On 23 May 2022 Council endorsed the concept design for the new Knox Street Plaza, with the following amendments based on community feedback THAT:

A. Council endorse the Knox Street Pedestrian Plaza concept design with the following amendments set out below, subject to the Council complying with its obligations under Division 5.1 of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 relating to the concept design:

i. Reduction of the secret garden by approximately a third from the Bay Street end;

ii. Consider increasing the length of the pavilion to give a presence to make it a feature of the multipurpose space, noting the potential cost implications. The design should be light weight and transparent;

iii. Where possible, public seating to be designed with the ability to be moved;

iv. Remove changed paving patterns for the proposed outdoor dining pads, paving to be consistent throughout the plaza;

v. Consider options to retain some or all of the existing trees on Knox Street at New South Head Road whilst maintaining the proposed functional components of the road. If trees cannot be retained, consider other options for greening of this section; and

vi. Incorporating bicycle and scooter storage facilities.

B. Council proceed to detailed design and construction, subject to confirmation that all legislated approval processes have been undertaken.

C. Further to a request from NSW Police, Council’s Traffic Engineers investigate the feasibility of:

i. The provision of a drop off/pick up zone adjacent to Royal Oak Hotel in Bay Street, Double Bay, after 10pm Thurs – Sat. The intention is to allow patrons to be moved on quickly via Uber or taxis; and

ii. The removal of parking in Short Street and Goldman Lane, Double Bay, after 10pm Thurs – Sat. The intention is to improve sight lines and reduce risk from interaction with alcohol affected patrons and vehicles.