Community’s big thumbs-up for Eastwood carpark plan

The Eastwood community has given a ringing endorsement to Ryde Council’s plans for a new carpark which will have at least 150 spaces.

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The Eastwood community has given a big thumbs-up to Ryde Council’s plans for a new carpark which will have at least 150 spaces.

More than 750 residents, workers, business owners and visitors took part in the community consultation process on the new short-stay carpark for shoppers at 53-71 Rowe St.

The overwhelming majority of respondents backed the proposal by the council which spent $550,000 on the design and consultation process, and many put forward environmentally-friendly ideas.

There’s been a ringing endorsement for the new Eastwood carpark plans.

“Some of the great suggestions were solar panels on the roof, different carpark time limits at various stages of the day/week and electrical vehicle infrastructure (such as charging stations) to accommodate the increase in electric cars in the future,” Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale said.

“Based on the consultation, the majority of people who visit Eastwood get there by driving and stay for a short period of time and therefore would find enormous benefit through the introduction of the new short-stay carpark.”

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The community survey showed most people visit Eastwood to buy groceries or go to restaurants, cafes and pubs, and spend between 30 minutes and two hours at the business district.

The council will now prepare a development application for the new carpark to submit for State Government approval in early 2019.

“This will be the biggest increase in public parking spaces in Eastwood in nearly 50 years,” Cr Laxale said.