Curlewis St, Bondi Beach cycleway: Waverley Council to deliver street upgrade

A key street leading to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is set for an impressive revamp, with plans for a cycleway to cater to the area’s rising demand.

A busy commercial street leading to Bondi Beach is set to receive a makeover which will bring a cycleway to the bustling pedestrian area.

The Waverley Council project, which would be partly funded by a $1 million contribution from Transport for NSW (tNSW), is planned to make Curlewis St safer for pedestrians and bike riders.

A key feature of the upgrade is a new permanent 700m separated two-way bike path from Campbell Parade to Old South Head Rd, on the northern side of Curlewis St.

More greenery, new drainage and upgraded walking routes are also part of council’s plan to revamp the street.

The Curlewis St location was selected by Transport for NSW and supported by Waverley Council as a priority route for a bike path.

A view Curlewis St currently.

Artist impression of the Curlewis St upgrade plans.

A Waverley Council spokeswoman told the Wentworth Courier the upgrade was a Transport for NSW project being designed and built by Waverley Council as part of the NSW Government’s Active Transport Program.

The final budget for the project would be determined once the final concept was endorsed, with the estimated budget accounted for in council’s long term financial plan.

Curlewis St upgrade proposal. Image: Waverley Council.

Curlewis St upgrade proposal. Image: Waverley Council.

Two options have been proposed by council to allow pedestrians and cyclists to share the road.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos said a bike route between Woollahra and Waverley would better connect coastline areas like Bondi Beach and Rose Bay to other suburbs.

“It will also improve access to Bondi Beach for cyclists via Bondi Rd and Curlewis St, and connect to the Rose Bay ferry service,” she said.

“This streetscape upgrade will help create a safe and well-connected area for pedestrians and bike riders while balancing the needs of motorists including parking and vehicle access.”

Curlewis St intersection plans show additional pedestrian and cycling space.

The upgrades would also include climate-appropriate planting, canopy trees and raingardens.

Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean told the Wentworth Courier the eastern suburbs were seeing an acceleration in bike infrastructure thanks to demands made by residents.

“They’re listening to their electorate,” Mr McLean said. “Active transport has finally become quite an issue across all sides of politics and all levels of government, from local to state to federal.”

“They are actively engaged and more importantly, putting significant investments into these vital transport links.”

Residents will be able to submit feedback on the draft concept designs until June 15.