A new lease of life for Sydney’s second-oldest shopping strip

23 April 2021 | Media Release

23 April 2021

Waverley Council is set to beautify one of Sydney’s first villages as part of a streetscape upgrade that will breathe new life into historic Charing Cross.

Council is calling for community feedback on its upgrade project of the village centre to provide the community with an improved streetscape for safer use and a more pleasant visitor experience.

An artist's impression of Council's concept design for the village centre upgrade.

Charing Cross, near famous Bronte Beach, is Sydney’s second-oldest shopping strip, in Bronte Road, and Waverley’s first village, remembered for its horse-drawn carriages and steam trams.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said Council’s concept design for the upgrade will help green and beautify the terraced-line shopping strip, improve pedestrian safety and celebrate the heritage features of the area.

“We’re planning to move overhead powerlines underground so that the heritage quality of the area isn’t compromised,” Mayor Masselos said.

“We are proposing to widen the footpath and allow for second pedestrian crossing as well as turning the village centre in a 40km/h zone.

“Our landscape architects will also select tree species designed to frame the shop fronts without blocking views, and this planting is part of our commitment to have 30% tree canopy and shrub cover in Waverley.

“We want to bring back the charm of the Charing Cross of yesteryear but with a focus on sustainability and safety.”

An artist's impression of the Carrington Road corner.

Charing Cross was originally known by locals as “Madden’s Corner” but was given its current name in 1859 by Council at a time when suburb boundaries were being defined.

To provide feedback on Council’s upgrade, visit https://haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au/Charingcross Feedback closed 19 May.

Want to explore Charing Cross and surrounds? Check out our self-guided Charing Cross Heritage Walk at https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/places_of_interest/waverley_walks/charing_cross

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Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.