Council has received a grant funding amount of $327,528 to implement a shared zone at The Esplanade, Umina Beach. This project was developed after numerous requests to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety along The Esplanade between Ocean Beach Road and Trafalgar Avenue.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Streets as Shared Spaces program. The Streets as Shared Spaces program provides one-off grant funding to support local councils to test and pilot new and innovative ideas for streets as safe, shared public spaces.

Council has recently developed a concept design for this project which includes traffic calming measures and streetscape improvements to enhance the amenity for the many users of this area. Council is taking this opportunity to provide the community with an enhanced amenity which includes elements such as pavement stencilling and artwork, seating, landscaping, signage and related infrastructure. Regulatory signage and pavement markings will be included.

The aim of this project is to provide a safer environment for all users with a focus on a pedestrian priority.

The Esplanade is currently widely used by motorists and pedestrians, including cyclists, with an effort being made to remove non-essential vehicle travel through the laneway to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicular access will not be removed; however, a lower speed limit of 10km/h will apply whilst travelling through this area.

To ensure this new shared zone reflects what current and future users want to see we invited the community to place their comments on our interactive concept plans between 29 March and 26 April 2021.