Taking it to our streets: new guidelines bring consistency in design of public spaces

Imagine streets that prioritise people as much as they do cars, that are places where people connect, feel safe and achieve a sense of belonging. That’s our vision for the area and one that we plan to bring to life through the new Northern Beaches Public Space Vision and Design Guidelines. 

Over the past months, Council has been working with the community to test principals of best practice street and public space design, including material for our public spaces.  

The result is a single set of overarching priorities for our public spaces and a set of four material palettes that embrace our bush, beach, urban and waterfront areas.   

The palettes will help bring consistency in materials and recognise the unique aspects of our spaces. 

Our streets of the future will allow people to feel safe and shaded, comfortable to get around on foot or bikes, while cars will be able to share the road too. 

As well as prioritising spaces for people, the guidelines prioritise critical environmental outcomes and focus on trees and water-sensitive designs. 

Central to the project was harmonising the three former Council’s guidelines around public space design to meet the priorities of the community as well as state government public domain targets and the Premier’s Priorities.