Decision details

X100801.002

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee endorse following traffic treatments and parking changes:

(A)      The installation of a raised intersection treatment in Bourke and Forbes Streets, Darlinghurst.

(B)      The reallocation of parking on the northern side of Forbes Street between the 31.5 metres and 37.5 metres to "No Stopping" and the installation of a garden island. 

Voting Members for this Item

Advice

The Committee unanimously supported the recommendation.

Background

In October 2023, Council resolved to investigate more locations and opportunities for new Progress Pride Flag artwork installations on the roadway in the City's Local Government Area. After investigating several locations, the City has determined that the intersection of Bourke and Forbes Streets in Darlinghurst is an ideal location for installing the Progress Pride Flag artwork on the roadway.

The new Qtopia Sydney, the LGBTQIA+ museum is located on the northern corner of the Bourke and Forbes Street intersection. Qtopia Sydney is expected to transform the area into a cultural and tourist destination, attracting increased activation and pedestrian activity, drawing visitors (people walking and cycling) across Bourke and Forbes streets and Taylor Square from Oxford Street and beyond. Currently, there is no dedicated pedestrian crossing across Bourke and Forbes streets, tracing anticipated desire lines between Qtopia Sydney and Taylor Square.

A raised intersection treatment is proposed at the Bourke and Forbes Streets intersection to enhance road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The treatment will elevate the existing road level to be flush with adjacent footpaths. It would allow seamless travel for pedestrians and cyclists and significantly improve universal access for the visually impaired and people in wheelchairs and prams. The raised intersection coupled with approach and departure ramps will act as traffic calming measures to encourage slower approach speeds.

To distinguish a change in the street environment, it is also proposed to install the Progress Pride Flag artwork along the road surface of the raised intersection. The artwork alerts drivers that there is a change in the road environment, encouraging them to drive at a slower speed.