Liverpool Council releases draft plan to revitalise public spaces
Bold plans to beautify ‘Sydney’s third CBD’ over the next decade with a tram network, public plazas, river swimming pools and a streetscape transformation are now in motion. Take a look at what’s in store.
Liverpool
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A new 10-year plan to improve Liverpool CBD includes improving public spaces to make them more inviting, improve transport and make the Georges River a central feature.
Liverpool Council has released a draft masterplan for the city centre as it continues its bid to become Sydney’s third CBD.
The Draft Liverpool City Centre Public Domain Master Plan envisions streets with increased tree canopy, wider footpaths, cycleways, furniture and signs.
A number of areas have been flagged for improvement, including Macquarie, Elizabeth and Moore streets, as well as the Liverpool Library forecourt.
The plan outlines the potential for a plaza on Macquarie St to establish continuity with Macquarie Mall, with the council also investigating options for a tram stop for the proposed Fifteenth Avenue Smart Transit (FAST) Corridor, which would connect Liverpool with the Western Sydney International Airport.
The plaza would have custom seating, trees and “innovative” lighting.
Along Elizabeth St, the council envisions new paving, trees and furniture to match the treatment of Macquarie Mall, and the installation of a north-south cycle connection along George St.
Moore St would play a pivotal role in encouraging public transport use, having been identified as a Smart Transit Boulevard which would form a part of the FAST link.
The boulevard would connect Liverpool railway station with Western Sydney International Airport via a trackless tram.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool Library forecourt area could potentially be revitalised as a youth space in response to the city’s lack of dedicated outdoor youth spaces.
The council wants to create a stylish, creative and colourful space with facilities for sports activities, group gatherings and lounging, as well as affordable food and beverage outlets.
It also wants to introduce pedestrian and cycleways along the Georges River and create continuous foreshore access.
Some ideas to help activate the river include swimmable river pools, accessible pontoons, an artifical beach and floating playgrounds, subject to long-term water quality improvements.
Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said residents can now provide feedback on the 10-year plan.
“As our skyline changes, so must our city streets and public spaces,” Cr Waller said.
“The Draft Liverpool City Centre Public Domain Master Plan provides a cohesive approach to development in the city centre and a useful set of standards for council, private developers and local businesses.
“It paints a picture of a vibrant city centre with jobs, prosperity and an 18-hour economy.”
Cr Waller said the plan would guide the council in improving the city centre over the next 10 years.
“Our city centre is already easy to navigate, but more trees, improved paving and better lighting will make it a better place to live, work, study and play, as well as supporting an 18-hour economy,” she said.
“This plan will also help us to take advantage of our biggest natural asset, the Georges River.”
The draft master plan is on public exhibition until February 28, 2020.
Submit feedback here: listens.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.