Element 1- Traffic and public space activation changes

Element 1 includes proposed changes to traffic flow, parking and public space in the Merimbula CBD, based on recommendations from the Merimbula Transport Study.

The proposed traffic, parking and public space activation changes include:

New mini roundabouts

Mini roundabouts to be installed at:

• Sapphire Coast Drive and Main Street, near the Club Sapphire car park
• Main Street and Market Street, near Top Fun
• Merimbula Drive and Market Street, near Hylands Corner.

These proposed roundabouts are intended to slow vehicle speeds and simplify turning movements.

Main Street changes

• Removal of three parking spaces near Top Fun to accommodate the new roundabout
• All turns from Main Street into Beach Street will be prohibited.

Market Street changes

Between Merimbula Drive and the traffic lights at Main Street:

• Market Street proposed to become single lane southbound
• Loading zone in front of Commonwealth Bank proposed to be removed
• Bus zone and northbound bus stop on the western side of Market Street to be removed. Northbound pick up and drop off will relocate to the front of Twyford Hall. Parts of Market Street proposed to transition into a temporary public space activation area.

At the traffic lights:

• No right turn into Market Street heading north
• Market Street to be accessed from Merimbula Drive or Main Street.

These proposed changes aim to calm traffic, improve activation and public space, improve pedestrian safety and activity in the centre of the CBD.

Beach Street changes

• Beach Street proposed to become one way eastbound
• Introduction of a 10km shared zone along part of Beach Street
• Reconfiguration of the Beach Street car park and on-street parking
• Part of the Beach Street car park proposed to transition into a temporary public space activation area
• Parking along Beach Street proposed to be time limited to three hours
• All turning movements from Main Street into Beach Street will be prohibited.

These proposed changes are intended to reduce vehicle conflict points, improve public space activation and create safer pedestrian connections to the foreshore.

Alice Street changes

• Alice Street proposed to remain two way
• No right turn from Alice Street into Beach Street (towards Market Street).

Parking impacts

The proposed changes result in a net reduction of four parking spaces across the CBD, with some spaces removed or reconfigured.

These proposed traffic changes will be installed using some temporary infrastructure and monitored before Council determines which elements, if any, will be retained.

Public space activation

With parts of Market Street and the Beach Street car park no longer available to vehicles, these areas are proposed to transition into temporary public spaces.

These spaces are intended to:

• Improve amenity and safety
• Encourage people to spend more time in the CBD
• Support local businesses
• Create opportunities for events, activation and community use.

A range of physical changes and a program of activities will be explored to encourage greater use of these spaces and support a more vibrant town centre.

View more information in the 22 April Council meeting agenda.