Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza today announced extra parking would be implemented from this weekend close to the light rail construction zone in Kensington, as part of Council’s support for the $2.1B CBD and South East Light Rail project.

“The commencement of construction of light rail on Anzac Parade in Kensington this week realises a long-held vision for Council to help deliver much-needed world-class transport infrastructure to the south-east of Sydney,” he said.

“I would like to commend the State Government and Transport for NSW on their progress and commitment to this important project which will provide better transport for tens of thousands of workers, students, residents and visitors.”

While the construction of light rail will bring many long-term benefits, Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza said local residents and businesses should brace for an interim period of disruption.

“Unfortunately, retrofitting a modern transport system into an existing urban environment can’t be done without some impact on the local area.

“Businesses and shoppers along Anzac Parade, between Todman and High Streets, should be prepared for traffic changes, parking loss and allow extra travel time.

“Randwick City Council is supporting Transport for NSW with a parking recovery plan to create more parking in streets close to the light rail construction.

“We have consulted local residents about plans to change parking from parallel to angle in Villiers St, Addison St and Roma Ave in Kensington. These plans will create about 50 new car parking spaces close to Anzac Parade and will help offset the overall loss of car parking along the route. Line marking work will start as early as this weekend.”

More than 20 streets have been identified as part of the parking recovery plan where about 400 new parking spaces could be created. Parking changes have already been implemented in William St, Randwick close to the Alison Road light rail branch where 18 new parking spaces were created in February 2016.

Randwick Council has allocated $10.5M to the parking recovery plan and is also working with Transport for NSW on a series of business activation programs along Anzac Parade to sustain shoppers during construction to assist businesses.

Other streets currently being assessed for potential parking changes include: Middle St, Kingsford; Harbourne Rd, Kingsford; Forsythe St, Kingsford; Bruce St, Kingsford; Blenheim St, Randwick; Eurimbla Ave, Randwick; Mears Ave, Randwick; Soudan St, Randwick; Coogee Bay Road, Randwick; Boronia St, Kensington; Carlton St, Kensington; Goodwood St, Kensington; Bowral St, Kensington; Abbotford Street Kensington; Wallace St, Kingsford.

To find out more about the light rail parking recovery program and to have your say visit Council's YourSay website.