Liverpool Council’s Ambitious CBD Transformation Plan Under Scrutiny
Liverpool Council has unveiled its contentious $1.67 million plan to transform George and Moore Streets in a governance meeting agenda published online this week. The proposal has ignited heated debate among local business owners and residents, with the planned bike lanes drawing particular criticism.
Major Changes Proposed
The comprehensive streetscape upgrade, funded through the Get NSW Active Grant Program, encompasses installation of new pavement, the planting of trees, installation of steet furniture, lighting and dedicated bicycle lanes. Below outlines the proposed position of the bike lanes on both streets.
Business Community Raises Red Flags
Local business owners have expressed significant concerns about the project’s potential impact. Studies from similar implementations in Vancouver, Canada, present a worrying precedent, with over 70% of businesses reporting revenue losses following comparable changes.
Research from multiple cities indicates that businesses with delivery-dependent operations—common in Liverpool’s CBD—often face operational cost increases of up to 40% after bike lane installations. Many local business owners, already operating on tight margins, fear these changes could prove devastating to their survival.
Accessibility Issues at the Forefront
The project also raises serious accessibility concerns, particularly for elderly and disabled residents. Liverpool’s CBD, which Council reports show has a high proportion of disability permit holders in a recent review on parking, could see significant challenges from reduced parking availability. This may force vulnerable community members to park further from essential services, increased access difficulty and ultimately potenentially result in residents shopping in other locations with better accessability.
Current Context
The timing of this proposal has raised eyebrows, as the community already grapples with disruptions from slow and disruptive ongoing works on neighbouring Macquarie Street. Liverpool Councillor Peter Ristevski has publicly criticised Council’s handling of current projects through a recent Facebook video:
Have Your Say
Community members can voice their concerns through several channels:
Council Meeting Attendance
- Date: Wednesday, 26 March
- Time: 6 PM
- Location: Level 1, 50 Scott Street, Liverpool (Next to the New Library)
- To address Council: Complete the Speaker Request Form
Written Feedback
- Email: lcc@liverpool.nsw.gov.au
- Please also CC: media@localpulse.press so we can add your feedback to future articles.
Council will also provide opprtunities to provide feedback throough public consultation at a date to be announced.
