City of Coffs Harbour’s grand plans for post-bypass highway

CITY of Coffs Harbour councillors have unanimously backed a plan to maximise opportunities and mitigate any potential negative impacts resulting from the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass.

Council endorsed the Coffs Harbour Post Bypass Renewal Action Plan – prepared by City staff in collaboration with Transport for NSW, the Highway Bypass Integration Committee and the City Centre Masterplan Committee – at its 27 November meeting.

Council also approved a first-up action in the Plan for the development of streetscape design guidelines for the entire 10.2km bypassed section of the highway and a detailed concept design for the CBD stretch between McLean and Coff streets.

Two Council committees are each prepared to contribute $50,000 toward the design phase while Transport for NSW will be approached to match this to create a $200,000 pot.

Council further resolved to lobby the NSW Government for funding in the short term for a business bypass readiness program, and to seek $50,000 from the State to develop a detailed design for distinctive entry statements to the ‘High Street’ planning area (north and south).

“Worldwide, famous roads include the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Broadway in New York and Abbey Road in London – all people-friendly corridors,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.

“Our challenge, and opportunity, is to imagine a scaled version of a truly great High Street for a major regional centre.

“We’re starting from a low base as the old highway prioritises moving vehicular traffic on a south-north alignment and little else.

“The legacy of that can be seen in a lack of street trees, dated buildings, excessive signage, a shortage of crossing points for walkers and generally a noisy, fumey road with poor amenity.”

The comprehensive concept for the old highway – between the interchanges at Englands Road and Korora Hill – looks at a suite of measures including:

● A business bypass readiness program, with marketing and activations

● Using design to create better connections to other key parts of Coffs Harbour such as Sawtell, the Jetty and Park Beach

● Increased tree cover as part of a continuous green corridor

● Dedicated protected paths for bike riders

● Safer pedestrian crossings

● Enhanced public facilities like seating and bus stops; and

● Improved footpath and road surfaces and better lighting.

“This stretch of road will become our ‘High Street’ after the bypass opens so it’s crucial we get it right,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“There’s an opportunity here to stitch our City back together as the old highway passes through the CBD and dissects east from west.

“We’re setting the bar high – to make this corridor attractive and enjoyable for all users, pedestrians, drivers, riders, shoppers, locals and tourists.

“It also needs to be a statement for a growing, innovative and welcoming city.”

The Plan details three other key initiatives, each involving approaches to the NSW Government:

● Seek funding to deliver initial upgrades to the intersection of Harbour Drive and the old highway

● Seek funding to deliver new entry gateway statements for the Coffs Harbour City Centre; and

● Lobby the State and Federal governments to allow dangerous goods through the tunnels on the new bypass (so the bulk of this traffic is not compelled to pass through the highly populated heart of Coffs Harbour).

Mr Fitzgibbon said the first phase of the Plan would see a streetscape design collaboration involving the Highway Bypass Integration Committee, City Centre Masterplan Committee, Destination Coffs Coast Committee, and Transport for NSW and City staff.

Broader community consultation on the draft streetscape design guidelines and detailed concept designs will be undertaken in accordance with the City’s Community Engagement Strategy.