Double Bay: Knox St pedestrian plaza, legal challenge considered by community

Plans to transform a the heart of Double Bay into a pedestrian plaza have been defended as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to revitalise the commercial hub post-Covid. However, not everyone is a fan.

A mall planned for Knox Street has pitched residents against the council. Picture: John Appleyard

Plans to use a $4.75 million state government grant to transform a key road leading into the heart of Double Bay into a pedestrian plaza have been defended as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to revitalise the commercial hub post-Covid.

However, businesses and community groups are furious with claims the plans progressed without considering community feedback in a fraught process.

A legal challenge from law firm Mills Oakley was submitted at the most recent Woollahra Council meeting on the grounds due process didn’t take place as required by legislation.

Councillors ultimately weren’t persuaded, voting seven votes to two in favour of progressing with the transformation of Knox St into a pedestrian plaza.

The grant scheme requires the project to be completed by the end of the year with construction expected to begin in coming months. Council is required to submit a detailed design plan to Transport for NSW and NSW Police for review before works can begin.

Knox Street in Double Bay. Picture: John Appleyard

Mayor Susan Wynne defended the project to the Wentworth Courier, saying the project was part of a well-publicised long-term vision to reimagine Double Bay as a more inclusive area with business diversity.

“That’s what the business community [has] been crying out for years and years,” she said.

Ms Wynne said the plans to pedestrianise Knox Street — one of the major commercial streets in Double Bay — would help draw more people to the village by making it safer and more inviting.

“When people come together in those kinds of areas they stay longer, they spend more money, or dine more, or shop more,” she said. “It becomes not just a one stop destination.”

The NSW Government said the funding was awarded this week through its legacy program which grants money to develop high-quality public spaces to revitalise commercial centres impacted by the pandemic.

The grant scheme requires the project to be completed by the end of the year.

The council said it plans to move ahead with the project, with construction expected to begin in mid 2022. It is required to submit a detailed design plan to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and NSW Police for review before construction can begin.

An artist impression of the proposed pedestrian plaza.

Business owners have voiced their criticism of the plans.

“This project was nominated and is managed by Woollahra Council,” a Planning Department spokeswoman said.

“We would expect all councils that nominate projects for government funding to understand the infrastructure requirements in their area and have consulted their community as part of their due diligence.”

Double Bay businesses and community groups say the development was deliberately rushed through without adequate consultation, with the plans set to trigger traffic and parking chaos and impact the local economy.

George Schiffer, owner of local institution 21 Espresso which was opened by his father in 1958, said council dismissed his concerns.

“They’re gonna kill Double Bay,” Schiffer says. “This is an area where parking is already at a premium. Traffic during the day is already difficult. Then they want to close the street which will make it even worse.”

21 Espresso in Double Bay. Picture: John Appleyard

Prominent buyers agent and former Double Bay Partnership board member Stuart Jones said many developments had benefited the area, such as the Kiaora development. But, this time was on the wrong side of the community.

“I’m really supportive of sensible redevelopment of the Double Bay Village,” he said.

However, he says council had brought in experts to back them up “rather than listening to businesses that have operated for nearly 60 years”.

Cosmo Centre owner and property developer Eduard Litver said in February council’s designs needed tweaking by widening pedestrian paths through the reduction of traffic lanes rather than completely pedestrianise the street.

Now he is livid the project will go ahead despite community feedback.

“For the last three to four months, we have pleaded with the council to be given the opportunity to present solutions which would allow for the community to feel they have been consulted with,” Mr Litver says. “We have not been given that opportunity in any way.”

Ms Wynne accepted their would be construction challenges but believed the project would be ultimately benefit the area.

“Our council does not want to do anything to damage business,” she said. “I love Double Bay as the Mayor. [What I’m saying is] let’s take that success and bring it over.”