Council has considered feedback from the community and endorsed a new plan for the future of Avalon Beach village.

The Avalon Beach Place Plan sets out key public domain improvements over the next 10 years.

A total of 736 submissions were received in response to the draft plan, on top of extensive upfront community consultation in 2018 which received 1,500 submissions and generated thousands of ideas and contributions.

At their monthly meeting last night Council endorsed the plan but agreed to do further consultation on the proposal for terraced seating near the bus stop on Barrenjoey Rd and consider ways to address cycling needs in the area.  

“Our 10-year plan for Avalon Beach sets out both longer term projects such as redesigning the Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade intersection and quick win projects that have already been completed such as improving Dunbar Park playground in 2021,” Mayor Regan said.

“Thank you to everyone involved in creating a new plan for Avalon Beach town centre.

“Your involvement in workshops, community reference groups, surveys, community events and submissions has helped ensure your connection to the local area is at the heart of our place plan.

“We have listened to feedback and will do further work and consultation on both cycling connections in and around Avalon as well as the proposed terraced area, with pedestrian safety our focus.

“Together, we will create a vibrant, safe, inclusive and sustainable town centre that preserves the special and unique features we all love about Avalon Beach.”

The place plan is focused on the area within 400 metres of Avalon Beach village but also extends northward to include North Avalon.

Improving the Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade intersection was a major issue identified through community consultation. In response to community feedback, Council will trial a temporary south bound shared zone on Old Barrenjoey Road between Avalon Parade and the entrance to the Woolworths car park.

The trial will create a wider, greener, pedestrian-friendly space through the heart of Avalon.  The footpath will be widened and the street will be pedestrianised, with new street furniture and vegetation planting endemic to Avalon Beach. The community will be invited to have their say before a permanent shared zone is considered.

The place plan also sets out improvements to the Avalon Beach streetscape, including resurfacing footpaths and roads, landscaping, installing new street furniture, increasing opportunities for art in public spaces, performance spaces and improved lighting.

Greening the local area and protecting the natural environment is a high priority of the place plan. There will be extensive vegetation planting and Council will also investigate opportunities to naturalise and revitalise Careel Creek and stormwater drainage systems.

The place plan focuses on public domain improvements and does not incorporate any changes to current land use planning controls, such as building heights, zonings and density.