Northern Beaches Council has endorsed a streamlined and unified vision for public space and design across the region which recognises the unique features, character and heritage of the diverse towns and places within the LGA.

The draft Public Space Vision & Design Guidelines (PSV & DG) consolidates the three former councils public domain guidelines and policy documents into the one vision and design policy for the Northern Beaches, with quality, durability and sustainability issues top of mind.

Mayor Michael Regan said the document was prepared in consultation with internal and external stakeholders, incorporating best practice street design principles, and was subject to comprehensive community engagement.

“This document seeks to retain and enhance the unique landscape and character of the Northern Beaches, whilst providing additional environmental, social, health and economic outcomes for our centres and neighbourhoods.

“In preparing these guidelines, much consideration was given to increasing expectations of high-quality public places and spaces on the Northern Beaches.

“Council also ensured the new streamlined guidelines were in line with directions contained within the Greater Sydney Commission’s ‘North District Plan’ and the NSW Government Architect’s Office suite of ‘Better Placed’ policy documents.”

The Guidelines includes several amendments suggested at Council’s meeting in March, including changing the classification of Manly CBD to ‘Beach’ from ‘Urban’. 

 Six key objectives form the foundation of the guidelines: enhance and protect the bush, beach and waterway character; encourage social activation through street design; inspire healthy and active lifestyles through safe and inclusive footpath and cycleway networks; implement traffic calming interventions to create safe environments; integrate water sensitive urban design into streets and open spaces and increase tree canopy cover on streets.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 8495 6943