Decision details

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

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.

Additional Comment

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