Ocean Grove Avenue, Cronulla has been selected for the first stage of the long-awaited Cronulla Mall upgrade.
The avenue connects Gerrale Street with Cronulla Plaza.
The Ocean Grove works have been selected to coincide with frontage works required as part of the commercial and residential redevelopment of the old Commonwealth Bank building.
The Ocean Grove Avenue renewal will include new lighting, activity play spaces, new paving, ‘‘outdoor commercial opportunities’’, outdoor furniture and landscaping, according to Sutherland Shire Council.
Recent footpath widening by 1.8 metres to accommodate outdoor dining at the corner of Ocean Grove Avenue and Gerrale Street caused comment with some residents saying it would make it more difficult for motorists to get in and out of the suburb.
Changes to the art deco Commonwealth Bank building at the other end of Ocean Grove Avenue including enlarging the windows also caused community comment.
A masterplan is being developed for the Ocean Grove Avenue upgrade works.
A briefing session for Cronulla Beach CBD landlords, shop owners and members of the Cronulla Chamber of Commerce will meed on Wednesday, January 27.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce said the preliminary concept for Ocean Grove Avenue has been developed taking into account ideas from the Cronulla Design Ideas Competition, the Cronulla Public Domain Strategy and consultation with local stakeholders.
‘‘We want to make the most of Cronulla’s unique charm and open up the space in Ocean Grove Avenue and provide better access and amenity,’’ Cr Pesce said.
‘‘The concept has been created to encourage outdoor dining opportunities, cater for families, and create a flexible space to support this important economic and community precinct,” he said.
Once designs have been finalised, a development application will be submitted and the community will be asked to comment on the proposed design.
