Part of Meeks St in Kingsford will be closed and turned into a public plaza from August 2016 as part of Randwick City Council’s light rail support plan.

The closure between Anzac Parade and Middle Lane aims to support with the upcoming adjacent light rail works by providing a new dedicated public space to encourage and support shoppers, diners and visitors in the area.

The Mayor of Randwick, Noel D’Souza said the works are a positive improvement for the Kingsford community.

“The Meeks Street transformation is one that we are really excited about as it will see a new public plaza in the heart of the thriving culinary eat street that is Anzac Parade, Kingsford.

“It’s rare in an existing urban environment to have the opportunity to create new public spaces to support residents, diners and shoppers. Meeks St is already a well-used area and is the site for the very successful Kingsford Noodle Markets.

“Council is committed to assisting businesses affected by the construction of light rail and this project will be a significant improvement. We are also getting on with the job of increasing parking by turning parallel parking in angle parking on streets close to the light rail route,” Mayor D’Souza said.

Council will consult with the community soon on the design of the new public plaza. In the interim, Council is partnering with Transport for NSW to develop a series of exciting activation programs in the Meeks St Plaza that will be implemented as soon as the closure happens.

Transport for NSW CBD Coordinator General, Marg Prendergast said the closure of Meeks Street will allow for further business activations during light rail construction.

“We’re pleased to support Council’s decision to close Meeks Street and are developing a number of temporary installations to further entice shoppers and diners to this bustling part of Sydney while light rail construction is underway,” Ms Prendergast said.  

The public car park off Meeks St and the service laneways will remain open and accessible to vehicular traffic.