects planned that will greatly enhance how residents access their neighbourhood and travel through their community. These changes will enliven the main street of the town and ultimately increase its liveability for local residents," Cr Tania Brown said.
Copies of the Helensburgh Town Centre Plan 2020–2045 and the Helensburgh Streetscape Masterplan are available on Council's website.
