Georges River Council has furnished, shaded, connected and greened the streetscape of Belmore Road through the Riverwood Reconnected project to improve the pedestrian experience.
Funding from round two of the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Streets as Shared Spaces program enabled Council to create a built environment designed for people, with a focus on safety, comfort, enjoyment and vibrancy for all users.
Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, said, “The goal of the program is to test new and innovative ideas that temporarily adapt streets as safe, shared public spaces to support healthier, safe and resilient communities.”
“The project will aim to beautify the area by providing more public space for the community to sit, relax and catch up with friends, admire new art installations, or even dine al fresco in their revitalised surrounds.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport, Rob Stokes, said the Streets as Shared Spaces program has brought more opportunities for people to connect in public spaces in response to the pandemic.
“Now is the time to capitalise on the increased appetite for open space and safe places to connect with our communities in a meaningful way,” Stokes said.
“We’re reimagining our streets as better places for people, which will drive an increase in foot traffic, support businesses and bring the community together to enjoy the vibrancy our state has to offer.”
The works include greening and the installation of trees, public art, ChillOUT Hubs and street furniture.
ChillOUT Trees, powered with lighting and device charging, shaded by a Circular roof with perforated aluminium panels, provide places for the community to meet, rest, work and eat outdoors.
The installation joins Council’s ChillOUT Hubs in Kogarah, Mortdale and Hurstville, which were installed in late 2019 and early 2020 as part of a collaboration between Street Furniture Australia, Georges River Council, UNSW and University of Sydney for the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.
The Riverwood Hubs feature the Aria Seating System, curved around the trunks, with Cafe Settings bringing further amenity and colour.
Frame Planters stocked with street trees and planting bring further shade and greenery, furnished with Aria Benches, Cafe Tables and Stools.
Social seating is also offered along the streetscape with Aria, in zig zag and linear configurations using the modular system’s curved and 180 degree connector panels, seats and benches.
