In September 2023, we shared news about the plans to improve Hawker Street and at the time wanted the community’s thoughts on the proposed pedestrian crossings to improve safer connections in the area. We heard from 39 local residents during our consultation, with many great suggestions and ideas about keeping the street greener and safer.

Some of the recurring key themes were:

→ Bike infrastructure & safety (6)

→ Greening and Tree canopy (9)

→ Pedestrian Safety & Crossings (8)

→ Traffic and speed (4)

→ Public Transport & Bus Stops (2)

→ Footpath Path improvements (3)

→ Community Engagement & Communication (3)

→ Cyclist safety (2) → Parking (2)

→ Environmental (2)

We heard from 39 local residents during our consultation, with many great suggestions and ideas about keeping the street greener and safer.

The revised concept plan for Hawker Street is available below, which includes the following changes:

Pedestrian Crossings
We undertook a stormwater review of Hawker Street to see if the proposed raised crossing at Josiah Mitton Reserve and the West Street intersection would have any impacts. We have been able to accommodate a raised Wombat crossing at Josiah Mitton Reserve, however the proposed raised wombat crossing at West Street did not meet stormwater requirements, so instead, we will proceed with the installation of a zebra crossing (painted lines) to keep people safe while crossing the road at West Street.

Trees for Shade
We heard from the community that people wanted more trees between Blight Street and Chief Street. We have since reviewed where we can plant more trees, based on requirements for services that are below and above ground. As a result, we are adding 25 new trees into the street resulting in approximately 53% increase. Once they grow to full size, they’ll give shade and cover an area the size of 550 square metres, making the area greener and protecting the street during the warmer months.

What the project includes:

Road and Footpath improvements

• The road from Blight Street to Chief Street will get a makeover

• The footpath on both sides will be renewed with pavers Better Intersections

• We’re upgrading the intersections at Blight Street, Tabbard Avenue, Holles Street, Coglin Street, Green Street and West Street to make them safer.

New Crossings

• We will construct a new raised pedestrian crossing at Josiah Mitton Reserve to assist all users to cross safely.

• A Zebra crossing at West Street will be installed to help people cross safely.

Greening the street

• New trees to improve canopy cover and planted kerb build outs to beautify and enhance street greening.

We anticipate these proposed changes make Hawker Street safer and greener for everyone to enjoy

If you would like to stay updated on construction, get traffic announcements and overall project updates; download the sitepodium app on your android or smart phone. It’s free to download and will be the go to place for all project information.