A proposal to enhance outdoor dining and the pedestrian and bicycle user experience at the popular waterfront precinct at The Strand, Dee Why, is being put to residents for consideration.

Council is proposing to trial safe, enjoyable and user-friendly spaces along the 220-metre seaside strip with funding awarded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Program.

Mayor Michael Regan said with communities using public spaces differently due to COVID-19, we want to encourage street activation projects that ensure safe physical distancing, in harmony with exercise and essential travel.

“In October last year, there was a pre-trial test at The Strand to activate more outdoor dining and car-free areas, which received largely positive feedback by residents and local businesses,” Mayor Regan said.

“We are looking to extend the trial but we very much want the community to have a say about what they think about the changes.

"This project seeks to deliver a range of temporary public space improvements by repurposing the roadway and introduce aspects of safe and separated cycleways and deliver new life to this popular corridor.”

“We want to create a ‘people first’ space to enjoy the iconic Dee Why beach waterfront.

The community is being asked to comment on a draft proposal to trial one-way traffic flow between Oaks Ave and Dee Why Pde, amend the speed limit to 30km/h, move car parking spaces and convert existing spaces into seated areas, create a two-way bicycle lane along the road, and rerouting south-bound bus services.

Council will be holding information sessions to provide residents and business operators an opportunity to give feedback and ask questions on the proposal.

Staff will be holding on-site sessions at Dee Why Surf Club on Thursday 8 April – 11:30am & 12:30pm; Saturday 10 April – 11:30am & 12:30pm; Thursday 15 April – 6:30pm & 7:30pm; Thursday 22 April – 11:30am & 12:30pm. Each session will have two 45-minute sessions with bookings via Council’s online platform to maintain compliance with COVID-safe requirements.

Feedback is open to the public until 26 April, after which a report will be prepared for Council consideration in May.

To learn more, book to attend an information session or have your say, visit yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au