One of Coffs Harbour’s busiest pedestrian and transport precincts is about to get a $1 million facelift, with construction on the Park Avenue Bus Interchange upgrade due to start at the end of August.
The project has received $1 million in funding from Transport for NSW through the reVITALise Public Transport Precinct Vibrancy Grant, part of a $7 million program benefiting seven NSW councils, with support from the City of Coffs Harbour.
Stage 1 works, to be completed by the end of 2026, include a new bus stop and shelter at Park Avenue and Grafton Street, a new bus shelter at Park Avenue and Little Street, a new taxi rank and community transport area next to the multi-storey car park, kerb and gutter upgrades, a new pedestrian crossing at Park Avenue and Little Street, and footpath, landscaping and streetscape improvements. More than 250 suggestions from community members helped shape the upgrade.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the precinct, home to the bus stops, the multi-deck parking station and a Woolworths store, was one of the busiest parts of the city centre.
“The bus stops, multi-deck parking station and the Woolworths store makes this a busy part of our city centre, and these upgrades will open the area up to make it a more modern and welcoming precinct,” Cr Williams said.
City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said the new crossings and kerb realignments would help slow traffic through the precinct.
“The new pedestrian crossings, combined with road kerb realignments, will have a traffic-calming effect, making the area more functional and pleasant for users,” Mr Beswick said.
Minister for Transport John Graham said the upgrade reflected changing travel habits in the city.
“People are moving around our cities differently, utilising different modes of transport including walking, so we need to ensure our transport hub precincts are accessible, safe and enjoyable places to pass through,” Mr Graham said.
The upgrade will be delivered by Armidale-based JNC Group Indigenous Contractors. A second stage, including awning modifications, additional landscaping and lighting upgrades, is currently being scoped.
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