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Woolworths Unveils $165M Mixed-Use Precinct in Waterloo

Photo Credit: DA/2024/1208

Fabcot Pty Ltd, the development arm of the Woolworths Group has submitted a $165.86-million proposal to redevelop 923–935 Bourke Street in Waterloo into a mixed-use precinct featuring residential apartments, retail spaces, and a full-line supermarket. The project aims to revitalise the site, in line with Sydney’s urban renewal strategy.

Woolworths supermarket design for Waterloo development. — *Photo Credit: DA/2024/1208*

A New Vision for Waterloo

Fabcot has lodged a Development Application (DA/2024/1208) with public consultation open until 17 February 2025. The site will host a mix of residential, retail, and commercial spaces, creating a new urban hub for the area.

Residential apartments in the Bourke Street precinct. — *Photo Credit: DA/2024/1208*

Designed by Bates Smart, who won a competitive design process over firms including Koichi Takada Architects and SJB, the project seeks to integrate the cultural and natural heritage of Waterloo into its architectural expression. The development will include part eight and part six-level buildings with materials and design elements inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Residential and Commercial Features

Residential Apartments:

110 apartments offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units
68% of apartments designed with dual aspects for optimal natural light and ventilation
Six terrace homes along Young Street, managed by City West Housing for affordable housing
Communal amenities including landscaped courtyards and rooftop gardens

Woolworth Waterloo — *Photo Credit: DA/2024/1208*

Retail and Commercial Spaces:

6,850 sqm of retail and commercial space
Full-line Woolworths supermarket with Direct-to-Boot and e-commerce services
Specialty stores, cafés, and restaurants activating the streetscape
2,000 sqm of flexible office space for local businesses and employment opportunities
Five-storey commercial building at McEvoy and Bourke Streets, serving as a workplace hub and precinct landmark

Public Spaces and Sustainability

Fabcot’s proposal places a strong emphasis on sustainability and green spaces. A landscaped public plaza will serve as a communal gathering point, with pedestrian pathways connecting Bourke, Young, and McEvoy Streets. The project will also retain mature trees to enhance biodiversity and provide natural shading.

Architectural design by Bates Smart for Waterloo project. — *Photo Credit: DA/2024/1208*

Key sustainability features include:

Solar panels to reduce energy consumption.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support sustainable transport.
Rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and water conservation.
Low-carbon materials to minimise the environmental footprint.

To support accessibility, the development includes 224 basement parking spaces for residents, visitors, and retail customers. Dedicated bicycle and motorcycle parking will also be available.

Artist impression of the proposed Waterloo precinct. — *Photo Credit: DA/2024/1208*

Next Steps for Approval

The public consultation period for the project runs until 17 February 2025. Residents are urged to submit feedback via the City of Sydney’s website. Pending approval, the development will move forward to the construction phase, bringing Fabcot’s long-awaited vision for Waterloo to life.

SUBMIT FEEDBACK

Published 7-Feb-2025

Neon Playground 2.0 : A Festival of Light, Music, and Culture Returns to Chinatown

Photo Credit: Neon Playground/Facebook

Neon Playground 2.0 is set to light up Chinatown and Haymarket, promising an unforgettable mix of neon art, live music, performances, and Asian street food.

The festival starting from 15 March to 6 April 2025 follows the successful 2022 debut with an expected 350,000 visitors. It will be one of the biggest celebrations of Asian-Australian creativity and culture in the city.

Bringing New Energy to Chinatown

Neon Playground 2.0 returns with fresh momentum, backed by a $200,000 grant from the City of Sydney. This funding aims to revitalise Chinatown and Haymarket, drawing more foot traffic and supporting local businesses.

Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore AO, emphasised the importance of investing in Chinatown’s future.

She said that the city allocated a long-term financial plan of $44 million to fund Chinatown’s success.

Neon Lights, Live Entertainment & a Feast of Flavours

Chinatown’s streets will glow with stunning neon light installations designed by Asian-Australian artists. The festival will also feature live music, DJs, dance performances, and cultural showcases, ensuring an exciting atmosphere throughout.

Neon Playground 2.0 — Photo Credit: *Neon Playground/Facebook*

Food lovers can indulge in some of the best Asian street food from top vendors and restaurants.

Building on Past Success

When Neon Playground debuted in 2022, it transformed Dixon Street with large-scale street art, interactive installations, and high-energy performances. Organised by Haymarket Alliance, the event played a key role in helping Chinatown bounce back after the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kevin Cheng, Manager of Haymarket Alliance, believes this year’s festival will be even bigger.

Cheng highlighted that Neon Playground 2.0 will create opportunities for organisations like Haymarket Alliance to support large-scale events that benefit the entire district. By attracting more visitors, the festival will help boost foot traffic and bring new energy to the area.

The ultimate goal is to establish Neon Playground 2.0 as Sydney’s largest Asian-Australian creative festival.

A New Era for Chinatown

Beyond Neon Playground, Chinatown is undergoing significant upgrades. Restoration work has begun on the Chinatown Ceremonial Gates, with plans to repaint structures, install new lighting, and repair key architectural features.

Additionally, a new grant program is offering support for Dixon Street businesses to enhance their shopfronts, further modernising the precinct.

Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Event

With its dazzling neon art, energetic performances, and incredible food, Neon Playground 2.0 will be one of Sydney’s most exciting events in 2025. As Chinatown continues to evolve, the festival will highlight the talent and creativity of Asian-Australian artists and businesses.

Mark your calendar—Neon Playground 2.0 kicks off on 15 March 2025, bringing three weeks of non-stop energy to the heart of Chinatown.

Published 6-Feb-2025

Redfern Families Cut From Inner Sydney High Catchment Amid Controversial Changes

A section of Redfern has been removed from the catchment of Inner Sydney High School, forcing some families to enrol their children in schools farther away, despite their proximity to the sought-after public high school. Parents say the decision splits the community in two and raises concerns about access to quality education in the inner city.

The school’s intake zone had been quietly reduced, cutting parts of Redfern, Double Bay, Woollahra, and Centennial Park from Inner Sydney High’s catchment. The changes mean students in these areas will now be redirected to Randwick High School, Rose Bay Secondary College, or Alexandria Park Community School. The adjustment follows increasing demand for Inner Sydney High, which has reached near full capacity with 1,000 students enrolled out of a maximum 1,080.

Alexandria Park Community School — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Redfern Parents Left Frustrated

Parents in Redfern say the boundary changes are unfair, particularly because some students are now zoned away from their closest school. One parent, who has a daughter affected by the decision, said the shift in boundaries makes little sense, as her child could walk to Inner Sydney High in under 10 minutes but will now have to commute farther to a different school.

Another local parent said Inner Sydney High has become a key part of the Redfern community, and removing access for some families will divide the neighbourhood. Some parents deliberately bought homes within the original catchment to ensure their children could attend, only to find themselves suddenly rezoned.

The situation is especially frustrating for families in western Redfern, where a large number of Indigenous and social housing communities are located. The revised catchment has removed about a quarter of Redfern, sparking concerns that students from lower-income backgrounds will have fewer options for quality public education.

Randwick High School — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Why the Boundaries Have Changed

The NSW Department of Education has defended the decision, saying the changes will help keep primary school students together as they transition into high school. Under the previous zoning, students from some local primary schools were being split across multiple high schools, which the department wanted to address.

The department also pointed out that capacity issues at Inner Sydney High were a factor in the decision. When the school opened in 2020, it was intended to help meet demand for public secondary education in the eastern suburbs and inner city. However, high enrolment numbers have led to a tightening of catchment boundaries.

With the newly amalgamated Randwick High School now offering a co-ed public education option, the department argues that students who were previously zoned for Inner Sydney High will still have access to high-quality alternatives.

SCHOOL FINDER

Randwick High and the Broader Trend of School Changes

Randwick High School, formed by merging Randwick Girls High and Randwick Boys High, is part of a statewide shift towards co-education in public schools. The new co-ed school has already seen an increase in enrolments, with 300 new Year 7 students in 2025—a 30 per cent jump from previous years.

This reflects a broader trend in Sydney’s education system, where schools are merging and changing formats to meet community demand. Other areas, including Crows Nest and Kellyville, have also faced school boundary adjustments, sparking similar concerns from parents about longer commutes and changes in school access.

What’s Next for Affected Families?

For families impacted by the Inner Sydney High catchment changes, options remain limited. Some parents have started petitions and community discussions to urge the NSW Education Department to reconsider the boundary shift. Others are now weighing up the possibility of enrolling their children in private schools or moving to a suburb where their preferred public school is still accessible.

With Sydney’s public school enrolments growing and capacity pressures increasing, it remains to be seen whether the department will reassess the catchment map in future years. For now, Redfern parents say they will continue to push for fairer access to quality public education in their community.

Published 7-February-2025

From Lifesaving to Delivery: UNSW Degree Trains Next Generation of Drone Pilots

From saving lives at the beach to delivering groceries, drones are becoming a part of everyday life, and UNSW is preparing students for this shift with a new aviation degree.

The University of New South Wales has introduced a Bachelor of Aviation – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in response to a projected boom in drone usage across Australia, with forecasts predicting an increase from 1.5 million annual drone flights in 2023 to 60.4 million by 2043.

A growing industry with new career opportunities

Drones are rapidly transforming industries, from agriculture and emergency services to food delivery and environmental monitoring. A report by Airservices Australia estimates that by 2043, Australian farmers will conduct 500,000 drone flights annually to monitor crops, while drones will be responsible for 1.5 million food deliveries per year. Emergency services, including surf lifesaving and police operations, are also expected to deploy drones for 80,000 missions annually.

With this demand, the aviation sector is undergoing what UNSW experts describe as a generational shift, requiring a new workforce trained in drone operations, regulatory knowledge, and technical skills. To meet this need, UNSW’s program offers a mix of practical flying experience and academic coursework, positioning graduates at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.

Hands-on training with industry leaders

Students enrolled in the new degree will complete 80 hours of flight experience, including 40 hours of crewed aircraft training alongside students in the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) program. The remaining 40 hours focus on drone operations, split between multi-rotor and fixed-wing equipment.

A key component of the degree is its partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW (SLS NSW), where students gain real-world experience using drones to search for missing swimmers, detect sharks, and assist in emergency responses such as floods and bushfires. This hands-on training bridges traditional aviation principles with the evolving demands of drone technology.

An evolving curriculum to meet industry needs

Unlike traditional aviation degrees, this program integrates management, programming, information systems, and aviation law to provide students with a broad skill set. Graduates will earn both a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), allowing them to operate drones in commercial settings or move into broader aviation roles.

According to Dr Graham Doig, a senior lecturer at UNSW’s School of Aviation, the industry is at a pivotal moment where Australia has the opportunity to lead the world in drone aviation. He predicts that within the next decade, large autonomous aircraft will be a common sight in Australian airspace, reinforcing the importance of training specialists who can manage and operate these systems.

UNSW drones — *Photo Credit: UNSW Sydney*

Preparing students for the future of aviation

UNSW is the only Group of Eight (Go8) university offering aviation degrees, making it a leader in this field. The School of Aviation has been educating pilots and aviation professionals for over 25 years and collaborates with industry leaders such as Qantas, Airservices Australia, CASA, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

The Bachelor of Aviation (RPAS) is designed to equip students with both technical expertise and strategic thinking skills, preparing them for careers in emergency response, commercial drone operations, defence, and surveying. With the rapid expansion of the drone sector, UNSW graduates are expected to be in high demand across various industries.

Published 30-January-2025

Redfern Residents Rally Against 24/7 McDonald’s

Photo Credit: D/2024/1218

A proposal to build a 24-hour McDonald’s in the heart of Redfern has ignited a firestorm of opposition from residents who fear the development will compromise the character of their historic suburb.

The proposed $3 million, two-storey restaurant on Redfern Street, the suburb’s main artery for dining and shopping, has become a lightning rod for community concern. The development application, lodged with the City of Sydney council, is open for public comment until February 6, and has already sparked heated debate online.

The proposed location, situated directly adjacent to Mr Charlies, a popular vegan establishment known for its playful parody of McDonald’s, adds fuel to the fire. This proximity and a separate application for another fast-food outlet, Charlie Chargrill, overwhelms many residents.

Community Backlash

A call for feedback on the “Residential Redfern” Facebook page has been met with a torrent of responses, largely critical of the proposal. While some residents acknowledge the potential for increased foot traffic to benefit local businesses, the prevailing sentiment is strongly opposed.

Concerns over Community Impact

Redfern resident Nicola Mansfield, representing a group of concerned residents, has formally complained with the council, citing “significant urban planning concerns.” The group believes the 24-hour McDonald’s will negatively impact the community regarding amenity, safety, and heritage. They are particularly concerned about the lack of prior consultation with police and the community.

Local business owners have also voiced their anxieties. David Jank, co-owner of Arcadia Liquors, located just two doors down from the proposed site, expressed concern about the “enormous change” the development represents, calling it “insensitive” to the area’s history and existing social issues.

Tom Whittle, the General Manager of The Dock, a bar across from the proposed site, expressed scepticism about the potential benefits while acknowledging the area’s inevitable change.

A “Step Backwards”

Gabriel, the Tudor Hotel’s licensee, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the development represents a “step backwards” for Redfern, which has undergone a positive transformation in recent years.

This view is shared by long-time resident Joe Ambour, who will soon close his hardware store, Ambour Hardware, after 55 years. Ambour lamented the changing face of Redfern, viewing the new McDonald’s as a symbol of shifting consumer preferences towards cheapness and convenience over traditional customer service.

Council Remains Neutral

A spokesperson for Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated that the council must remain neutral during the development assessment process to ensure impartiality.

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Published Date 28-Jan-2025

Get Ready for Sana: South Eveleigh’s New Healthy Dining Destination

Sydney’s food scene is about to welcome a new star as Sana, a fast-casual dining spot, opens its doors this February.

Read: Vintage Vibes, Modern Offerings: The New Era of The Bat & Ball Hotel

The brainchild of Daniel Sorridimi, owner of Blackwood Bondi and Cronulla, and Chef Joel Bennetts, this innovative eatery promises to bring healthy, flavour-packed meals to the heart of South Eveleigh.

Sorridimi developed the concept after noticing a growing demand for quick, health-conscious dining options, inspired by the trend’s expansion in the U.S. The name “Sana,” which means “healthy” in Spanish, reflects the restaurant’s focus on wholesome, high-quality produce and vibrant, delicious flavours.

Chef Joel Bennetts led the menu development, crafting a range of house-made pickles, seasoned proteins, and customisable bowls that are as satisfying as they are nutritious. Customers can mix and match their meal by selecting a base—Mediterranean basmati rice, cauliflower rice, lettuce, or cabbage—paired with a protein like salmon, lamb mince, chicken, or falafel, and finished with fresh, bold toppings.

Red Harissa Chicken (Photo credit: Sana/Instagram)

Among the standout dishes is the Red Harissa Chicken Bowl, featuring Mediterranean rice, house-made slaw, spicy almonds, and sweet-sour pickles—a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and tang.

Sana’s Instagram teases a menu “inspired by the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean and the Middle East,” offering options like spiced lamb mince reminiscent of Lebanese food markets, Korean-style pickled carrots, and basmati rice infused with lemon and herbs. The restaurant will offer seven signature bowls, customised bowls, protein plates, and six flavourful rolls, catering to both adventurous palates and those seeking comfort in simple, fresh ingredients.

Read: Taguan Cafe: Redfern Filipino Hideaway Serving the ‘Second-Best Adobo’

If you’re in the area, Sana promises a lunch experience that’s fresh, fast, and full of flavour. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or looking for a healthier dining option, this new spot is set to redefine the way South Eveleigh does lunch. You can find Sana at 8/1 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh.

Published 20-January-2025

Taguan Cafe: Redfern Filipino Hideaway Serving the ‘Second-Best Adobo’

Photo Credit: Taguan Cafe/Instagram

Taguan Cafe has opened in Redfern, offering Filipino comfort food with a focus on their family-recipe adobo, dubbed the “second-best adobo,” alongside coffee and unique dishes like banana ketchup bacon and egg rolls and slow-cooked beef pares toasties.

When Jose Margo Flores and Vincent Mark Baquiran opened Taguan Cafe at 191 Regent Street, Redfern, they faced scepticism about whether Filipino cuisine would resonate with the community. Undeterred, they leant into their vision of bringing Filipino flavours to an Australian setting, showcasing classic dishes like their signature adobo and tokwa especial.

Taguan Cafe Redfern — *Photo Caption: The owners of Taguan Cafe – Vincent Mark Baquiran and Jose Margo Flores.*
*Photo Credit: Taguan Cafe/Instagram*

Mr Flores, a former advertising professional from Manila, found himself in Baguio during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking solace and a fresh start, he created the first Taguan Cafe there as a personal sanctuary, accompanied by his Pomeranian, Yakult. This journey of resilience and reinvention is at the heart of Taguan Cafe’s story.

Over time, the cafe evolved into a community space, where customers shared their stories over cups of coffee. Inspired by its success and with the support of his partner Mr Baquiran, Mr Flores took the next step and brought Taguan Cafe to Australia, settling in Redfern.

A Taste of Home Away from Home

The centrepiece of Taguan Cafe’s menu is Mr Baquiran’s late father’s adobo recipe, served with garlic rice, fried potato slices, and a jammy boiled egg. The dish represents a blend of tradition and adaptation, as Mr Baquiran’s family, having lived in Saudi Arabia, modified their recipe based on available ingredients. The name “second-best adobo” is a nod to the belief that no adobo can surpass a home-cooked version.

Taguan Cafe's second-best adobo — *Photo Caption: Tatay’s Adobo with garlic rice, braised chicken, adobo egg, crispy potatoes, and aromatic spices.*
*Photo Credit: Taguan Cafe/Instagram*

Blending Cultures Through Food:

Taguan Cafe’s menu is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. It features Filipino-inspired Australian cafe classics such as ube lattes and banana ketchup bacon and egg rolls. Mr Flores and Mr Baquiran made a conscious decision to retain traditional Filipino dish names like tokwa especial, believing in the importance of cultural authenticity.

The cafe operates from Monday to Friday, 6.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., and on weekends from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

A Warm Welcome in Redfern:

Despite initial doubts, Taguan Cafe has been warmly embraced by the Redfern community. While Filipino patrons appreciate the authenticity, many first-time customers are discovering Filipino cuisine for the first time and responding with enthusiasm.

Filipino hideaway cafe Redfern — *Photo Credit: Ube Grilled Cheese—crispy, golden, with vibrant purple ube and melted cheese, served warmly.*
*Photo Credit: Taguan Cafe/Instagram*

Looking Ahead

Mr Flores and Mr Baquiran have exciting plans for the future of Taguan Cafe. They aim to continue expanding their menu while maintaining the core values of authenticity and community. Their goal is to make Taguan Cafe a staple in the diverse culinary landscape of Redfern.

Taguan Cafe is carving out a niche in Redfern by offering authentic Filipino comfort food in a welcoming setting. As more people discover their “second-best adobo,” the cafe continues to bridge cultures through food and hospitality.

Published 20-Jan-2025

Fence Dispute in Redfern Escalates Into Physical Altercation

For illustration purposes only | Photo Credit: Erika Fletcher/Unsplash

A long-standing dispute between two Redfern neighbours over a laneway easement erupted into a physical altercation, captured on video and drawing community concern.

Years of Tension Over Laneway Access

The altercation occurred in a small easement between terrace homes in Redfern, an inner-Sydney suburb. The conflict began when homeowner Garnet Mae, 52, attempted to move a fence he claimed encroached on his property, sparking a heated confrontation with neighbour Grayson, 63, a long-time resident of the area.

According to Garnet, the dispute has been ongoing since he and his brother purchased the property in 2019. Grayson allegedly claimed exclusive rights to the laneway, despite the unclear ownership common with these types of properties.

Garnet stated that Grayson often told him they must “obey [his] rules” when using the space.

Physical Altercation Caught on Camera

Tensions escalated between the residents when the elderly neighbour reportedly obstructed access to Garnet’s bin with a temporary fence. In response, Garnet recorded himself removing the wire fencing and cutting a rosebush on his property using a circular saw.

The situation escalated when Grayson confronted Garnet as he worked on the fence. Video footage shows Grayson threatening to use a circular saw against Garnet, before kicking and punching him in the groin.

Redfern fence dispute — *Photo Credit: A Current Affair/YouTube*

Garnet described the attack as surprising and troubling, though he said the physical harm was minimal.

The footage has since gone viral, sparking widespread commentary about property disputes and neighbourly relationships in Sydney’s inner suburbs.

Legal Ambiguity Fuels Conflict

The ownership of the disputed easement remains unclear, a common issue in older areas like Redfern, where laneways and easements date back over a century. Some terrace properties have easement rights listed on their titles, while others do not.

Garnet explained that his property’s title includes a small section of the laneway, but Grayson’s does not. However, Grayson is accused of using the space as if it were his own for decades, leading to multiple disputes over access and usage.

The City of Sydney has refused to take sides, maintaining that the laneway should be shared among all residents. This neutral stance has left the neighbours to resolve their differences on their own.

Legal Consequences and Community Impact

Following the altercation, officials from the South Sydney Police Area Command responded to the location. Grayson has been charged with common assault and has appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court. He has not been reachable for comment since the incident. Garnet expressed hope for a resolution but noted that the ongoing tension has made cohabitation difficult.

Published 14-January-2025

Redfern Station Upgrade Wins 2024 Sustainability Award

Photo Credit: DesignInc / Brett Boardman

DesignInc Sydney’s Redfern Station Upgrade project has won the Landscape and Urban category at the Sustainability Awards 2024. The jury recognised the project for its “connection to country within the space” and praised its “codesign process with the community.”

The project achieved several key sustainability benchmarks, including an Excellent Design IS Rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council. Its features include water treatment and storage systems, renewable energy implementation, and the integration of green spaces and landscaped shared zones.

About the Project

The project, located on Gadigal Country in Redfern, New South Wales, was completed in 2023 as part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program.

The award-winning design draws inspiration from the site’s rich history as wetlands that once stretched from Eveleigh to Botany Bay. Design Director Richard Does explains that these wetlands, which produced morning mists among bushland and sand dunes, influenced the project’s distinctive features, including a gradated perforated screen façade that creates an experience of walking through mist.

**DesignInc Design Director Richard Does**
Photo Credit: DesignInc

The upgrade’s sustainability credentials include several key features:

Water Sensitive Urban Design integrated into the public domain
Raingardens installed to filter stormwater runoff
Solar panels on the Marion Street station entrance
Rainwater capture systems for irrigation and cleaning
Transformation of Little Eveleigh Street into a landscaped shared zone

The project preserved local heritage through the adaptive reuse of an industrial warehouse at 125 Little Eveleigh Street as a main entrance. The design pays homage to the area’s industrial heritage while incorporating indigenous elements through a “Designing from Country” methodology, developed in consultation with Balarinji and Curio Projects.

**Bollard artwork designed at community workshops by local Aboriginal children of Redfern. Workshop facilitated by artists Derick Peachy and Matt Fellingham, Souths Cares and Curio Projects**
Photo Credit: DesignInc / Brett Boardman

According to DesignInc Director Mary Anne McGirr, the new southern aerial concourse and entries have improved accessibility and connectivity throughout the precinct. The jury particularly commended the project’s community engagement process and its success in achieving an Excellent Design IS Rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

**DesignInc Director Mary Anne McGirr**
Photo Credit: DesignInc

The project aligns with NSW’s goals for a low-carbon future through its delivery of environmental, economic, and social sustainability measures.

Published 8-January-2025

Walkability in Question: Erskineville’s Narrow Footpaths Debated

Footpaths on some Erskineville streets have been narrowed to make space for new garden beds, raising concerns about accessibility and presenting challenges for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility impairments.

Read: Shedding Light on Safety: Petition Launched for Erskineville Road Rail Bridge Upgrades

Dr Chris Standen, a research fellow in urban development and health at the University of NSW, argues that accessibility should not be compromised in the pursuit of these environmental goals.

Notably, 80 percent of a typical residential street is made up of roadways, leaving only 20 percent for footpaths. Dr Standen suggests that garden beds could be extended into roadways rather than taking up precious space on footpaths. He believes this approach could help maintain accessibility while also calming traffic, making streets safer and quieter.

Ashmore St (Photo credit: Google Street View)

One prominent example of this footpath-narrowing trend, as highlighted by Dr Standen, can be seen in Bridge and Ashmore streets in Erskineville. These streets connect growing residential areas to key local amenities such as Erskineville Station, schools, and shops.

Dr Standen pointed out that some footpaths are as narrow as 70 cm. He said this is below the 85 cm required for wheelchair access and falls short of the council’s own accessibility guidelines, which recommend a minimum width of 180 cm to accommodate two wheelchairs or prams passing side by side.

He emphasised that intentionally reducing accessibility for people with disabilities is unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Community Groups Sound the Alarm

This is not the first time concerns about footpath accessibility in the area have been raised. Community group WalkSydney had previously noted that Erskineville Station’s new accessible concourse is surrounded by inaccessible streets. The group stated that the footpaths on Bridge Street are so poor that many people abandon them altogether, opting instead to walk in the carriageway or use the separated cycleway.

Council Response and Ongoing Debate

In response, council representatives attended a community meeting to assess the situation. While they agreed to explore options for improving safety, such as adding passing bays on the narrowed footpaths, the council confirmed that the footpaths would not be reinstated to the previous width.

Read: Redfern Station Incident Causes Extensive Delays for Sydney Commuters

The balance between greening streets and maintaining accessibility remains a key consideration in urban planning. As discussions continue, it is important that urban design decisions support both environmental goals and the needs of all residents.

Published 7-January-2025