The parklet being trialled in Shellharbour Village. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour Village is getting a fresh look and feel, with feedback sought on the launch of a parklet trial and new traffic and streetscape options to create a more vibrant, people-friendly town centre.
Since 2014, Shellharbour City Council has upgraded footpaths and street furniture, introduced public art, and renewed Little Park and Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool.
In May 2025, council undertook a three-week community consultation, which saw the public call for more on-street dining and events, greener streets with additional trees and landscaping, and improvements to traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Now, council is looking for feedback on three key proposals – a parklet trial, streetscape upgrades, and road options to improve traffic flow, safety and accessibility.
This month it introduced a parklet, a small outdoor space that extends the footpath by transforming part of the road or a parking space into an area for people to sit, eat, or chat.
Situated at the east end of Addison Street between popular food outlets Santorini By The Sea and Harbour Thai Restaurant, it provides extra space for people to relax, connect, and enjoy the village atmosphere while supporting businesses and outdoor activity.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the Shellharbour Village Parklet Trial was part of council’s efforts to create a people-friendly and active public space in the village and examine how people experienced the area as a destination.
“Our community has told us they want Shellharbour Village to be an even more welcoming and vibrant place,” Cr Homer said.
“The parklet trial is a creative way to reimagine our streets and create more spaces for people to pause, connect and enjoy everything the village has to offer.”
The parklet being trialled in Shellharbour Village. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
The accessible structure features seating, a canopy for shade and weather protection, along with planters for greenery.
Through the six- to 12-month trial, council will explore how the parklet can make the street more social, comfortable and welcoming; encourage relaxing and interaction; support businesses and outdoor activity; and add greenery, shade and amenity to the streetscape.
Alongside the parklet, council is also undertaking a traffic movement options project in the village.
Upgrades are about striking the right balance by making the street social and inviting, while also keeping traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and parking running smoothly.
Two traffic options are being proposed.
Option A has a one-vehicle lane with parallel parking on one side and 45-degree parking on the other, which would likely slow traffic, require shorter pedestrian crossings and may reduce overall vehicle numbers.
Option B has two-way traffic with parallel parking on both sides and would maintain current traffic flow, which means it might need to look for ways to slow down traffic for safety, would create more complex intersections and may increase traffic and business visibility.
Feedback from the community check-in also sought for the main street to be upgraded, with more seating, shade, and spaces to relax.
Key streetscape design ideas include more trees and planting, wider footpaths, places to sit and rest, narrower traffic lanes, raised pedestrian crossings, and better lighting.
Council encourages the community to experience the parklet and provide feedback on all three key areas via its Let’s Chat page.
