Decision Maker: Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee
Decision status: Recommendations Determined
2020/356917
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee endorse the extension of the temporary road closure of the northbound lane of George Street, The Rocks, between Argyle and Globe Streets, until 30th September 2020.
Voting
Members for this Item
Voting Members |
Support |
Object |
City of Sydney |
ü |
|
Place Management NSW |
ü |
|
Transport for NSW |
ü |
|
NSW Police – Sydney City PAC |
ü |
|
Representative for the Member for Sydney |
ü |
|
Advice
The Committee unanimously supported the recommendation.
Background
The Local Pedestrian Cycling and Traffic Committee
(LPCTCC) at its 18 June 2020 meeting were briefed that Place Management NSW
would be seeking out of session approval to implement a short-term
pedestrianised area on George St, The Rocks to support COVID19 response.
After consultation with
voting members of the LPCTCC, a request for out of session endorsement was
issued to the LPCTCC for a temporary northbound carriageway closure of George
St between Globe St and Argyle St in The Rocks between 8th July – 20th July.
The City of Sydney, NSW Police, Transport NSW and the Representative for the
Member for Sydney advised no objection to this proposal.
On Friday 17th July, Place
Management NSW submitted a request to the LPCTCC for out of session approval to
extend this northbound closure until the 3rd of August. The City of Sydney, NSW Police, Transport NSW
and the Representative for the Member for Sydney advised no objection to the
continuation of this arrangement.
This proposal is for the:
·
Closed
northbound carriageway closure of George St, The Rocks between Globe St and
Argyle St until the 30th September 2020.
·
Parking,
loading zone and mail zone changes on the western side of George Street between
Argyle St and Globe St unitl the 30 September 2020.
Note: In discussions with Port Authority NSW, PMNSW
has agreed to remove the closure if / when the Overseas Passenger Terminal
returns to cruise vessel operations. Port Authority will provide an update
notification to PMNSW in September 2020.
Comments
The proposed is a temporary carriageway closure in the retail centre of
The Rocks to provide greater opportunity for social distancing, activation and
active public space in a period when small business operators in the area are
experiencing significant financial impact due to the COVID pandemic. This provides opportunities for existing
small business operators, including stallholders in the Government operated
Rocks Markets to expand their offering and pursue pop-up retail opportunities
through NSW Government assets.
Contributing to broader NSW economic recovery efforts in our local
centres post COVID-19.
The proposal would not have a significant impact on the surrounding road
network for the period of operation. Since the construction of Light Rail
commenced, traffic volumes along this section of George St have reduced due to
access restrictions. The major use of this section of road during the pandemic
is for southbound access from Hickson Rd for several key stakeholders. The proposed closure does not significantly
impact this transport route for these stakeholders.
The proposal may impact and cause minor delays for vehicles looking to
travel southbound on George St through the area that would be diverted at Essex
St to travel via Cumberland St instead.
The overall proposal will benefit a much larger number of pedestrians
and visitors in terms of improved pedestrian connectivity and movement around
The Rocks precinct, supporting social and community wellbeing.
Consultation
Place Management NSW notified adjacent properties, businesses and
stakeholder of the intention to implement the temporary works. Enquiries and feedback directed to the
Director, Partnerships, Activation and Customer Experience at Place Management
NSW.
PMNSW continue to work closely and consult with NSW Police, TfNSW, CSTTC,
City of Sydney and Ports Authority NSW on this project.
Financial
All costs associated with the parking spaces, signs, VMS, traffic
controllers, road barriers and road marking changes will be borne by PMNSW.
PMNSW would like the LPCTCC to consider a rolling
over endorsement of the temporary closure George St closure beyond September at
the 17th September, October 15th and November 19th LPCTCC meetings, if Port
Authority NSW provides advice that the cruise ship operations will not occur
during the following months being October, November and December 2020.
JASON CRAIG, SENIOR MANAGER, SECURITY OPERATIONS,
PLACE MANAGEMENT NSW
Publication date: 20/08/2020
Date of decision: 20/08/2020
Decided at meeting: 20/08/2020 - Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee