A key Coffs Harbour CBD public transport hub is set to be enhanced thanks to a $1 million NSW Government grant.
City of Coffs Harbour Council says the Park Avenue bus interchange (pictured) will be beautified and made more user-friendly for the community on the back of a Transport for NSW reVITALise – Public Transport Precinct Vibrancy grant.
The agency will link with Council in a pilot partnership to transform the Park Avenue precinct into a more vibrant, safer and well-connected space for the community and travellers.
“It’s incredibly important that people have access to active transport and public transport hubs that feel safe, vibrant and help them get to where they need to go as quickly as possible,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
Consideration of the upgrade of the bus interchange was included in the Moonee Street and Park Avenue Reconfiguration Project adopted by the Council in 2022.
“The current bus interchange utilises outdated street furniture that does not meet the needs of bus commuters for weather protection or security,” said City Acting Infrastructure Director, Daniel Noble.
“Revitalisation of this area will provide multiple benefits – making it more attractive to access Coffs Harbour’s bus services as well as beautifying the area and addressing safety concerns of people using a key car parking facility.”
Initiatives funded by the reVITALise grant program aim to help enliven people’s everyday walk or wheel to and from public transport, and may include amenity and accessibility improvements for people when walking or cycling, such as seating and shade, lighting, landscaping, public art and murals, or supporting infrastructure such as bike racks or mobile phone charging stations.
Transport for NSW’s Acting Executive Director of Cities Revitalisation and Place, Brooke Wharton said findings from placemaking initiatives in other precincts have demonstrated the benefit of location-specific solutions.
“The reVITALise Stanmore Station Parcels Office temporary activation in 2023 illustrated the benefit of public space activation, with more than 80% of survey respondents agreeing that the activation made Stanmore Station feel more vibrant, safe, and welcoming,” Ms Wharton said.
“The reVITALise Rainbow Tunnels project, also in 2023, demonstrated that art and creative lighting improve people’s perceptions of safety and attachment to place, with over 90% of survey respondents agreeing that the lighting installations improved their experience.
“Transport looks forward to partnering with the seven pilot councils across NSW to deliver place-based solutions to create more active, safer and vibrant local areas.”
Mr Noble said the Council would lead community and stakeholder engagement, including a site workshop and co-design session to inform the project before developing a detailed project plan.
The Park Avenue project will be delivered by mid-2026.
For more information on the reVITALise – Public Transport Precinct Vibrancy Grant visit: reVITALise — Public Transport Precinct Vibrancy Grant | Transport for NSW.
