The parklet being trialled in Shellharbour Village was originally at the eastern end of Addison Street (pictured), but has now been relocated to the western end. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
If the parklet you’ve been enjoying in Shellharbour Village seems to have vanished, don’t worry – it’s simply moved up the street.
As part of an ongoing trial to create more people-friendly public spaces, Shellharbour City Council has relocated the Addison Street parklet to test how different placements of small flexible public spaces impact street activity and community use.
It was launched at the eastern end of Addison Street in November between popular food outlets Santorini By The Sea and Harbour Thai Restaurant, and has been well utilised as a place to relax, connect, and support nearby businesses.
As part of stage two of the Shellharbour Village Parklet Trial, on Wednesday (21 January) it was moved to the western end of Addison Street near Australia Post to test how it performs in that location.
A parklet is 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.
The accessible structure features seating, a canopy for shade and weather protection, along with planters for greenery.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the relocation was part of council’s commitment to understanding how flexible public spaces could improve the village experience.
“People have told us they want Shellharbour Village to be a more vibrant, people-friendly place,” Cr Homer said.
“Moving the parklet gives us the chance to explore how different locations help bring people together and support local businesses.”
The parklet trial is a response to community feedback from the Shellharbour Village Check-In, where people shared ideas about improving the village.
Through the six- to 12-month trial, council will explore how the parklet can make the street more social, welcoming and comfortable; encourage relaxing and interaction; support businesses and outdoor activity; and add greenery, shade and amenity to the streetscape.
Moving the trial to the western end will also allow for varying feedback before any decisions are made about permanent parklets or similar spaces in the village.
Alongside the parklet, council also undertook a traffic movement options project in the village, with two traffic options proposed.
Option A was for a one-vehicle lane with parallel parking on one side and 45-degree parking on the other, and Option B was for two-way traffic with parallel parking on both sides and to maintain current traffic flow.
Feedback from a community check-in for the traffic options is now to be reviewed.
Community members are encouraged to visit the parklet, take a seat, and share their thoughts on council’s website, and to learn more about streetscape and traffic movement options for Shellharbour Village.
