Iconic Oxford Street will get a much-needed glow-up, with upgraded footpaths, improved street design, more trees, open space, better lighting and the completion of the eastern cycle path from Taylor Square to Centennial Park.
The Minns Labor Government today released renders showing how a new approach to this historic thoroughfare will make life easier and safer for the thousands of pedestrians and cyclists who use Oxford Street every day - as well as increasing trade and outdoor dining for the businesses dotted along it.
The recently opened Oxford Street West cycleway between Taylor Square and Hyde Park has set new records, quickly surpassing the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the city's most popular cycleway, with more than 3,000 trips a day and growing.
That number has doubled since the cycleway opened in July this year, giving thousands more people the option to ride safely in and out of the CBD from the east.
Its popularity has now made Oxford Street east a crucial missing link, with a new separated 1.8km bike path part of the overall Oxford Street Public Domain and Activation Strategy to breathe new life into the street from Taylor Square to the Centennial Parklands gates.
In recent years, more than 20 per cent of reported crashes on Oxford Street involved bike riders, with an estimated 220 cyclists riding on the footpath each day to avoid the dangers of the traffic.
Under the activation plan, Oxford Street east would see wider, upgraded footpaths with more opportunities for outdoor dining, more open space, over 50 new trees, lighting, seating, artwork, signage, and five additional pedestrian crossings.
This proposal would ensure Oxford Street is fully realised with improved design, street festivals and public art to boost visitation and support local businesses, while the completed cycle connection from Liverpool Street in the CBD to the world-famous Taylor Square, and onwards to Centennial Park would complete the missing bike link between Sydney's CBD and eastern suburbs.
To support local businesses during the construction period, a $3 million activation fund has been set aside. The program will support increased street activity and business continuity before, during and immediately after the delivery of the Oxford Street east cycleway.
There will be further opportunities for community feedback, including during Transport's Review of Environmental Factors exhibition. For more information: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/revitalising-oxford-street
Minister for Transport, John Graham said:
"Oxford Street has a special place in the hearts of so many people in Sydney, but it's well overdue for a makeover.
"The popularity of the western section of separated cycleway makes this section a missing link from Taylor Square to Centennial Park.
"We've recently lifted the concert cap at Centennial Park and unveiled plans to rejuvenate the nearby Entertainment Quarter. This plan complements those moves with a vision to further transform the street and turn the eastern end of Oxford Street into a thriving hub of cultural, economic and social activity.
"This area is beloved by the local community, and we want it to be a precinct that's not just for locals but encourages more visitors too - especially the hundreds of thousands of people who head to events at the SCG, Moore Park and Centennial Park each year."
Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich said:
"In many global cities, bikes now outnumber cars in the city centre. Here in Sydney, we're seeing the same momentum: more people choosing to walk or ride for the first and last mile of their journeys, connecting with public transport, local shops, schools, parks, and points of interest.
"The best high streets are there to share. Research by the University of Sydney found more than 60 per cent of people who visit their local high street more than once a week arrive by walking, riding a bike, or public transport.
"Oxford Street is one of Sydney's busiest cycle routes, including as a popular route for food delivery transport workers. As the western connection has shown, patronage will rise when the cycleway opens, and every single one of these riders deserves to have a safe and accessible trip."
Transport Parliamentary Secretary, Marjorie O'Neill said:
"As part of the revitalisation, the new separated bike path will eventually connect all the way to Centennial Park and to the beaches in the future. This means even more reasons to jump on your bike and explore Sydney.
"This future connection will make bike riding safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable for everyone."
Committee for Sydney Policy Manager for Planning and Housing, Estelle Grech said:
"The transformation of Oxford Street is a major win for Sydney - turning a traffic-heavy corridor back into a people-focused high street that works better for everyone.
"This is an exciting project that will give buses more space - meaning faster, more reliable travel times - improve safety for bike riders and pedestrians and give this iconic street some long-overdue love.
"This cycleway completes a missing link, helping more people get around the city by bike, which will support local businesses and help communities thrive by making Oxford Street easier and more enjoyable to move through and spend time in."
Owner of Simon Says Juice, Simon Fowler said:
"This will bring so many benefits to my business, making it more attractive for customers while also improving our commute and delivery times.
"Sydney is an outdoor city. I'm a huge fan of encouraging bike riding as a healthy, safe alternative while also providing wider footpaths, fresh air and more opportunities for al fresco dining.
"When we first opened nearly 12 years ago, we were one of the first shops to set up bicycle deliveries. Now, I use the Oxford Street West cycleway multiple times a day as a safe and fast connection to my wholesale clients in the city.
