Streets as Shared Spaces parklet trial a success

22 September 2023

Waverley Council’s Streets as Shared Spaces (SASS) parklet trial, funded by the NSW Government, has been a success, with Council’s Strategic Planning and Development Committee this week voting to retain the parklets in Wairoa Avenue, Bondi Beach and Watson Street, Bondi for a further six months.

Parklets in Boonara Avenue and Ocean Street, Bondi and Waverley Street, Bondi Junction will be moved to new temporary locations based on expressions of interest, strategic merit and assessment and approval by the Waverley Traffic Committee.

Council also voted to instruct Officers to prepare a further report to Council about arrangements to:

  • Support the leasing of parklets to business owners. Eligibility, partnership conditions, program operations and maintenance responsibilities will be finalised ahead of parklet leasing.
  • Required amendments to the Waverley Development Control Plan to broaden the opportunity for businesses to seek footpath seating.
  • Opportunities to implement a Verge Program for kerb extensions or verge upgrades based on feedback.

Between 22 February – 30 April 2023, the Council consulted with the community about five temporary parklets it had installed as part of the SASS trial, at key sites between Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach to provide a place to sit and relax along the 3.6-kilometre journey.

During the trial, the Council collected feedback to determine which trial parklet locations should be extended or relocated, or alternatively, if the space should be considered and designed as a permanent landscaped space with seating.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the parklets provide a safe place to take a moment to rest, relax and take in the sights and sounds of our diverse neighbourhood.

“They have helped add some extra colour and vibrancy to our streetscapes and have provided welcome respite for people of all ages including older residents and families with small children.”

Waverley Council received funding from the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Program to deliver the project.

Council officers carefully selected the locations based on strategic merit, the impact on surrounding businesses and whether the road environment was suitable for installation. Adjacent businesses were consulted to ensure their operations would not be impacted.

“I look forward to the progression of our Parklet Program and thank everyone who provided feedback during our initial consultation,” Mayor Masselos said.

Feedback received during the SASS trial included location-specific learnings for parklets and our streetscapes and this feedback will influence the ongoing Waverley Council Parklet Program.

A parklet is an extension of the footpath which takes up one parking space. Parklets act as mini parks, improving the amenity of the street and bringing other great benefits for the community.

The Council will provide updates about the Parklet Program as updates come to hand. For the latest Waverley news, sign-up to receive our Waverley Weekly e-newsletter at: waverley.nsw.gov.au/top_link_pages/news_and_media/waverley_subscriptions

While the formal consultation for the SASS trial is now complete, the community can provide any further feedback about the Parklet Program by emailing parklets@waverley.nsw.gov.au

-ENDS-

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