A regional corridor along Kleins Rd, then through the North Parramatta site to Parramatta Park, the CBD and River corridor has long been identified by the State and Council as a safer, more enjoyable alternative to Windsor Rd and Church St.
Where possible, south of Darling Mills Creek the paths follow the river foreshore, however this is not possible at the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct and under the Grey Headed Flying Fox Colony. Fleet St is the only accessible alternative.
Given the regional nature of the connection, speeds and volumes of users are likely to be higher in the southern half of the study area. Therefore, where space allows a separated bike path is proposed to allow everyone to feel comfortable.
There is limited available space between the listed heritage items either side of the street as well as existing street trees. An option was investigated to replace the parking on the western side of Fleet St with the bicycle path. However, it was not supported because street parking is needed now and into the future for the surrounding land uses.
A similar proposal (one-way on Fleet St) for Stage 2 was placed on public exhibition in mid 2024. However, feedback from the community identified some significant impacts to circulation for specific properties (when combined with the recent Parramatta Light Rail changes).
Additional studies were undertaken that identified that these impacts of one-way northbound could be mitigated through the introduction of two new roundabouts at the intersection of Greenup Dve and Fleet St, and also New St and Dunlop St.
Once public exhibition has concluded, the results will be reported back to the Parramatta Transport Forum and Council for decision. Should the project be supported, Council will explore opportunities for internal and external funding to complete detailed design and construction over a number of years, pending availability of funding.
The revised concept plans propose a shared zone to provide a better outcome for pedestrians in Northcott Lane.
In NSW a shared zone has a 10km/h speed limit and all other streets users (vehicles and cyclists) must give way to pedestrians. Currently Northcott Lane does not have space for a footpath, and the previously exhibited plans only addressed cyclist connectivity through the introduction of a contra-flow bike lane. The shared zone will deliver benefits to people walking and cycling.
The proposed larger roundabout at Greenup Drive results in an impact to a 10m section of the locally listed sandstone rubble wall on the eastern side that was constructed by Council in the 1930’s. It is proposed to disassemble and reconstruct part of the wall on a new alignment as per the image below.
As the current alignment of the affected section of wall is offset by 6m to the remainder of the wall to the north, the relocation would be an opportunity to create a transition and improve the access and visibility of the entrance to the Albert Street steps.
Where adjustments to the existing alignment of the kerbing on the west are proposed, the design will incorporate interpretation within the pavement to allow the old kerb line to be legible on the street.
Greenup Drive roundabout, existing rubble walls in PURPLE, potential re-alignment in RED, impacted wall in BLUE.
Council’s Senior Heritage Specialist has reviewed the Fleet Street proposal and advised that the proposed scope would provide an overall positive contribution to the heritage setting of Fleet Street.
The proposed undergrounding of power lines would allow for improved tree canopy on both sides of the street which, when combined with improved street lighting, make for an improved pedestrian, cyclist and resident amenity experience.
The construction would also represent an opportunity to investigate the Fleet Street substrate, interpret its alignment and create a better surface for the street, the cycleway, and the footpath.
